Greece is home to over 6,000 different islands grouped in several archipelagoes, out of which the Ionian Islands to the West and the Aegean Islands to the East. Of the 277 inhabited islands,14 lie in the Ionian Sea and the other 200 odd in the Aegean Sea.
The Ionian and Aegean islands provide a different holiday experience, because their climate is different, as are the cultures, cuisine and businesses. Even the Ionian and Aegean seas are different from each other.
To understand these seas and islands better, let’s dive into each of them separately in order to give you an idea as to which of them are suited for a visit.
But first it is important to understand a bit about the significance of their location and the impact of the environment on the two islands.
So here’s what you need to know before booking your Ionian & Aegean villa holidays.
Geography
The Mediterranean Sea stretches all the way from Spain to Turkey and is divided into multiple seas, with the Ionian and Aegean being the two main seas around Greece.
While the Ionian Sea lies on the western side of Athens, the Aegean Sea is on the opposite side between Greece and Turkey.
Because these seas are on different sides, they have separate currents. The waters of the Aegean are much calmer, but less clearer than the Ionian sea where the current rushes towards Croatia.
The color of the sea water in the Aegean is deep blue, while the waters of the Ionian sea are a mystic green or turquoise.
Aegean coastlines are shallow, where the water heats up easily from the sun as compared to the waters of the Ionian sea.
Vegetation
Most of the Aegean islands, particularly in the South are dry and made up of rock and sand without much vegetation.
On the other hand, the Ionian islands are lush green with many over a hundred years old olive trees growing everywhere.
Wind Factor
The wind conditions on either island differ from one another. The winds of the Aegean Sea are high pressure winds from the Balkans side and low pressure from the South. They blow from North to South with gusts strong enough to blow a person away.
There is no high/low pressure clash on the Ionian Sea, as a result there is hardly any strong wind and more like a cool summer breeze.
The wind patterns, however, on both islands are similar. While the mornings are fine, the wind begins to gain in strength by afternoon and then die out completely at night and start all over again the next day.
Wind patterns are a good indicator of when to go on a boat trip, as the ride will be much less bumpy in the morning hours.
Temperature
Because of the high winds the Aegean islands are less hot during the summer months, while the Ionian islands may feel like a sauna, however, off season temperatures on the Aegean islands are much higher than on the Ionian side, making them a perfect place to visit during fall.
Culture
Greece has been subjected to many wars and the influence of the Venetian and Ottoman empires is evident all over the Aegean islands, while the Ionian islands were mainly dominated by the Europeans.
As far as eating habits are concerned, the Ionian’s eat more pasta than the people on the Aegean side. In fact, villages, local food, drinks and even the traditional music are totally different on both the islands.
Another major difference is that while the Aegean islands are known for their active party scene, the Ionian islands are a bit laid-back and do not have this.
Sailing conditions: Ionian or Aegean?
This can be difficult to decide due to a number of reasons. For instance, if you are looking to go on an adventure sailing trip in Greece, then go to the Aegean islands, providing you can beat the fierce Meltemi winds.
These winds blow from the northwest in summer and can last for a day or even longer while on sea and suits more experienced sailors.
In spring and autumn, however, the winds are strong and steady but more predictable, which allows sailors to chart their course with ease. Combine this with brilliant sunshine and you will understand why the Aegean Sea is a mecca for sailors.
Having said that, if you are new to sailing, stay on the seas on the Ionian side, where the “Bora” wind is present. This wind is quite calm and one can enjoy a relaxing time.
For beginner sailors, the Ionian sea is the best until you feel comfortable enough to tackle the strong winds of the Aegean islands.
Secondly, if you are a nature lover, go to the Ionian islands, but if you are a camera buff looking for good scenery and be closer to the party and nightlife of Kos and Mykonos, then the Aegean side may be your cup of cake.
Lastly, if you wish to experience something unique, like temples and white-washed houses,head to the Aegean islands. For stunning picture-perfect scenery all round and visiting amazing attractions, the Ionian islands might be right for you.
Characteristics of the Ionian islands
The beaches of the Ionian islands are numerous and their photos can be found on most brochures and picture postcards in Greece.
Some prominent names which come to mind immediately are Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos, the Porto Kataki Beach of Lefkas and the Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia apart from many lesser-known gems in Paxos and Antipaxos.
Another great feature of the Ionian islands is the stunning Venetian architecture, the language and the food, influenced by centuries of western Mediterranean culture.
Characteristics of the Aegean islands
Away from the crowds and the busy tourist hubs, the Aegean islands to the north offer undisturbed natural beauty, quaint towns and villages and totally uncrowded beaches.
Pine forests and olive trees can be found on the rocky edges of Thasos, while the picturesque villages of Limenss and Panagia represent typical Greek architecture and culture.
Furthermore, the island of Lemnos is full of beautiful scattered stone houses, wetlands, ancient theatres and temples. Here the warm hospitality of the locals and the fabulous local cuisine, makes a holiday here a memorable experience
Lastly, island hopping is easier on the Aegean side because of the extensive ferry network, whereas on the Ionian you have to return to the mainland in some cases to take a bus to get from one island to another.
Final thoughts
Both the Aegean and the Ionian islands are stunning destinations by themselves. The sound advice would be to visit both these amazing Greek islands and experience the differences by yourself.
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