Corfu is the second largest island of the Ionian Islands, and, including its small satellite islands, forms the northwesternmost part of Greece. The principal city of the islandis also named Corfu.
The island is bound up with the history of Greece from the beginnings of Greek mythology. Its history is full of battles and conquests. Castles punctuating strategic locations across the island are a legacy of these struggles.
Dokos Island, mountainous (300m) and massive, partially closes the bay of Hydra to the South-west. Its coast is steep almost everywhere near the eastern entrance point of Skindos Bay, to the north of the island, that offers several possibilities of anchorage. Dokos is inhabited by a couple of families and it has one of the best little gulfs for stopping for a swim. Little known, Dokos harbours Early Hellenic II ruins and the resting place of the oldest known shipwreck (1500 B.C.), discovered by Cousteau, in an enchanting bay -great snorkeling!
Donousa is part of the Lesser East Cyclades, residing on the far eastern site of the complex. Not much is known about these islands. Most of them including Donousa where inhabited during the prehistoric times and later became vital parts of the Cycladic Civilization.
During the Roman Era Donousa was a place of exile, while during the middle ages, it served, among others, as a Pirate hide-out. Like all islands in Cyclades Donousa is known for its beautiful surroundings and sandy beaches.
Amidst the blue of the Saronic Gulf, well protected on its own smaller gulf of Epidavros, with the scent from the valley's orange blossoms meeting the sea breeze in its picturesque and friendly port, with pine trees descending its slopes to offer their shade to its beautiful beaches, Ancient Epidavros, traditional yet modern, both tranquil and cosmopolitan, is always ready to welcome travellers whatever the season.
Folegandros is a small and rocky island between Sikinos and Milos. Visitors will be struck by the wild beauty of the barren landscape, where huge rocks alternate with sandy beaches. On a flat expanse above the pretty harbour of Karavostasi is Hora or Folegandros, which consists of two section. In the old settlement in the Kastro area, the outer walls of the houses form the sort of defensive precinct to be found else where in the Cyclades.
It is one of the smallest islands in the Dodekanese. Its inhabitants all live in its single, attractive village, which is also the port. Chalki is a rugged, mountainous island, which has been gradually abandoned by its inhabitants. It has fine beaches with clear water. It has escaped the tourist development of its large neighbour Rhodes, and the people coming here want a holiday on an untouristy island. The island is an international centre for meetings of young people.
Hydra, with its fresh ocean air and sparkling blue waters is the ideal place for vacation, for it combiness the beauty and peace of a unique scenery, with a great selection of night-life for those who so please. With its unique character, the narrow paths and the houses it has a certain charm which attracts many artists.
Ios is one of the most picturesque islands of Cyclades. The coastline of this predominantly mountainous island with its countless chapels, its olive trees, its vineyards and its limpid air, is adorned with small, attractive coves. Tradition claims that this is the island where the tomb of the poet Homer lies. Beautiful beaches are not unusual on this island.
