Guide to the most beautiful destinations in the Ionian Islands
Paxos, Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Lefkada are just some of the best destinations for a sailing or catamaran vacation in the Ionian Islands
Easily reached by plane or ferry, the Ionian Islands represent an entirely unexpected destination. Circumnavigating the larger islands, such as Corfu, Zakynthos, Lefkas or Kefalonia, or even the smaller ones, for example Paxos and Antipaxos, Kalamos and Atakos, or Meganissi, you can enjoy relaxing aboard a comfortable sailboat. Nothing will be able to affect the peaceful atmosphere of your boat, and you will find yourself sailing propelled by a gentle wind from one island to another. You will have the opportunity to discover an endless number of secluded coves, deep caves, rock-cut arches and abandoned wrecks. Perhaps, by the end of your vacation you will be tired of all these idyllic scenery made up of white cliffs hiding patches of sand... or maybe you will want to start all over again!
The best time
The ideal season for sailing through the Ionian Islands begins in April and ends in late October. Here the mild climate gives way for a long summer season with calm waters and moderate winds. The wind can pick up a bit more on the west coast of the islands, especially the mistral, but nothing compared to the meltemi that blows on the Cyclades. On the east coast, on the other hand, it is always possible to find shelter from virtually all winds.
Travel Ideas
They may not be the first islands that come to mind when thinking of Greece, but they are certainly the ones that have the most to offer in terms of variety. Forget blue-and-white villages and instead imagine high white, rocky coastlines, bays with fine sandy bottoms, and sky-blue seas. Long warm days of diving and snorkeling and evenings with good Greek food for cheap await you in this destination. If you are looking for a flotilla, you are sure to find one here!
Sustainable tourism
Behind the high limestone cliffs, the Ionian Islands conceal a nature that is strangely lush for Greece, with green hillsides planted with vines and olive trees. Viewed from the sea, the contrast between white, green and blue is truly spectacular. In Zakynthos, pass through the Protected Marine Park: established in 1999 to safeguard the reproduction of loggerhead turtles and protect some monk seals. In Corfu, on the other hand, visit the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007.
Perfect for
Behind the high limestone cliffs, the Ionian Islands conceal a nature that is strangely lush for Greece, with green hillsides planted with vines and olive trees. Viewed from the sea, the contrast between white, green and blue is truly spectacular. In Zakynthos, pass through the Protected Marine Park: established in 1999 to safeguard the reproduction of loggerhead turtles and protect some monk seals. In Corfu, on the other hand, visit the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007.
First time on a boat
If you are new to sailing but do not want to give up the flavor of Greece you will find the Ionian Islands a safe haven. Calm seas and moderate winds are the elements that set it apart, along with the many harbors along all the coasts and a myriad of sheltered anchorages.. Spending your first nights at anchor here will be truly enjoyable and you will not fail to fall in love with life on a sailboat. A plus: the opportunity to experience island hopping!
Highlights holidays in the Ionian Islands
White cliffs, rocky coastlines, bays with fine sandy bottoms, and sky-blue seas
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5 reasons to choose the Ionian Islands for your next sailing vacation
Cruises for all tastes
From teens looking for fun, perhaps aboard a summer flotilla, to families with children, the Ionian Islands ensure a vacation suitable for everyone thanks to their calm seas, clear waters, and many options on land. A must stop at Ben's Bar in Paxos for all those who want to enjoy a relaxed aperitif overlooking the sea to the rhythm of music and perhaps even stop for a fine dinner of Greek specialties.
Unexpected landscapes
The sheer rocky coastlines create spectacular vistas, to be admired during the day, when they reflect the blue of the sea creating a breathtaking contrast of colors, but also at sunset, when the sun colors everything pink and violet. Descending inland, you will discover verdant hilly landscapes rich in cultivation. Don't miss Paralia Navagio, the wreck beach of Zakynthos, a famous little beach set amid high marble cliffs that is home to a shipwrecked merchant ship. Here you will also find a sky-blue sea and caves to delve into.
Sightings
Zakynthos is famous for loggerhead turtles that come to lay their eggs on some of the very beaches of this island, particularly on the long beach of Kalamaki and to the east on the beaches of Dafni and Gerakas. In the bay in front there are high chances of spotting turtles from June to August, when they return here from the open sea to lay their eggs. For a truly exciting experience you can reach the beaches in the very early morning hours or in the late afternoon to try to witness the hatching.
Water sports
Indulge in surfing, kiting or windsurfing in Lefkada's famous bays: that of Paralia Agios Ioannis and that of Vasiliki. For diving or simply snorkeling, prefer the west coast of Corfu, near the Paleokastritsa Monastery, where you will find rocky caves, small wrecks and plenty of fish. Or get to the caves of Keri in Zakynthos, which open into the sea from the promontory of Marathia, circumnavigating the island and obligatorily passing the stacks of Mizithres.
Ancient culture
Having passed several times from one domination to another because of their geographically strategic location, the Ionian islands retain traces of numerous peoples and traditions. Starting with Corfu, with its Venetian Fortress, a fortified citadel built to defend the city and control the eastern coast, the Spianada Square, the largest and liveliest on the island, and the Achilleion Palace, the summer residence of Princess Sissi. In Kefalonia, on the other hand, you will find the well-preserved remains of an ancient Roman villa.
Sailing holidays in the Ionian Islands and Greece
Places not to miss in Ionian Greece
The turquoise coves of Paxos
Starting from the north of Paxos you will cross numerous coves, some well hidden, set among white rocks overhanging the sea and surrounded by picture-postcard water. Among the first to appear in front of the boat's bow, on the eastern side, are Orkos Bay and Glyfada Bay: two white pebble beaches that are difficult to reach by land. If, on the other hand, you pass by the west coast, a beach that is always very uncrowded is Erimitis, where you can stop for a dip with mask and snorkel before sunset. Also in Paxos, the arch of Tripitos awaits you: more than 20 meters high, it was formed when a sea cave collapsed, giving rise to a walkable bridge overlooking the sea. For the more cautious, it will still be exciting to admire it from below.
The Caribbean Antipaxos
After a short sail south you will arrive in Antipaxos where Vrika and Voutoumi beaches welcome you to the northwest. These are bays with clear water and fine sandy bottoms, extremely quiet and secluded, perfect for enjoying snorkeling or simply a swim in almost Caribbean waters. Further down the west coast you can stop at the roadstead in front of Kaloiri Cove, a piece of paradise with transparent water that can be reached almost exclusively by sea. To experience more authentic Greek life, ask your skipper to go as far as the seaside town of Parga on the mainland opposite, perhaps for a relaxed dinner surrounded by the colors and scents of the evening.
The wonderful coves of Lefkada and Meganissi
If, on the other hand, you are interested in the Southern Ionian Islands, start by circumnavigating Lefkada, the island of Sappho, and pass through Egremni Beach, Kathisma, and Porto Katsiki, a small beach that is difficult to reach by land since it is nestled between rocky walls. Heading toward Meganissi, don't miss Papanikolis Cave where the submarine of the same name was hidden during World War II. Reachable only by sea, it is one of the widest and deepest caves in Greece
The Wilds of Cephalonia and Ithaca
Two small islands inhabited by only a few thousand people, where the smell of the sea will overwhelm you as soon as you set foot ashore. Thanks to its wild essence, Kefalonia is also much loved by naturists, who always find a few isolated and very uncrowded beaches here. A must-see, however, is Myrtos beach, on the island's west coast: counted among the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece. The hinterland is also worth visiting, for example the Cave of Lake Melissani, an incredible underground lake, or the caves of Drogarati. Overlooking the sea, you will find the colorful town of Assos, founded by the Venetians during their rule of the island. Ithaca is also home to a number of small beaches, difficult to reach by land, perfect for snorkeling and truly peaceful roadstead stops: the beach at Sarakiniko, the beach at Aspros Gialos or the beach at Marmakas.
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