The group of Ionian Islands on the west part of Greece are famous as tourist destinations because of their lovely beaches, rich culture and variety in hotels. The Archipelago of the islands in Ionion combining the crowds of package tourism and individual travellers in perfect harmony stands proudly in nobility. The local culture and especially Corfu has been strongly influenced by western Europe, Italy, especially Venice, Britain and France.

The Ionian Islands have a mild climate with mild winters and hot summers. During winter, the mountain range of Central Greece blocks the cold winds blowing form the north while, in summer the air currents offer pleasant sea breezes but also strong winds at several places being ideal for windsurfing.

The Ionian Islands have been inhabited since 1200 BC and Ithaca is mentioned as Odysseus birthplace and kingdom in both Homer’s poems Iliad and Odyssey. Because of their location, the Ionian Islands little part played in Greek politics with the only exception being the conflict between Corfu and Corinth in 434 BC. They are part of the Empire of Macedons and later fell under Romans. In Byzantine period the islands of Corfu and Lefkada remained under Byzantine control, the islands of Kefalonia and Zakynthos belong to French and Italian dukes becoming important colonies. Gradually all the Ionian Islands fell under Venetian rule and unlike the rest of Greece they were never occupied by Turks. After the fell of Venice in Napoleon, Ionian Islands found themselves under French Rule and in 1815 the islands were under British protection. The islanders gained consciousness of their nationality and put efforts to join Greece for Liberty in the Greek War of Independence which started in 1821. In 1862 the islands were ceded to Greece from the British. In 1941 Italians came and then Germans until 1944 with the islanders fighting against them.

The Ionian Islands are also called in Greek Eptanisa meaning seven islands. They spread in Ionian Sea on the west part of Greece from Corfu on the north to Kithira on the south. The Ionian Islands cover a total surface of approximately 2.200 sq. km. and a population of 216.382 residents. The islands comprise of: Kerkyra or Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos or Zante and Kythira. There are also some smaller islands like: Antipaxi, Erikousa, Mathraki, Othoni and Meganisi.