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The Ionian Islands

Discover the Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands are a chain of islands to the west of mainland Greece and are home to one of the Mediterranean’s most sought out yacht charter sailing destinations. Perfect for a fun, relaxed and varied Greek island experience. Charter your perfect yacht from either Corfu, Lefkas (Lefkada) or Preveza.

The Ionian Islands are renowned for perfect and consistent sailing conditions and offer something for everyone – perfect for fun and relaxed sailing holidays.

South Ionian

The South Ionian islands including Lefkas and Kefalonia, enclose an ‘inland sea’ with more than twenty smaller islands dotted within it, including Meganissi, Kastos, Kalamos and Ithaca. Sail to these islands and discover countless anchorages, in picturesque bays surrounded by olive groves and cypress trees and explore many pretty ports.

North Ionian

The North Ionian, with the beautiful islands of Corfu and Paxos, has many coastal fishing villages and historic towns. Visit the picture-perfect Venetian beach town of Parga, or explore the idyllic sandy beaches of Paxos and Anti-Paxos, with their secluded bays, and crystal clear water, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and lunch time stops.

Epirus Coast

The Ionian also holds what is widely described as ‘Greece’s best kept secret’ – the Epirus coast. The towns and villages along this stunning coastline share many of the same characteristics and ambience of the Ionian islands and promise the most beautiful sunsets.

The Ionian has a wonderful Mediterranean climate with beautiful warm summers, gentle breezes and the sun shines here for over 3000 hours a year

EXPLORE THE IONIAN

Feel inspired by some of our favourite Itineraries. We offer yacht bases across the Ionian on Corfu, Preveza, Lefkas (Lefkada) & Kefalonia.

A GUIDE TO THE IONIAN

About the Ionian Islands

Visit Kefalonia’s picturesque villages and laid back style, Ithaca steeped in mythology and charm and Lefkas with its spectacular landscape and watersports. Further north see Corfu’s ancient fortresses and Venetian architecture and the quaint villages and crystal clear waters on Paxos. The twenty or so smaller islands and the mainland coast have their own array of beautiful villages, harbours and bays. The Ionian Islands are renowned for perfect and consistent sailing conditions and offer something for everyone – perfect for fun and relaxed sailing holidays.

Lefkas

Lefkas, also known as Lefkada on the west coast of Greece retains an authentic Greek charm. A lush, green island with an amazing landscape, beautiful beaches and paradise-like turquoise waters. The island is surrounded by many stunning satellite islands which can be explored by yacht. There are numerous beautiful bays and anchorages to the east and south of Lefkas.

Ithaca

The home of the legendary Greek hero Odysseus, Ithaca is the jewel in the crown of the Ionian. Only accessible by boat, Ithaca is an unforgettable and magical place. Charming fishing villages, chic, picture postcard ports and a bustling capital town, each harbour offers something different. Explore tranquil anchorages and hilltop villages, offering incredible views and a glimpse of traditional Greek island life.

Meganissi

Voted as one of the best hidden gems of Greece, Meganissi offers exclusive relaxation in a typically Greek atmosphere. Enclosed anchorages with little beaches that boast crystal clear waters, great for snorkelling. The town has excellent fish tavernas, Mediterranean restaurants and a quaint café culture. Walk up to the little hill-top village, feel the sleepy charm and enjoy the breathtaking views across the Ionian.

Kastos

The tiny island of Kastos has pretty anchorages with sandy beaches, crystal clear water and amazing sea life to explore. This beautiful island has a population of around 200 people with quaint stone houses. In the evening the pretty harbour tavernas serve fresh locally caught fish. Enjoy stunning panoramic views from the pretty windmill tower that’s been restored into a lovely cafe.

Kalamos

Sitting in the taverna by the beach with a cold drink watching the sun go down over the Ionian sea is one of the quintessential Greek sailing holiday experiences. The main village is a sleepy harbour with a lovely little beach, a couple of café bars and gift shop. Beautiful ‘must see’ anchorages and coves include a now uninhabited tiny village offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Kefalonia

The largest of the Ionian islands, Kefalonia is a ‘go to’ holiday destination and in the summer the island is bustling with visitors. With pretty, colourful buildings and stunning beaches it is easy to see how the place became so popular. Visit by yacht to explore the numerous caves and anchorages as well as the chic harbour of Fiskardo where the rich and famous drop anchor.

Western Coast Greece

Just across from Lefkas on the mainland is the pretty village of Paleros with its long beach, little central square and beautiful sunsets. Further up the Epirus coast there are some stunning secluded anchorages to drop anchor and swim. Further west small towns like Parga and Sivota Mourtos buzz with energy and life.

Paxos

The unique beauty of the Paxos coastline and the understated air of sophistication and elegance makes it renowned as one of the most beautiful Ionian islands. Explore sleepy villages, enjoy lively towns, take in the Venetian influences and swim off the back of your yacht in emerald water off islets where the super yachts anchor.

Corfu

Probably the best known of the Ionian islands, Corfu is an amazing place to visit on a yacht. Moor in the marina within the old fort and stroll into the beautiful old town with splendid Venetian architecture. Choose from an array of Mediterranean fusion restaurants and chic cafes bars, relax and soak up the history of the place.

Zakynthos

Breathtaking landscapes, exotic beaches with sugar-fine sand and turquoise waters. Zakynthos is an enchanting island with great natural beauty, wild, unspoilt coastline as well as lively cosmopolitan towns. Home to Navagio (Shipwreck) beach, the most photographed beach in Greece and the stunning Blue Caves that can only be accessed by the sea.

Preveza & the Amvrakikos gulf

Along the coast, north of the Lefkas, you find the beautiful Amvrakikos gulf where sea life thrives like nowhere else in the Ionian. Dolphins and turtles are common sights as are some fabulously peaceful spots to anchor. Step ashore and visit the towns, take in the Greek café culture and fabulous meze.
   Local Airports: Preveza, Corfu or Kefalonia
     Transfer Time: 20-35 minutes
    Bases: Lefkas, Preveza, Corfu & Kefalonia
   Flight Time from London: 3 ½ hours

What is it like to sail in the Ionian?

The Ionian Islands of Greece are renowned for perfect sailing conditions with plenty of wind to have a really fun sailing holiday in the sunshine. The Ionian is ideal for sailors of all abilities, and although it is one of the safest and most calm sailing holiday destinations there is still plenty of wind to have some really fun sailing adventures. As distances between the main cluster of islands are short you don’t have to sail for hours at a time if you don’t want to. For more adventurous sailors the northern and southern extremities of the Ionian islands offer longer sailing days as you catch the exhilarating afternoon winds. Choose your ideal yacht destination with bases on Corfu, Lefkas (Lefkada), Preveza and Kefalonia.

The weather in the Ionian Islands

The Ionian islands are blessed with a truly lovely climate. During the summer months the weather is consistently warm both day and night. Fantastic summer sailing holiday weather can be enjoyed from May until October when you can expect long, sunny days with very little chance of rain. Seasonal winds keep air fresh and are perfect for sailing. During April, October and November whilst milder it’s usually pleasant and often lovely and warm, with plenty of sunshine and more likelihood of some rain.

A typical day

After a relaxing breakfast onboard or ashore spend the morning meandering around the emerald waters to a secluded bay or pretty village for a lunch time stop. Go for a swim, paddle board or snorkel or relax in the sun with a good book. Typically wind builds by early afternoon and drop again at sunset so you can have a great sail to your evening destination with calm evenings with still, peaceful waters. Anchor off in a sheltered bay in confidence or have a relaxing night on a little pontoon, by a pretty quayside or in a small port.

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