The Ionian Islands Part 2

Kefalonia is the diamond of the Ionian Sea. The island offers forested mountains, vineyards and infinite variety of natural surroundings.

Unforgettable is our visit to Fiscardo, the only village that was not destroyed by the catastrophic earthquake in 1953.

The port of the charming village.

Beautiful houses, tiny villas and gardens.

We continue our trip to the Odyssey’s island Ithaka. It has been always my dream to visit the island Homer has written about.

This is a truly unforgettable experience, the island is rocky with spectacular scenery, olive grove and wild mysterious forests.

Fabulous rocky scenery of the lovely little island.

The small island is unspoiled by tourism, it is calm and beautiful and perfect for relaxation.

The next stop of our delightful journey is the Cave of Papanikolis situated in the western side of Meganisi Island is the highlight of our trip.

This cave was used as a hiding place of a submarine during the Second World War.

Scorpio, the private island of Aristotle Onassis.Here he married Jacqueline Kennedy.

Madouri is the island of the Greek poet Aristotelis Valaoritis, who was born and raised here. This was also the place where he wrote some of its best works.

Going back to Lefkada, we stop at the small town of Nidri, which attracts many tourists with its bars and discos.

View of Nidri.

 

The Ionian islands are unforgettable with the crystal clean water and white beaches- just nature-nothing else but nature.

The Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands form the west coast of Greece and are well known for their beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Each island has a distinct landscape, charming traditional villages, culture and history, museums and monasteries.

There are plenty of beautiful nature spots which we should not miss discovering. Many boats and ferries connect the islands and this is the best way to reach and discover them.

Our cruise starts in Lefkada. The meaning of the island is white and refers to the white cliffs in the southern part of the island. Lefkada offers mild climate, beautiful beaches, and spectacular mountains.

Porto Katsiki is the most beautiful and famous sandy beach I have ever seen. Here we found such a fantastic combination of sun, sand and the turquoise waters.

Such a lovely place and a fantastic swimming spot with its crystal clear waters, amazing breathtaking views and colors.

Stunning views towards the green mountainous island and its cliffs.

Cape Lefkada some legends claim that this is the place where the ancient Greek poet Sappho leapt to her death because of her love for Phaon.

Our trip goes along the coast and we admire fantastic views of wild nature, lavish green forests and cypress trees.

Lefkada is definitely one of the most beautiful Ionian Islands the scenery here are outstanding and the water just perfect

The Charming Old Corfu Town on The Ionian Sea Coast

The Greek island Corfu is one of the most amazing Mediterranean destinations. Stunning landscapes, historical monuments, traditions and crystal clear water, lush vegetation, Corfu is worth visiting.

Corfu Town or Kerkyra is the main town of the Ionian island Corfu. The very well preserved medieval town is a UNESCO world heritage site which was founded in 8^th century BC.

The two fortresses of Corfu are situated on the eastern and western parts of the city.

The old Venetian fortress is a great piece of history. Inside there are buildings in different levels and plenty of exhibitions showing the siege of the island by the Ottomans.

Close to the fortress is a nice park offering quiet atmosphere and beautiful views.

The old town of Corfu is a maze of very little streets with traditional Venetian architecture houses, many nice restaurants and colorful shops. I particularly liked the kumquat products, especially the sweets with honey and nuts. We also tasted the orange kumquat liquor.

Liston and its typical Venetian architecture- arcade terraces and fashionable cafes.

This is the place where the locals gather.

The street with cafes and restaurants, some of them with over 100 years of history, is definitely a good place to spend the afternoon and enjoy the sunny April weather.

Palaces, fortresses, public buildings in Renaissance, Baroque and Venetian style make us feel like we travel in Genoa or in Venice.

The Venetian rule of the island can be felt everywhere, especially in the small side streets.

Close to Liston is Spianada Square, the biggest square in Greece. This is a vivid place where it is all happening in Corfu.

Maitland monument

At the end of the square is the palace of St. Michael and St. George built during the British occupation by Sir Thomas Maitland, the British Commissioner of the Ionian island.

The large complex of buildings of Roman architectural style.

The most imposing church in Corfu is dedicated to St. Spyridon, containing the relics of the saint who is also the patron of the city.

Corfu has thirty seven churches but I particularly like Panagia Mandrakina church, situated close to the sea.

At the end of the day we went for a delightful walk exploring the charming old town which offers plenty of history around every corner. Here we discovered some of the most beautiful spots like the Nobile Teatro di San Giacomo.

Eastern celebration in Corfu is an experience of life time. We visited Corfu on Holy Saturday morning. On that day three city bands play different marches and the procession goes through the streets. Then people from the balconies throw down colorful clay pots full of water, which smash on the streets pavement.

Broken pots all over the city.

Corfu a special place to visit and unique in its kind. Walking through the cobbled streets of European history, bringing the spirit of its glorious past.

Achilleion Palace in Corfu

Achilleion Palace in Corfu was built as a summer residence on a hill close to the city of Corfu during 1889-1891 by the Empress of Austria Elisabeth, known as Sisi. The central theme of the palace is the mythical Greek hero Achilles.

The name Achilleion was given by the Empress because of her great admiration for the hero of the Greek mythology Achilles.

Even before entering the main building we can feel the magnificence of the palace, its statues, lush vegetation.

The palace is a beautiful building.

The monument of Sisi.

Entering the building we got impressed by the staircase representing the Greek mythology with the statues of Zeus and Hera. The ceiling is decorated by huge frescoes.

Fresco depicting the triumph of Achilles in his fight with Hector.

The palace, the gardens and the furniture are so impressive.

The most valuable statue of the palace is the one of dying Achilles, trying to pull the arrow out of his heel.

Lovely gardens and truly enjoyable time spent here.

Greek statues of nine muses, twelve philosophers, orators and poets and even Shakespeare all around the grounds and the gardens.

Very romantic place to be, fascinating surroundings and breathtaking beautiful gardens.

The palace is built on the top of the hill and provides fantastic views over the island of Corfu and the blue Ionian Sea.

The statue of the victorious Achilles was placed in the palace by the German Keiser Wilhelm II. This is the largest statues in the palace and with its unbelievable dimensions represents Achilles at the moment of his glory.

For everyone like me who likes culture, history and grand settings, this is the place to be. The amazing palace filled with statues, pictures takes you back to the mythological ancient Greece.

Mainz enjoyable city on the Rhine

Mainz is the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. Situated on the banks of the Rhine River, the city has over 2000 years of history represented by plenty of buildings, memorials, museums, Roman temples and particularly by the cathedral the church with Marc Chagall’s blue windows.

Right next to the market place is the 1000 year old St. Martin’s Cathedral that includes tombs of archbishops and a Gothic cloister.

The cathedral is an awesome and majestic structure that dominates the skyline of the city.

Great pieces of art and treasures are exposed in the episcopal cathedral. The unique exhibitions are shown in the historical surroundings in rooms around the late-Gothic cloister.

We wandered around gazing all tombs, stones and statues.

The interior of the cathedral is also very impressive with so many statues and paintings, a perfect place to sit and soak the atmosphere.

The weekly market in Mainz is one of Germany’s oldest and finest markets that takes place right in the middle of the city center in the square around the cathedral.

A unique feature of the place is provided by the combination of colorful decorated houses and the breathtaking cathedral architecture.

Close is Gutenberg square is named after one of the most famous sons – Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of printing with movable type letters.

Another stop of our tour is Schillerplatz and the Osteiner Hof, the Baroque palace is richly decorated and plays a central role in Mainz carnival tradition. Every year on 11^th November at 11.11am the beginning of the carnival is proclaimed from here.

The Fastnachtsbrunnen is referred to the Carnival Fountain and summarize the carnival in Mainz.

The old town of Mainz is an open place with lovely restored half-timbered houses and brings the charmingly, cozy historical atmosphere. Here we found elegant boutiques, bars and winding cobble stoned streets full of life.

Kirschgarten is a lovely square with gorgeous typical German houses and atmosphere, so picturesque place and very lovely to visit.

Mainz is such a vivid city, there is always something going on here.

Our favorite attraction is the church St. Stephan with its Chagall windows. Situated on Stephansberg hill –the highest hill of the city, the church is so unique with its blue stained glass windows, created by Marc Chagall.

The blue breathtaking windows are definitely the primary attraction of the church. Thanks to this the church is really superb.

The church is stunning and so peaceful. It is an amazing feeling to be here.

Close to the old town is the majestic structure of the Protestant Church Christuskirche.

Another impressive church in Roccoco style is the St. Peter’s Church, dedicated to Apostle Peter.

Before leaving the city we take a walk along the beautiful Rhine Promenade.

Visitors are also thrilled by it because it offers good places to relax and observe the river, perfect conditions for unforgettable hours together with your family or friends.

City art.

We also spent a moment to admire the impressive medieval tower Holzturm.

Mainz is a perfect place to shop, stroll and generally enjoy life. The city has many facets and surprises you with unusual views, famous monuments and two millennia of art, history and culture.