IONIAN SEA
A JOURNEY ACROSS THREE SEAS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The Ionian Sea, named for mythological legends of divine love and epic escapes, is a deep treasure nestled between Greece and Italy. Its stories stretch back centuries, to a time when it separated Illyria from Italy in the 4th century BC. Today, it is the deepest basin in the Mediterranean, with fascinating inlets such as those of Taranto and Catania framing its beauty. Nestled between the Tyrrhenian, Libyan, and Aegean Seas, it is connected through narrow straits and mysterious channels, creating a place where mythology and geography merge seamlessly. However, its dividing line with the Adriatic remains a bit of an enigma, with various interpretations following imaginary lines and parallels.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS PLACE
The coasts of the Ionian Sea are predominantly high and regular in the northern and western areas, while the eastern coasts are more irregular and jagged. In ancient times, this region was crucial for trade between the various centers along its shores. Today, it serves primarily as a transit sea. Prominent ports dotting its shores include Taranto, Catania, Augusta, Syracuse, Corfu, and Patras.
THIS PLACE IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE
In Greek mythology, Ionius emerges as a brave young man, the son of Durazzo and grandson of Poseidon. He became king after freeing a region of Dalmatia from cannibal giants. His peaceful rule was interrupted when his uncles declared war on his father, Durazzo. Ionius set out in search of allies and returned with the hero Hercules. The ensuing war lasted six months, culminating in Durazzo's victory but at the cost of Ionius, whose body was left in the sea now named after him.
In another legend, the Ionian Sea is linked to the island of Ogygia, home of the nymph Calypso. According to Homer's Odyssey, Ulysses was shipwrecked there and spent seven years captivated by the beautiful nymph. Calypso offered him immortality, which Ulysses ultimately declined. Over centuries, the island has been identified in various locations, all connected to the Ionian Sea, with its deepest point known as the 'Calypso abyss'.
SPECIAL TIPS
The beaches of the Ionian Sea in Italy are predominantly sandy, immersed in lush Mediterranean vegetation, and surrounded by ancient castles and picturesque villages. What makes them truly extraordinary, however, are the crystal-clear turquoise waters that lap against them. Although the beaches of Salento are the best known, the less celebrated pearls of Apulia, Calabria and Sicily are also worth exploring. In these regions, one can discover pale sandy beaches lapped by blue waters that are true gems to be appreciated.
