Yachting in the Ionian Islands

The Ioanian Islands are formed by seven large and a dozen smaller green emeralds sprung out of the turquoise waters on the west coast of Greece. Heavily influenced by neighboring Italy, the Ionians are distinctly different than the more renowned Greek Cyclades. They boast trees hugging the coast, a myriad of small, protected bays and islets and multi-colored houses, which make for an ideal cruising ground. This is a tranquil cruising area, with great restaurants. There is a unique coastal morphology to be explored with literally hundreds of protected beaches and anchorages, lovely smaller and bigger caves by the sea, lively little ports and – if you care for some nightlife – the big islands have lots of bars and clubs!

The Ionian Islands culture represent a unique blend of East and West (with the West being more dominant). Whilst walking in the old city of Corfu you might think you are in a Northern Italian city center with the back to back buildings and the spacious arcades. Similarly, the rural areas and villages are displaying a Tuscany-like image of rolling hills with colored houses. 

Corfu

Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian islands and, perhaps more than the others bears the marks of a tempestuous past in the form of imposing castles that dot the landscape. The island of Corfu combines traditional villages and large modern resorts (it was one of the first islands to truly embrace tourism) with a fantastic array of wildlife and beaches.

Corfu offers endless opportunities for your sailing holiday. Two of the most popular beaches are Myrtiotissa beach, named after the Monastery of Virgin Mary Myrtiotissa located above it, or the stunning Nissaki beach is just two to consider as you pass by on your charter.

Paxos & Anitpaxos (Paxoi/Antipaxoi) 

Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian islands and, perhaps more than the others bears the marks of a tempestuous past in the form of imposing castles that dot the landscape. The island of Corfu combines traditional villages and large modern resorts (it was one of the first islands to truly embrace tourism) with a fantastic array of wildlife and beaches.

Corfu offers endless opportunities for your sailing holiday. Two of the most popular beaches are Myrtiotissa beach, named after the Monastery of Virgin Mary Myrtiotissa located above it, or the stunning Nissaki beach is just two to consider as you pass by on your charter.

Paxi is the name given to a small cluster of islands, the largest being Paxos and Antipaxos. Legend has it that they used to be part of Corfu until Poseidon tore them apart with his trident so that he could have some peace and quiet. Nothing has changed and charterers can still find this peace on these islands. Being difficult to get to by anything but yacht, it is a charterer’s dream.

Lefkada

Lefkada is actually connected to the Greek mainland by a small bridge but despite this access for cars, it has maintained many of its traditional sleepy villages, coastal taverns, and wonderful beaches. Lefkada was named after Lefkatas, the island’s southernmost cape with its imposing steep white rocks. It is surrounded by 24 islets that provide the charterer with a plethora of secluded bays and coves to anchor off and explore with your snorkeling gear or tender. Lefkas is traditionally where most of the bareboat and crewed charters begin. The marina is well maintained with a supermarket, onshore showers, laundry facilities and a wealth of restaurants in the town. It makes for the perfect first night and equally the end night too!

Kefalonia

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian at 781km2, its magical natural beauty clearly shines through and provides a breathtaking yachting destination. Kefalonia is known for its lush forests, incredible beaches surrounded by sheer cliffs, high mountains, and its friendly and caring people. If you visit Kefalonia in autumn, make sure you pass by on October 20th during the festival of St Gerasimos when the whole island celebrates together. Taste some of the traditional cuisine, unique in its Italian and Austrian influences. Other recommended destinations are Myrtos beach and the smart restaurants of Fiskardo.

Zakynthos

Zákynthos is a pine-studded, verdant and fertile island, known by the Venetians as ‘Fiori di Levante’ on account of the incredible number species of flowers that flourish there. Sail along the south-east coast for golden beaches, secluded coves and the fantastic sea turtle colony on the exotic island of Marathonisi before heading around to the western side for its dramatic cliffs and underwater beauty. Shipwreck Bay is one of the most famous beaches in Zakynthos and what’s more, is only accessible by yacht! Further to the north, Cape Schinari and the famous Blue Caves are not to be missed with its fantastic rock formations, arches, sea caves, and shipwrecks. 

Ionian Cuisine & Wines

Zákynthos is a pine-studded, verdant and fertile island, known by the Venetians as ‘Fiori di Levante’ on account of the incredible number species of flowers that flourish there. Sail along the south-east coast for golden beaches, secluded coves and the fantastic sea turtle colony on the exotic island of Marathonisi before heading around to the western side for its dramatic cliffs and underwater beauty. Shipwreck Bay is one of the most famous beaches in Zakynthos and what’s more, is only accessible by yacht! Further to the north, Cape Schinari and the famous Blue Caves are not to be missed with its fantastic rock formations, arches, sea caves, and shipwrecks. 

As a melting pot between West and East, with heavy Italian influences, the Ionian islands have a unique cuisine full of local, ingredients. Local vegetables, fish and crustaceans from the surrounding seas, local meats and several local wine labels, created from indigenous grape varieties (Robolla being the most known, but other grapes include Vardea, Mavrodaphne, Verzami and Moscatella). Wines produced on the Ionian Islands have little in common with those produced elsewhere in Greece, thanks both to the grape varieties used and the Ionian wine-making traditions, which were heavily influenced by neighbouring Italy.