SAILING IN THE IONIAN SEA
The Ionian island group is situated off the western coast of mainland Greece and comprises six main islands (Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos) along with numerous smaller islets. When combined with the islands of Kythera and the neighboring Antikythera, which are located to the south of the Peloponnese, they collectively form the Eptanisa island cluster. However, Kythera and Antikythera are entirely isolated from the rest of the Ionian islands due to their location across the southern Peloponnese.
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The Ionian Islands are renowned for their abundant vegetation, pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and picturesque villages. Their beaches are often acclaimed as some of the most beautiful in the entire Mediterranean.
With historical influences from Venetian culture, the Ionian Islands possess a distinctive character that is evident in their architecture and cuisine, which features a fusion of traditional Greek dishes with an Italian flair.
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Sailing in the Ionian Sea is particularly favorable, boasting stable and predictable wind conditions, making it an ideal destination for sailors of all skill levels. From May to September, the prevailing winds typically blow from the northwest at forces ranging from 2 to 5 Beaufort. In the spring and autumn, the winds are milder and generally blow from the southwest.
You may start your sailing holidays in the Ionian Islands from different marinas, according to yacht availability, flight schedules, charter duration and desired itineraries:
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Marina Sivota (Lefkas Island)
Marina Lefkas (Lefkas Island)
Marina Corfu (Corfu)
Marina Preveza (Preveza)
POPULAR SAILING DESTINATIONS IN THE IONIAN
Corfu, the northernmost Ionian island, is known for its lush landscape, scented wildflowers, and cypress trees. The well-preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases elegant Venetian architecture and formidable fortifications.
Lefkada is linked to the mainland by a 25-meter bridge, making it easily accessible. This mountainous island boasts rich green forests and thriving olive groves. Lefkada is renowned for its striking turquoise and emerald waters and pristine white beaches, including the celebrated Egremni, Kathisma, and Porto Katsiki. Additionally, there are several enchanting islets nearby, often frequented by yachting enthusiasts.
Zakynthos, the southernmost island in the Ionian archipelago, lies in near proximity to the Peloponnesian coast. The island is renowned for its pristine sandy beaches and intriguing marine caves. One of its most famous attractions is Navagio Beach, where the iconic shipwreck is located, but it's just one of the numerous stunning beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters. A must-see is the awe-inspiring Blue Cave, accessible only by boat.
CORFU
LEFKADA
ZAKYNTHOS
Kefalonia is the largest Ionian island. It is characterized by a beautiful and diverse landscape that features Mt. Ainos (1520m), lush green forests, currant wineyards, olive groves, wild colorful flowers, and breathtaking caves such as Melissani. Many beautiful beaches with white sand and turquoise waters can be found around the island and many hidden coves wedged between tall limestone cliffs can be discovered by boat.
Paxos, situated in the Ionian Islands, is renowned for its tranquil shores, welcoming harbors, and the charming capital, Gaios. The town is particularly captivating with its delightful pink, cream, and white-washed houses adorned with red-tiled roofs. A must-visit attraction when exploring Paxos is the nearby islet of Antipaxos, just a short boat ride away, and features the famous Voutoumi Beach.
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Ithaca is an unspoiled island that lies in close proximity to Kefalonia. It is famous for being the long lost home of the mythical hero Odysseus. Its landscape is magnificent, featuring green mountains, impressive cliffs and deep emerald bays.
Numerous small harbors and fishing villages make the island unique and charming, and a perfect yachting destination.
KEFALONIA
PAXOS & ANTIPAXOS
ITHACA
SAILING ITINERARIES IN THE IONIAN
The Ionian Islands are so versatile that there are sheer endless routes to explore. The most popular starting points are Lefkada and Corfu Island, which can be easily reached via Corfu or Preveza International airport respectively. Lefkada Island is a bit more favorable as a starting marina, as it gives you the flexibility to either sail North, towards Paxos, Antipaxos, Parga, and Corfu, or South towards Kefalonia, Ithaka, Meganisi, Atokos, Kastos, and Zakynthos. Thus, you can adjust your route according to wind conditions. Corfu Island on the hand is pretty much the furthest north you may sail in Greece. Hence, your route choices are a bit more limited. Our home base is in Sivota bay, which lies in the south of Lefkada Island. Discover below a few itinerary options.
You will sail on a new and luxuriously equipped yacht. A professional skipper will take you to a different island every day and stop in the most breathtaking beaches and little bays, many of which are untouched and only reachable by boat. Sailing time on board will be between 2-3h per day. At night you will anchor in idyllic ports, explore the vibrant island life, taste delicious locally produced food, and stroll around sheer endless little villages and alleys.
NORTH IONIAN
Kefalonia | Lefkada | Mainland Greece | Paxos | Antipaxos | Meganisi
You will sail on a new and luxuriously equipped yacht. A professional skipper will take you to a different island every day and stop in the most breathtaking beaches and little bays, many of which are untouched and only reachable by boat. Sailing time on board will be between 2-3h per day. At night you will anchor in idyllic ports, explore the vibrant island life, taste delicious locally produced food, and stroll around sheer endless little villages and alleys.
SOUTH IONIAN
Lefkada | Kefalonia | Ithaka | Atokos | Meganisi | Kastos
You will sail on a new and luxuriously equipped yacht. A professional skipper will take you to a different island every day and stop in the most breathtaking beaches and little bays, many of which are untouched and only reachable by boat. Sailing time on board will be between 2-3h per day. At night you will anchor in idyllic ports, explore the vibrant island life, taste delicious locally produced food, and stroll around sheer endless little villages and alleys.
SOUTH IONIAN | A JOURNEY TO ZAKYNTHOS
Lefkada | Kefalonia | Ithaka | Zakynthos | Meganisi
CHARTER A YACHT TO SAIL IN THE IONIAN ISLANDS
Monohull sailing yacht or Catamaran? Bareboat, Skippered or Crewed Charter? No matter what is your preferred sailing yacht and charter type, we can offer plenty of options, so that you can tailor your sailing holidays in the Ionian Islands to your needs.
MONOHULL SAILING YACHTS
Monohull Sailing Yachts are beautiful classic sailing yachts that are characterized by their one hull. Since they are smaller in width than catamarans, it is easy to find them a room to moor in Greek ports, even in the peak months July and August. All our monohull sailing yachts can be chartered bareboat and with a professional skipper.
You will sail on a new and luxuriously equipped yacht. A professional skipper will take you to a different island every day and stop in the most breathtaking beaches and little bays, many of which are untouched and only reachable by boat. Sailing time on board will be between 2-3h per day. At night you will anchor in idyllic ports, explore the vibrant island life, taste delicious locally produced food, and stroll around sheer endless little villages and alleys.
MONOHULL SAILING YACHTS
Monohull Sailing Yachts are beautiful classic sailing yachts that are characterized by their one hull. Since they are smaller in width than catamarans, it is easy to find them a room to moor in Greek ports, even in the peak months July and August. All our monohull sailing yachts can be chartered bareboat and with a professional skipper.
You will sail on a new and luxuriously equipped yacht. A professional skipper will take you to a different island every day and stop in the most breathtaking beaches and little bays, many of which are untouched and only reachable by boat. Sailing time on board will be between 2-3h per day. At night you will anchor in idyllic ports, explore the vibrant island life, taste delicious locally produced food, and stroll around sheer endless little villages and alleys.
CATAMARANS
Catamarans are characterized by their two hulls, which provide significantly more pace than classic monohull sailing boats. They are an ideal choice if you are planning a cruise with a group of friends or family. Our catamarans can be chartered either bareboat or with a professional skipper.
Corfu is the northernmost island in the Ionian group, in close proximity to Italy. It is the greenest of all Greek islands, featuring a luxuriant landscape of scented wild flowers and cypress trees. The beautifully preserved old town of Corfu is a UNESCO world heritage site, featuring beautiful Venetian buildings, fortresses and secluded squares.
Lefkada is connected to the mainland through a bridge that spans across a 25m strait. It is a mountainous island with lush green forests and olive groves. Lefkada is famous for its turquoise and emerald waters and white beaches, that include the famous Egremni, Kathisma, and Porto Katsiki. Many gorgeous islets are in close proximity which are popular destinations for yachters.
Zakynthos is the southernmost island in the Ionian group in close proximity to the Peloponnesian coast. It is well-known for its fine sand beaches and mysterious marine caves. The Navagio beach, where the famous shipwreck can be found, is only one of many exquisite beaches of translucent turquoise water. A must see is also the breathtaking blue cave that can only be reached via boat.
Kefalonia is the largest Ionian island. It is characterized by a beautiful and diverse landscape that features Mt. Ainos (1520m), lush green forests, currant wineyards, olive groves, wild colorful flowers, and breathtaking caves such as Melissani. Many beautiful beaches with white sand and turquoise waters can be found around the island and many hidden coves wedged between tall limestone cliffs can be discovered by boat.
Paxos is the smallest out of the main Ionian Islands. It is characterized by quiet shores, cozy harbors and its capital, Gaios, which has a special charm with its pretty pink, cream, and whitewashed red-tiled houses. A must see when visiting Paxos is the small islet Antipaxos which is only a short boat ride away and features the famous Voutoumi beach.
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Ithaca is an unspoiled island that lies in close proximity to Kefalonia. It is famous for being the long lost home of the mythical hero Odysseus. Its landscape is magnificent, featuring green mountains, impressive cliffs and deep emerald bays. Numerous small harbors and fishing villages make the island unique and charming, and a perfect yachting destination.