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Ionian Islands

Lonely Planet Greek Islands

by David Willett
"With a vast coastline and 300 days of sunshine a year, Greece's islands are the ultimate European escape. Whether you're seeking traditional village life or exploring the haunts of the jet set, our definitive guide gives you detailed regional coverage for the perfect getaway." Everything you would expect from Lonely Planet's high quality guide books.
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The Rough Guide to the Ionian Islands

by John Gill
A guide to the six Ionian islands and their satellites and mainland connections, from Corfu to Zakynthos. The guide includes extensive and critical appraisal of resorts, towns and beaches, with detailed advice on the best places to eat, drink and stay.
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The Ionian Islands

The Ionian islands include Corfu and 6 other islands in the group: Kefalonia (Cephalonia), Zakynthos (Zante), Lefkas, Ithaca, Kythira and Paxos, together with a number of small islets.

The Ionian islands have featured prominently in Greek history: Homer's Odysseus was born in the Ionian islands; Corfu was an ally of Athens in the Peloponnesian wars. They were already holiday destinations in Roman times. For most of the succeeding centuries the Ionian islands were part of the Byzantine empire until its disintegration. Corfu was purchased by the Venetians in 1402 and became an island fortress. Four centuries later the French took and held the islands briefly (1797), but Turkish and Russian forces intervened only to return them to Napoleon in 1807. Between 1814 and 1864 they were a British protectorate. Finally, they were handed over to a newly independent Greece.

Ionian flag under British rule

The islands were never under prolonged Ottoman occupation and thus do not show the same Turkish influences as the rest of Greece. Instead, there are traces of European occupation, especially in Corfu town which has examples of Italian, French and British architecture. Many inhabitants (especially Catholics) speak Italian and Corfu is an easy ferry ride from Brindisi in Italy.

Travel guides are available through the following links:

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