A week in Ionian Islands (Eptanisa)
ZAKINTHOS is the south westernmost of the Seven islands. Like a
bowl holding something precious, the mountains of Zakinthos enclose
the fertile central plain. The Venetians called Zakinthos "the flower of
the Levant." Until its total destruction in the 1953 earthquake the
towns consisted largely of Venetian buildings. In the rebuilding of the
island, a Venetian aura has been retained - spacious boulevards,
arcaded shops, and imposing public buildings. A museum houses
some of the relics, particularly some fine icons. The island offers some
spectacular scenery.
KEFALONIA
Is the largest in area of the Ionian islands. The slopes on the eastern
side of the island are covered with pine forests that run down to the
sea. In ancient times Kefalonia formed part of the kingdom of
Odysseus and here at least archaeologists have been able to find
evidence of Mycenaean tombs in Greece. Kefalonia produces the
excellent Robola white and red wine and for those who like a rose,
the Manzavino is very good. The village of Poros is set in a
spectacular position on a strip of flat land between a precipitous
gorge and the sea. The major earthquake of 1953 effectively
demolished every town on Cephalonia except Fiskardho. The
picturesque 19th-century houses set amid green pine groves remain
pretty much original. The village is named after Robert Guiscard (thus
Guiscardo/Phiscardo/Fiscardho) a Norman adventurer who briefly
ruled these parts.
ITHAKI
According to Homer is the island home of Odysseus. Archaeologists
can dispute whether or not this is so, but Homer still provides the best
description of the island. On the summit of a hill called Pelikata are
the ruins of a Bronze Age settlement which is generally accepted to
be the palace of Odysseus. The island has numerous coves and
anchorages with water that is so clear, that it is difficult to believe
you're not going to touch bottom.
Is an alternative to Ag. Eufimia for visiting the semi-underground
Lake Melissani and the Cave of Drogarati. The town itself is mostly
new, though now mellowing with the patina of a few years aging.
MEGANISI
Lies immediately east of Lefkas. The strait between Meganisi and
Lefkas is one of the loveliest channels in the Ionian and between
Meganisi and Lefkas lies the well known island of Aristotle Onassis
Scorpio The island has several natural harbors and numerous
enclosed bays fringed by olive and cypress with clear blue water. The
southwest coast is lined with caves, the most famous being
Papanicolis rumored to be the hiding place of a Greek submarine
during the second World War. There is some good fishing to be had
around this part of the island.
LEFKAS
Is an island only because of the canal which separates it from the
mainland. The island takes its name from a precipitous white cliff
called Lefkatas, which is presumed to be Sappho's Leap and from
which Sappho of Lesvos, the famous lyric poetess of the 6th century
B.C. is supposed to have flung herself. The area is the setting for
Hammond Innes' novel "Lefkas Man".
bowl holding something precious, the mountains of Zakinthos enclose
the fertile central plain. The Venetians called Zakinthos "the flower of
the Levant." Until its total destruction in the 1953 earthquake the
towns consisted largely of Venetian buildings. In the rebuilding of the
island, a Venetian aura has been retained - spacious boulevards,
arcaded shops, and imposing public buildings. A museum houses
some of the relics, particularly some fine icons. The island offers some
spectacular scenery.
KEFALONIA
Is the largest in area of the Ionian islands. The slopes on the eastern
side of the island are covered with pine forests that run down to the
sea. In ancient times Kefalonia formed part of the kingdom of
Odysseus and here at least archaeologists have been able to find
evidence of Mycenaean tombs in Greece. Kefalonia produces the
excellent Robola white and red wine and for those who like a rose,
the Manzavino is very good. The village of Poros is set in a
spectacular position on a strip of flat land between a precipitous
gorge and the sea. The major earthquake of 1953 effectively
demolished every town on Cephalonia except Fiskardho. The
picturesque 19th-century houses set amid green pine groves remain
pretty much original. The village is named after Robert Guiscard (thus
Guiscardo/Phiscardo/Fiscardho) a Norman adventurer who briefly
ruled these parts.
ITHAKI
According to Homer is the island home of Odysseus. Archaeologists
can dispute whether or not this is so, but Homer still provides the best
description of the island. On the summit of a hill called Pelikata are
the ruins of a Bronze Age settlement which is generally accepted to
be the palace of Odysseus. The island has numerous coves and
anchorages with water that is so clear, that it is difficult to believe
you're not going to touch bottom.
Is an alternative to Ag. Eufimia for visiting the semi-underground
Lake Melissani and the Cave of Drogarati. The town itself is mostly
new, though now mellowing with the patina of a few years aging.
MEGANISI
Lies immediately east of Lefkas. The strait between Meganisi and
Lefkas is one of the loveliest channels in the Ionian and between
Meganisi and Lefkas lies the well known island of Aristotle Onassis
Scorpio The island has several natural harbors and numerous
enclosed bays fringed by olive and cypress with clear blue water. The
southwest coast is lined with caves, the most famous being
Papanicolis rumored to be the hiding place of a Greek submarine
during the second World War. There is some good fishing to be had
around this part of the island.
LEFKAS
Is an island only because of the canal which separates it from the
mainland. The island takes its name from a precipitous white cliff
called Lefkatas, which is presumed to be Sappho's Leap and from
which Sappho of Lesvos, the famous lyric poetess of the 6th century
B.C. is supposed to have flung herself. The area is the setting for
Hammond Innes' novel "Lefkas Man".
