Sailing ionian sea
LEFKADAS
In the center of the Ionian Sea, it is the only island connected to mainland Greece by a bridge.
A favorite island for everyone, because its beautiful beaches (on the west side) remind us of the Caribbean.
Although the Ionian Islands usually have mild winds, windsurfers and kitesurfers enjoy their favorite sports on two specific beaches of Lefkada, with daily winds ranging from 10-20 knots, due to local thermal currents:
Kitesurfing at Agios Ioannis beach (north)
Windsurfing at Vasiliki beach (south)
Starting from Lefkada town, you can choose either the northern or southern Ionian Sea. Both options are perfect.
The island produces excellent wine, olive oil, thyme honey, lentils and salami.
KEFALONIA
A stunning island with beaches of unparalleled beauty and geologically interesting features such as underground waters, caves, sinkholes and much more.
The film "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" (starring Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz) promoted the island worldwide.
As for local products, in addition to the essential olive oil and honey, it is worth trying the fruity white/dry wine called "Robola"
ITHAKI
A lush island in the Ionian Sea, known from Homer's Odyssey, with several beautiful anchorages.
In 2010, ruins were discovered on the northern tip of the island dating back to 1300 BC. Based on the descriptions left by Homer, these ruins appear to be the ruins of Odysseus' palace.
The island mainly produces:
• Olive oil, mainly from local olive varieties that do not require irrigation and have a high oil yield.
• Wine: Several varieties of (white) grapes, although only a few produce local wine due to the small size of the island.
However, there is a red grape variety called "Mavroudi", which Odysseus used to get the Cyclopes drunk and escape (Homer's Odyssey).
• Excellent feta cheese, produced from a local breed of sheep, which is available in the shops of the island.
ODYSSEY
Odysseus, king of Ithaca, is one of the most well-known mythical heroes of ancient Greek mythology.
He was the main character in Homer's epic poem, "The Odyssey".
He participated in the Trojan War and was the one who secured victory over the Greek besiegers of Troy.
His return to Ithaca took 10 whole years!
Wandering the Mediterranean, he encountered various creatures, gods and temptations in various places, such as the Cyclopes, the sorceress Circe, the Lotus Eaters, Poseidon, Calypso and the Sirens.
Under the protection of the goddess Athena, he returns to Ithaca, having lost his crew.
Homer's Odyssey is officially the most influential story in the world.
Thelgitra
Religious festivals are not just about piety and church attendance - they are a very good excuse to throw a party. Almost every month of the year, the Ionians will find some excuse to get out on the streets, drink lots of wine and celebrate one festival or another.
This is a very cheap way to entertain the family, while also getting a little culture into your visit to the islands! Look out for the Agios Spyridon festival in Corfu which is said to have prevented the Turkish siege in August 1716 - if you are there around August 11th, then watch the islanders party like there is no tomorrow!
Similarly, you will find the Agios Dionysios festival in Zakynthos to be a wild and fun time. The Patron Saint of the island died in 1622 on December 17th, but his body was transferred and reburied on August 24th, 1717.
This means that the people of Zakynthos have two excuses to celebrate this man of God! If you go inland to any island, you will almost certainly find a celebration of some kind - you only have to scratch the surface to find something.
Free places could be easily found at any time, while in Ithaca or Paxos. (Gaios), Kefalonia (Fiskardo), during the high season this can be very difficult.