Ionian Islands Charter Itineraries
This group consists of seven principal islands on the Ionian Sea, west of mainland Greece. Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Ithaki, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and remote Kythira. The winds are gentler here, making it ideal for families and those with less experience. Indeed sailing here is a leisurely sailing vacation. Also, most Ionian islands’ charter itineraries generally begin from Corfu or Lefkada (aka Lefkas).
If you watched the British comedy-drama The Durrells in Corfu, you’d recognize the lush green landscapes of the Ionian islands. Here, pinewoods dotted with elegant cypresses give onto dreamy turquoise waters. The Ionian islands were part of the Venetian Empire for almost 400 years, hence the Italianate architecture, cuisine, and local dialect, and were briefly British (1809-1864), which explains why the locals play cricket on Corfu.
Athens to Ionians Roundtrip Itinerary
Corfu to Athens Charter Itinerary
Corfu to Corfu Charter Itinerary
Galaxidi to Corfu Charter Itinerary
MARIU Ionian Charter Itinerary
Corfu
The northernmost island, Corfu, is known for its UNESCO-listed old town, with two proud Venetian fortresses and its fertile interior, planted with silvery-green olive groves. South from here, sail to Paxos, especially loved by yachters for its laid-back atmosphere, turquoise bays, west coast dotted with Blue Caves, and tiny Anti-Paxos.
Watersports enthusiasts love Lefkada. There's a good marina in Lefkada Town. Also, excellent conditions for windsurfing in Vasiliki. Plus glorious beaches along the exposed west coast, such as Porto Katsiki. Further south, Ithaki is discrete and unspoiled, with some lovely sheltered bays offering safe overnight anchorage. Kefalonia found international fame as the location of Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001), starring Penelope Cruz and Nicolas Cage.
Here, yachters head for pretty Fiskardo, a huddle of pastel-colored houses rimming a lovely deep bay. Also, some make excursions to the mysterious caves of Melissani and Drogarati. Nearby, Zakynthos (aka Zante) is known for its impressive Shipwreck Beach, which is accessible only from the sea. In addition to the Zakynthos Marine Park, the nesting place of protected loggerhead sea turtles.
Ionian Islands Charter Itineraries Highlights
Places to see
- UNESCO-listed Corfu Town
- Palaiokastritsa Bay and its 13th-century monastery on Corfu
- Porto Katsiki beach on Lefkada
- Melissani Cave and Drogarati Cave on Kefalonia
- Shipwreck beach on Zakynthos.
Things to do
- Exploring fortresses and monasteries
- Scuba diving
- Sea kayaking
- Windsurfing
- Kite surfing
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Caving
- Wine tasting (notably Kefalonia's white Robola)
- Olive oil tasting (especially on Corfu).
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