To the west of Epirus, Sterea Ellada, and the Peloponese,
lies the group of islands, the Ionian islands.
Corfu (Kerkira), Kefalonia, Ithaki, Zante (Zankinthos), sail on to Patras...
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Scattered along the western coastline of Central Greece, the Ionian Islands as they are known, are an island cluster comprising twelve small and large islands whose total surface area comes to 2,200 square kilometers. Zakynthos, Ithaki, Kerkyra, Kefalonia, Lefkada, and Paxoi are the six, large Ionian Islands. Antipaxi, Erikousa, Mathraki, Othoni, Meganisi and the deserted islets of Strofades south of Zakynthos are the smaller Ionian Islands. Together with the island of Kythira and the neighboring Antikythira the islands form the island cluster of Eptanisa. Nevertheless it should be noted that Kythira and Antikythira are completely cut off from the rest of the Ionian islands situated as they are across southern Peloponnese and the coast of Laconia.
The Ionian islands have a mild and temperate climate which makes them the ideal location for vacation or residence. In winter, the mountains of Central Greece stop the cold northern winds from reaching the islands while, in summer, the heat is tempered by the meltemia, the soft, northwestern winds, and the sea breezes.
The temperate climate; the deep and cool sea waters; the mountains; the lush vegetation; the cultural heritage; and the cheerfulness of the inhabitants, make the Ionian Islands the ideal place for a holiday as well as rest and relaxation. What is more, the traits of the Ionian Islands are perfectly combined with a flawless tourism infrastructure, excellent hotel accommodations, restaurants, diving centers, sea sports, cultural events, and a multitude of sights, historic monuments and museums worth visiting.
Lefkada
The island of Lefkada is surrounded by a total of 24 islets, including the renowned island of Scorpios, property of Aristotelis Onassis. In Lefkada, which extends over 302.5 km2, you will find remarkable sights, churches and monasteries, picturesque settlements, green surroundings and wonderful beaches.
The Archaeological, Folklore Museums and the Charamogleios Special Library of Lefkada, which is unique in the world, compose the image of an island with a somewhat "mainland" character ideal for holidays and entertainment.
Lefkada formed part of the coasts of Akarnania until the 6th century B.C. Nowadays, it is considered to be an island, as it is separated from mainland Greece by a canal however a bridge provides access to the island. This along with the fact that it can be frequently reached by ferry boats departing from other Ionian islands as Zante, Ithaca and Kefalonia make Lefkada a very good base for trips and excursions to the Ionian islands and western Greece. Lefkada was named after Lefkatas, a cape located at the southernmost part of the island with its imposing steep white rocks. Lefkada has been inhabited since the Neolithic era. It grew prosperous as a Corinthian colony and formed part of the Epirus Domain after 1204, when Constantinople was conquered by the Franks. Later on Turks, Venetians, French and Englishmen took over the island, until it joined Greece in 1864 along with the rest of the Ionian islands

Zante the Greek island.
Zante is a lush-green island with fertile plains and a pleasant climate. It extends over 406 km2 and its coastline length reaches 123 km. The alternation of the landscape resulting in a wide variety of beaches is very interesting. So, if you prefer peaceful sandy beaches with clear blue waters located in calm coves, you should go to the southeastern part of the island. If, on the other hand, you like impressive rocks and are interested in the seabed, you should prefer the western part of the island.
The Venetians, who governed Zante between 1484 and 1797, called the island “Fioro di Levante" (the flower of the East), because more than 7,000 types of flowers can be found on the island. Zakynthos (known around the world as "Zante") is the third biggest island of the Ionian Sea after Corfu and Kefalonia. Zakynthos, son of Dardanos, king of Phrygia, seems to have been the first inhabitant of the island, who also built the acropolis possibly in the location where the Venetian castle was later built.
VILLA PARADE IN ZANTE - GREEK VILLA DESCRIPTIONS FOR ZANTE:
Beautiful Zante is the third largest Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is the green island of poetry, of song and love, and the native land of St. Dennis, the Patron Saint. Rich in beauty and tradition, both historical and cultural, Zante is the "ideal" of any traveller with an exploring mind. When the ferry arrives at the port, especially at dusk, it feels as though you enter the port of Venice. On the one side you will see the lit church bells of the St. Dennis Cathedral and on the other side the picturesque Main Town with the snake like road to the hill of Bohali and the Venetian Fortress. The view of the port and the town from above is simply breathtaking and even more enjoyable when you are seated at one of the many open-air cafes or local tavernas
Resort Features
A perfect island for beach lovers
Visit the picture perfect postcard 'shipwreck' bay
Awash with monasteries, white-washed chapels, Venetian forts and forgotten ruins
Beautiful natural landscape
Famous for the caretta caretta turtles at Gerakas Bay
Zante villas: Villa list: www.villaparade.co.uk/
Villas in Zante (Zakynthos villas):
Zante Aghios, Aghios Sostis:
Villa Aghios Sostis comes highly recommended. A charming three bedroom villa set in private grounds surrounded by olive groves. A quiet location that is only a few minutes drive from the sandy beaches and resorts on the south coast of Zakynthos, this villa offers a stylish holiday for all. "a stone-built villa which fuses Greek charm with modern style"
Villa Ampoula, Ampoula:
Villa Ampoula is a spacious and modern villa that provides good quality holiday comfort. Combining sea views,
privacy and the convenience of restaurants nearby, the villa is also within walking distance of the pretty sandy beach -
at Ampoula. "a bright, modern villa within walking distance to all amenities"
Villa Azurri Keri, Keri:
A pretty, stone-built villa with private pool and amazing sea views across the bay and out to Turtle Island. This three bedroom villa is furnished to a high standard throughout and is only a short drive from excellent beaches and the pretty harbour resort of Keri. "pretty villa with gorgeous views across the bay"
Villa Keri View, Keri:
Villa Keri View offers luxury and space and is located in the stunning harbour resort of Keri in Zakynthos. Beautifully designed and immaculately furnished, it is a perfect choice for an extra special holiday.
"a luxurious villa close to all amenities"
Villa Nasa, Keri:
A stunning villa both in location and design, enjoying unparalleled sea views over the southern bay and out to Marathonisi Island. Beautifully furnished with great attention to detail, the focal point is the private pool complete with outdoor seating area. Only a short drive from excellent beaches and the pretty harbour resort of Keri. "an exceptional villa with stunning views"
Villa Romiri, Aghios Sostis:
A charming and distinctive villa, nestled in a 10-acre private olive grove estate. The rear courtyard, complete with inviting pool, sun terraces and gardens enjoys uninterrupted views of the country side. Traditional in style and design,
the villa appeals to anyone looking for a unique retreat. A peaceful location, but within easy driving distance of resorts, beaches and restaurants. "large villa set in a private olive grove - perfect for families or a large group"

Most of the thousands of Greek coasts are freely accessible and you can easily discover and enjoy them. There are also many organized beaches in the country, with the necessary infrastructure providing high-quality services (umbrellas, reclining chairs, change booths, cafes, bar-restaurants etc), where, apart from swimming, you can enjoy water sports (water skiing, windsurfing, diving, etc) as well as other means of having fun in the water, such as the parasailing, “inner tubes”, “bananas”, wakeboard, jet ski, etc. All organized beaches also have manned lifeguard towers, ensuring safe swimming in the area.
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Ionian Greek islands - Greek villas - Zante villas - All about Greek islands ... Zakynthos is Zante.