Lying between the west coast of Greece and Italy in the Ionian Sea, 'The Eptanisa' or 'The Seven Islands' is made up of Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Kythira. Historically, these islands formed a bridge between Greece and continental Europe, occupied by many incomers most significantly the Venetians over a 400-year rulership. Today, the Ionian Islands are no longer an independent republic but part of Greece, yet proudly retaining their Ionian spirit, identity, and natural beauty that draws people from around the world year after year.