There are some wonderful small islands and natural harbors in the area between Ithaca, Leukada and Aetoloakarnania. Back in the old days when teh roads were not good, ports like Astakos, Mytikas and Zaverda (now Palairos) were standard calls for our smaller, reliable boats that were going all the way to the Amvrakikos Gulf (see also http://www.nautilia.gr/forum/showthread.php?t=53340).
Here is a photograph of Zaverda (now Palairos) around 1995. This region had to be served by ships for a long time as the Akarnanika mountains and the smaller Serekas were a natural barrier with Aetolia... A natural connection by road was to Vonitsa, while the southern road to Astakos was much more difficult to pass.
Zaverda (Palairos).jpg