The Ionian Islands
The other Greece. Pine forests, soft thermal winds, turquoise coves, and one of the gentlest cruising grounds anywhere in the Mediterranean.
A cruising overview
The Ionian sits on the west coast of Greece — a chain of green, mountainous islands separated by short, sheltered channels. Lefkas (Lefkada) is the charter capital; Kefalonia, Ithaca, Meganisi and Skorpios surround it. To the south sit Zakynthos and the famous Navagio shipwreck beach; to the north the Paxos and Antipaxos pair, often combined with Corfu.
The Ionian is quieter, greener and more forgiving than the Aegean. Winds are gentler (typically 10–18 knots in the afternoon), distances are short, and anchorages are well-sheltered — making it the most popular destination for family charters and first-time skippers.
May – October
Settled weather from June to September. Late May and early October are quiet and very pleasant.
7 days
Minimum: 7 days
Recommended: 14 days for the full south route to Zakynthos
- Lefkas Marina — primary Ionian charter base
- Marina Gouvia (Corfu) — northern Ionian base
- Argostoli (Kefalonia) — alternative entry point
- Preveza — secondary base, near Aktion airport
The right yacht for these waters
Sailing Yachts 38–55ft
The classic Ionian charter — Beneteau, Jeanneau, Bavaria, Hanse widely available bareboat. From €2,200/week.
Catamarans 40–52ft
Ideal for families — Lagoon 46, Bali 4.6, Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42. From €5,000/week.
Motor Yachts 42–70ft
Princess, Azimut and Sunseeker — for quicker hops between islands. From €10,000/week.
Luxury Crewed Yachts 75–140ft
Smaller crewed fleet than the Aegean — gulets and superyachts available with full crew; booking early is essential. From €50,000/week.
What you'll remember
Skorpios & Sparti
The Onassis islands — anchor in the famous turquoise bay.
Vathi & Frikes, Ithaca
Two of the prettiest harbours in Greece, both linked to Odysseus.
Lakka & Loggos, Paxos
Tiny Venetian-style harbours, lined with tavernas.
Antipaxos beaches
Voutoumi and Vrika — water that genuinely looks Caribbean.
Fiskardo, Kefalonia
The pretty pastel village spared by the 1953 earthquake — a perfect dinner stop.
Spartochori, Meganisi
Tie alongside in Porto Spilia and walk up to the village taverna.
Cruise the region
Good questions, good answers
- Is the Ionian good for beginners?
- Yes — it is widely considered the easiest cruising ground in Greece. Winds are moderate, distances are short, and bays are well-sheltered.
- When does the Mistral or Meltemi affect the Ionian?
- Hardly at all. The Ionian sees a much gentler thermal pattern (the Maistro) — typically 10–18 knots NW in the afternoon.
- Can I sail to Italy?
- Yes — the crossing from Corfu to Otranto is around 80 nautical miles, occasionally chartered one-way.
- Where's the nearest airport?
- Preveza (PVK) for Lefkas; Corfu (CFU) for the north; Kefalonia (EFL) for the south. All have direct UK and European connections in summer.
A bespoke yacht charter, personally arranged.
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