The mountains of the Ionian Islands are the westernmost parts of the Greek mountain ranges. The highest mountain is Ainos and is located in Kefalonia (1628m.). The Ionian region is one of the most seismic regions of Greece. There are no rivers and lakes. Islands with castles and beautiful cities of special architecture, influenced mainly by the Venetians. Green islands. Olive and pine trees, reaching to the water. Award-winning exotic beaches with white sand and turquoise waters. Welcoming residents with music in their DNA. And still, monasteries and Byzantine temples, mountain villages and cosmopolitan ports, marinas for yachts and sailing ships, waterfalls, paths, wonderful paved roads, wetlands, mountains and marine parks, where turtles and seals find refuge. By sailboat or boat in the Ionian? Must, all summer long as its waters are friendly and the winds are gentle.

The climate of the Ionian Islands is Mediterranean, with mild winters and cool summers. The sweetness of the climate is such that it is considered by many to be superior to the famous climate of the French Riviera.

The economy of the Ionian islands is mainly based on agriculture, which differs from island to island. Olive trees, citrus fruits, almond trees, vines and raisins are cultivated. Animal husbandry has seen a particular decline in recent years. Besides, tourism is a significant source of income for most islands.

The Ionian Islands formed a historical and cultural unity during the years of the Venetian rule and onwards. The common historical fate and the common cultural process gave a particularity to the Ionian Islands and created the Heptanian culture. The main characteristic of the process of cultural admixtures is the acclimatization of Western forms of social consciousness and the imposition of a corresponding social organization in human environments, in which the connection with traditional forms of culture remained alive. Common historical ties united the Ionian Islands in the early Byzantine years, when they were part of the empire. Since the 11th century, the Ionian Islands have been tested by the raids of pirates and various Western rulers. During the period of the Crusades, they were separated from Byzantium and met various Frankish rulers, until they were conquered at the end of the 15th century, except for Lefkada, by the Venetians. The Venetians established a local aristocracy in the Ionian Islands, to whom local affairs were entrusted. Over time a nobility register was established, which excluded tradesmen and anyone whose ancestors had worked in a manual occupation. Thus the creation of discrimination led to sharp social contrasts. The Italian influence is also evident in the field of music, especially art. The «Eptanisiaki Music School» with father N. Mantzaros and main representatives Samaras, Carrer, etc. highlighted personalities, who distinguished themselves in the international music audience. Besides, in the Ionian Islands a characteristic type of folk song flourished, the famous «cantada», with a characteristic melodic structure, outside the musical idiom of folk songs. Medieval castles and monasteries, mythical buildings and museums, all highlight the culture and rich history of the Ionian Islands. In Corfu, the mythical island of the Phaeacians, the Old and New Forts, the Achilleion built by Empress Sissi, and Mon Repo impress. The city’s museums are exceptional, especially the Asian Art in the Michael and Georgiou Palace, the Archaeological Museum, the Municipal Gallery, etc. The Corfu Philharmonic is famous, but also Easter on the island with the characteristic custom of boots and the procession of the icon of the patron Saint Spyridon. In Lefkada you will find one of the most imposing medieval buildings in Greece and the most important attraction of the island: raised at the entrance of the town of Lefkada since the 14th century, the impressive castle of Agia Mavra awaits you to discover it — while in its streets you will especially admire remarkable churches of the 17th and 18th centuries. In the cave of Melissani, one of the most important attractions in Kefalonia, findings from the 4th and 3rd BC were discovered. century, while the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos, the patron saint of the island, is considered one of the largest pilgrimages of the Ionian Islands. At a distance of 37 nautical miles from Zakynthos are the Strofades, islands that «host» an impressive 13th century fortress-style monastery. Among the biggest pilgrimages in the Ionian Sea is the Basilica of Agios Dionysios in Zakynthos and the Agios Georgios Monastery of Krimnon is a very remarkable monument.