They are traditionally called the Heptanese, i.e. "the Seven Islands" (Ἑπτάνησα, Heptanēsa or Ἑπτάνησος, Heptanēsos; Italian: Eptaneso), but the group includes many smaller islands as well as the seven principal ones.
Tradicionalmente chámaselles as Sete Illas (Heptonesos, Heptanisia ou Eptanisia), aínda que o grupo inclúe moitas illas máis pequenas ademais das sete principais.