The Ionian Islands - All You Need To Know

The Ionian Islands comprise the Eptanisa - the seven islands of Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Cephalonia, Zakynthos and Kithira. This chain of islands lies in the Ionian Sea, off the western coasts of Greece and Italy.

Historically, these islands have formed a bridge between Greece and Continental Europe since the earliest times. They have been ruled by Venetians (for 400 years), Napoleon, the Victorian English, briefly the Ottoman Turks together with the Russians, and finally spent a short life as an independent republic, before joining Greece in 1864.

The Ionian Islands are now known for their superb climate, abundant olive and cypress trees, and forested mountains - a lighter, greener variation on the Greek template. Venetian, French and British occupiers have all helped to shape the islands’ architecture, culture and cuisine, and contributed to the unique feel of Ionian life.

Though the islands form a chain along the west coast of mainland Greece, each has its own distinct landscape and history. Corfu Town holds Parisian-style arcades, Venetian alleyways and Italian-inspired delicacies. Lefkada boasts some of Greece's finest turquoise waters and beaches, while Kefalonia is adorned with vineyards and soaring mountains. Paxos’s Italianate harbour villages are postcard pretty, and soulful Ithaca preserves wild terrain and a sense of myth. Zakynthos has sea caves and waters teeming with turtles.

For more insight on each of the individual islands, see our post “A Guide to the Ionian Islands”.

This naturally beautiful and unspoilt region of Greece has become a highly desirable place to invest and tends to attract the more discerning buyer.

Corfu, Kefalonia & Zakynthos all have international airports with regular flights from Europe, with a flight from London to Corfu taking just 2hr 45 minutes.

In terms of Covid-19, Greece’s handling of the virus has been exemplary with only approximately 180 deaths thus far, with the Ionian Islands experiencing hardly any cases.

This further increases the appeal of these islands, and the exclusive and secluded nature of the private villas we have for sale. If you’re interested in luxury property in Corfu, Paxos, or any of the Ionian Islands, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Contact:

Piers Williams

piers.williams@chestertons.com

Listings: https://www.chestertons.com/en-gb/property-to-buy/gr/ionian+islands-6697805/

References: https://www.greeka.com/ionian/