Ionian Sea Cruise | Corfu to Athens Charter Itinerary
Explore the beautiful Ionian Sea on this week-long Corfu to Athens charter itinerary. Please note that this is a sample itinerary. We will work with you and your Captain to tailor a personalized itinerary based on your interests and the weather when you travel.
Day 1 | Corfu to Paxos, Corfu to Athens charter itinerary
Journey time: about 3 hours
Your crew will welcome you to your new home for the next week on your Corfu to Athens charter itinerary. After boarding your yacht, the captain will conduct a brief safety meeting. Then, set sail on your holiday.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch prepared by your chef. Afterward, sit back and watch the beautiful scenery.
Paxos covers an area of 19 square kilometers and is one of many picturesque islands set in the Ionian Sea.
There are two islands, Paxos and Anti Paxos, with plenty of olive groves and vineyards. The eastern coast of the two islands is peaceful, in contrast to the dry, rocky coast on the western side. Gaios is Paxos’s capital, located at the Southwestern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula.
On the Northern side is Lakka, and to the East is Loggos. You’ll find the area unhurried and relaxed, along with warm Greek hospitality.
The last stop of the day on your charter itinerary should be Gaios. It’s a bustling little town with shops, bars, and restaurants.
Day 2 | Ithaca
Journey time: about 6 hours
On day 2 of your Corfu to Athens itinerary, you will visit the home of Odysseus and perhaps Homer. This tiny island attracts sailors and travelers worldwide. It is beautiful and is surrounded by some of the most transparent waters in Greece.
Because Ithaca is small and difficult to reach, it does not get the mass tourism the neighboring islands do. For this reason, many celebrities like spending their holidays here on their yachts or renting a house.
Five Activities to Do on Ithaca
- Explore Vathy: Begin your Ithaca adventure by exploring the island’s charming capital, Vathy. Stroll through its narrow streets, adorned with colorful houses and quaint cafes. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Ithaca to learn about the island’s history and ancient artifacts.
- Hike to Homeric Sites: Ithaca is steeped in mythology, and you can hike to sites associated with Homer’s epic poem, the Odyssey. Trek to Anogi Village and the Cave of Nymphs, believed to be the home of Odysseus during his journey.
- Relax on Beaches: Ithaca offers several beautiful beaches where you can relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Filiatro Beach, Gidaki Beach, and Sarakiniko Beach are popular choices.
- Visit the Monastery of Kathara: Perched on a hilltop, the Monastery of Kathara offers breathtaking views of the island. It’s a serene and historic place where you can soak in the tranquility and appreciate the religious heritage of Ithaca.
- Explore Traditional Villages: Discover the island’s traditional villages like Kioni and Frikes. These picturesque settlements are perfect for leisurely walks, savoring Greek cuisine at local tavernas, and immersing yourself in the island’s culture.
Day 3 | Cephalonia
Journey time: about 5 and a half hours
Cephalonia is the largest of the seven island Ionian groups. It has been slow to bite the tourism apple.
Five Activities to Do on Cephalonia
Here are five things to see and do on this captivating island:
- Myrtos Beach: Visit one of the most famous beaches in Greece, Myrtos Beach. Its blue waters and dramatic cliffs create a stunning backdrop.
- Melissani Cave: Explore the enchanting Melissani Cave, also known as the Cave of the Nymphs. Take a boat ride through its underground lake, where sunlight filters through the roof, creating a magical play of light and shadow.
- Assos Village: Wander through the charming village of Assos, known for its colorful houses and a Venetian fortress perched on a hill. Enjoy a leisurely meal at a seaside taverna and soak in the picturesque scenery.
- Mount Ainos: Hike or drive to the summit of Mount Ainos, the highest peak in the Ionian Islands. The national park surrounding the mountain offers hiking trails, lush forests, and panoramic views of the island.
- Drogarati Cave: Explore the impressive Drogarati Cave, known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations.
After swimming in a quiet bay, we would suggest, in the evening, cruising to Fiscardo. This beautiful and picturesque harbor is on the Northern tip of Cephalonia. It is historically unique since it is still virtually intact during the great earthquake of 1953. The earthquake ruined most of the buildings in Cephalonia.
Day 4 | Zakynthos
On day 4 of your Corfu to Athens charter itinerary, your Captain will anchor off the coast of the beautiful island of Zakynthos. Moreover, Zakynthos has beautiful beaches with turquoise waters. It is also called Zante and is the southernmost of the Ionian Islands and the third largest of the group.
The Venetians called the island “Fioro di Levante,” which translates to “Flower of the Orient.” They gave it this name for the island’s lush and dense vegetation, with pine-covered mountains and exceptionally fertile plains.
Swim at the wide sandy beaches in the company of sea turtles or go snorkeling. Your crew can also organize scuba diving for certified divers.
In the evening, take a stroll around the main town and return to your yacht for dinner on board.
Day 5 | Elafonisos
Journey time: about 13 hours.
The small island of Elafonisos probably doesn’t immediately come to mind as a famous Greek Island. Though this island is relatively small and maybe not as glamorous as some others, it is well worth visiting. The island is very popular with Greeks and has not embraced mass tourism. This is what makes this island so special and a delight to visit.
Elafonisos is where you will find some of the best beaches in the whole of this part of Greece. Simos Beach is the island’s most famous and beautiful beach.
Day 6 | Monemvassia
Journey time: about 3 hours
Monemvasia is on a small peninsula off the east coast of the Peloponnese in the Greek prefecture of Laconia. As its name suggests, this fortified city has just one gate (Moni=sole, Emvasia=entrance).
While here, perhaps stop in one of the beautiful bays for a swim. In the early evening, taking a stroll around this medieval fortress is a must.
The church of Agia Sofia overlooks the region at the bleakest part of the rock. It is one of the most beautiful worship spots in Greece. Old stone-built mansions now used as inns and hotels form arcades over steps and greenery, creating an environment of superb beauty.
Day 7 | Spetses Itinerary
Journey time: about 3.5 hours
Spetses is one of the most elegant and dignified island capitals. It has an old-time atmosphere created by the Neoclassical houses and the absence of motor vehicles.
The heart of the small town is the historic Dapia Square. There are coffee shops, many restaurants, patisseries, and shops along the harbor.
Put your walking shoes on or take a horse-drawn carriage along the coastal road to the old harbor. Then, stop for drinks on the terrace of the newly restored Posidonia Hotel.
Day 8 | Athens Itinerary
Journey time: about 5 hours
Arrive at Athens to end your Corfu to Athens charter itinerary.
Your vacation isn’t over, however. There is still much to see in Athens, such as:
- Acropolis: No visit to Athens is complete without seeing the Acropolis. Explore the ancient citadel’s iconic ruins, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Hephaestus. The Acropolis Museum nearby offers a deeper insight into its history.
- Plaka: Stroll through the charming Plaka neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Discover quaint shops, traditional Greek tavernas, and local crafts.
- Ancient Agora: Visit the Ancient Agora of Athens, an archaeological site that was once the heart of the city’s social and political life. Moreover, explore landmarks like the Stoa of Attalos and the Temple of Hephaestus.
- National Archaeological Museum: Immerse yourself in Greek history at the National Archaeological Museum. It houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, including sculptures, pottery, and jewelry.
- Mount Lycabettus: Hike or take the funicular to the top of Mount Lycabettus, the highest point in Athens. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Aegean Sea, especially at sunset. There’s also a lovely chapel at the summit.
Call today to book your Corfu to Athens charter itinerary.
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