Ionian Bank up its banking licence. The Greek operation, renamed "Ionian Popular Bank", was absorbed into Alpha Bank in 2000. A "decree of the Eminent Senate of the Commonwealth of Ionian Islands" established the Ionian State Bank in 1839, to finance trade between the Ionian Islands (a British protectorate), and Great Britain. This made the bank the oldest in Greece. The bank received a 20-year grant of the exclusive privilege of issuing and circulating banknotes for the Ionian Islands. The bank soon changed its name to Ionian Bank (IB), and initially only operated in the Ionian Islands, opening branches in Corfu, Aante
Albanian Ionian Sea Coast Sea. Sarandë is served by Port of Sarandë, one of the largest of the country, which has become a famous sailing and cruise port. The region is very scenic, with wild coastlines, mountains and a very high proportion of native forest. Some of the most prominent beaches along the coastline are Dhërmi, Himara, Qeparo, Borsh, Lukovë, Vuno and Ksamil. The Albanian Ionian Sea Coast is known for its diverse landscapes, unique traditions, and its influence on Albanian culture. It is regarded as the birthplace of the Albanian iso-polyphony which was recognised as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage