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The name "Ionian" is, like many names in Greece, derived
from Gods and Goddesses. The Goddess Io gave her name to
the Ionian islands and Ionian Sea. Io was a priestess of
Hera and was, for a short time, a mistress to Zeus. When
Hera discovered that Zeus was deceiving her, Zeus fearing
what Hera might do in retaliation, turned Io into a white
cow! Hera, not to be out done, sent a gadfly to torment
Io (now a white cow), and Io plunged into the sea to rid
herself of the stinging gadfly - hence the Ionian Sea.
Unlike much of Greece and her islands, the Ionian Islands
are known as the Green Islands. Cypress, pine and elm
trees cloak the hills, along with ancient olive orchards
dating back, in some cases, to the Venetian occupation
(1204 - 1550) when they were planted so the local
population could pay their taxes in olive oil.
Your holiday will commence on the lush green island of
Lefkas and from there you are well situated for easy
sailing to many of the other islands in this region. The
small cluster of islands off the east coast of Lefkas
dominated by Meganisi, allow for easy sailing to a
multitude of tranquil bays and harbours. Should you wish
to spend the majority of your time lazing about in the
sun and soaking up the local atmosphere you may choose to
stay within this compact cruising area or around the many
coastal harbours of Lefkas.
Alternatively; a comfortable 3 hour sail will see you to
the island of Kefallonia, where your first port of call
may be the lively and popular harbour of Fiskardo. Here
you can organise a day of scuba diving or simply enjoy
the local hospitality and Greek cuisine. The Mellisani
caves are a must if, you decide to take a sail down the
Ithaki channel between the two islands of Kefallonia and
Ithaki. A further 3 to 4 hour sail from the southern tip
of Kefallonia will see you to Zakinthos, the most
southern of the Ionian Islands. Corfu is the most
northern of the Ionian Islands and can be reached
comfortably in two days via the beautiful islands of
Paxos and Anti Paxos north of Lefkas.
Wherever you end up, the Ionian Sea is perfect for yacht
charters and sailing holidays.
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