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Greek Islands
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Ionian Islands
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Ionian
Islands (the "seven islands") in Greece
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Ionian Islands' related
sites
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 The
Ionian Sea, on the western part of Greece, includes six major islands and
the coast of Epirus (mainland Greece) as well as the western Peloponnese
coast. The seventh island of the so called "Seven Islands"
is Kythira and as a paradox it stands on the southeast coast of
Peloponnese -in the Aegean Sea. Therefore it will not be included in
this section of the directory but you will find it in the Aegean part.
Rich in history, culture and
cosmopolitan life, the Ionian Islands is one of the most
popular destination for thousands of tourists every year. |
refreshing the page will bring up more
Ionian islands related sites
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Ancient history |
There are traces of settlements on the Ionian Islands dating
back to the Palaeolithic period. Scientific opinion has concluded that the
first inhabitants who appeared here came from the Peloponese. Homer's
epics provide valuable evidence regarding their first years of history. It
appears that during the 8th century BC, for example, Greeks came to the
Ionian from Euboia (Evia) and the Peloponese. Lefkada flourished
especially during the archaic period (700-478 BC), while Kefalonia blossomed in
the classical period (478-323 BC) when Corfu rose to being a strong naval power.
After
the end of the Peloponnesian War, the leadership of Alexander the Great and
Hellenistic period, came the Roman conquest. |
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Medieval |
During the 9th-11th centuries AD, in the middle
of the Byzantine Empire, the Ionian Islands took
on an active role in combating pirates and the
development of commerce between East and West.
From the 14th century AD onwards the Ionian
Islands came under the control of the Venetians.
The Venetian domination of the islands left its
strong mark both in terms of a strongly class
differentiated society and through its
development of commerce, the arts and crafts.
By the end of the 18th century, with the
breakdown of the Venetian democracy, the islands successively passed under
French domination, then to the Russo-Turkish alliance, when the Ionian
state was created, and finally to the British. On the 21st of May 1864 the
Ionian Islands become incorporated within the modern Greek state.
more history
source: IonianIslands.gr |
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Ionian Islands today |
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Today the 7 Islands are cosmopolitan and
popular with tourists and welcome a large
number of them each year, thanks to the
unequalled natural beauty and the friendly
and hospitable locals. From Corfu till
Zante, the Ionian Islands have kept their
traditional colours and their character that
can be seen even through the speech and
pronunciation of the local people. These
islands are known to be the birthplace of
art and literature, and songs and serenades
can be heard from every corner, and for
those who have had a chance to visit them,
they are sure to remain unforgettable.
The
whole area is served by two international
airports -in Corfu and Epirus (Preveza)- and
one smaller on Zakynthos island. |
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If you like me to assist you with
your holiday choice in the Ionian Islands, please
send me an e-mail with your questions and enquiries. I will be glad to reply and
assist you, wherever I possibly can. |
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If you like me to assist you with
your holiday choice in the Ionian Islands, please
send me an e-mail with your questions and enquiries. I will be glad to reply and
assist you, wherever I possibly can. |
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