Ionian Sea
Ionian Sea

The Ionian Islands

Seven islands, countless bays, and a lifetime of sailing — discover the greenest, gentlest cruising ground in the Mediterranean.

Why Sail the Ionian?

The Ionian Sea, lying off the western coast of Greece, is widely regarded as one of the finest sailing areas in the world. Its prevailing northwesterly winds (the Maistros) are gentle and predictable, typically blowing at Force 3–5, making it ideal for relaxed cruising and family charters. Short distances between islands mean you can sail for a few hours each morning and swim in a secluded bay by lunchtime. The islands are famously green and lush, with pine forests and olive groves descending to turquoise waters. The region's Venetian heritage — evident in harbors, cuisine, and architecture — adds a unique cultural dimension to every voyage.

7
Main Islands
F3–5
Avg Wind
May–Oct
Sailing Season
3+
Charter Bases
Island Guide

Explore Each Island

From Corfu in the north to Kythira in the south — find your perfect route through the Ionian archipelago.

Corfu (Kerkyra)
Island 01

Corfu (Kerkyra)

The emerald jewel of the Ionian, blending Venetian, French, and British influences. Wander the UNESCO-listed Old Town, visit the majestic Achilleion Palace, and anchor at Paleokastritsa's turquoise coves. Corfu Town offers excellent provisioning, fuel, and marina facilities for charter start or finish.

UNESCO Old TownPaleokastritsa CovesAchilleion PalaceExcellent Marina
Base: Gouvia Marina
Preveza
Island 02

Preveza

Our primary charter base, Preveza is a charming mainland port town at the entrance to the Amvrakian Gulf. With its modern marina, excellent provisioning, and a scenic waterfront lined with tavernas, it's the ideal starting point for your Ionian adventure. The town is easily accessible via Preveza-Aktion Airport, just 10 minutes away.

Charter BaseModern MarinaWaterfront TavernasClose to Airport
Base: Preveza Marina
Paxos & Antipaxos
Island 03

Paxos & Antipaxos

Two tiny, idyllic islands south of Corfu. Paxos charms with the elegant harbor of Gaios, sheltered behind the islet of Agios Nikolaos. Antipaxos is a snorkeler's paradise — Voutoumi Beach rivals any Caribbean lagoon with its impossibly clear blue water.

Gaios HarborVoutoumi BeachBlue CavesWorld-Class Snorkeling
Base: Day trip from Corfu or Preveza
Lefkada
Island 04

Lefkada

Connected to the mainland by a small bridge, Lefkada is a convenient charter base. Famous for Porto Katsiki and Egremni — dramatic white cliffs plunging into electric-blue sea. The east coast offers calm, sheltered bays like Nidri and Sivota, perfect for overnight anchoring.

Porto KatsikiEgremni BeachNidri BaySivota Islands
Base: Lefkada Marina
Meganisi
Island 05

Meganisi

A serene island just east of Lefkada, perfect for a quiet day anchor. Explore the mysterious Papanikolis Sea Cave, one of the largest in Greece. Vathy and Spilia are two charming fishing villages with excellent tavernas serving fresh-caught seafood.

Papanikolis CaveSpilia VillageFresh SeafoodSecluded Bays
Base: Near Lefkada
Ithaca (Ithaki)
Island 06

Ithaca (Ithaki)

The legendary homeland of Odysseus, steeped in myth and tranquility. Sail into the deep, fjord-like harbor of Vathy, the island's capital. Kioni's waterfront is one of the most picturesque in all of Greece. Quiet, unspoiled, and deeply peaceful — a true sailor's retreat.

Vathy HarborKioni VillageOdysseus MythologyFjord-Like Inlets
Base: Vathy Port
Kefalonia
Island 07

Kefalonia

The largest of the Ionian islands, with dramatic landscapes and world-famous sights. Marvel at the underground lake of Melissani Cave, swim at Myrtos Beach — voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world — and taste the local Robola wine. Fiscardo, in the north, is a must-visit Venetian harbor.

Myrtos BeachMelissani CaveFiscardo HarborRobola Wine
Base: Argostoli or Sami Port
Zakynthos (Zante)
Island 08

Zakynthos (Zante)

Home to the iconic Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, framed by towering white cliffs. The south coast is a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). The Blue Caves of the north coast offer an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Zakynthos Town, rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake, has a lively waterfront.

Navagio BeachBlue CavesTurtle NestingLaganas Bay
Base: Zakynthos Town Port
Kythira
Island 09

Kythira

The hidden gem of the Ionian, sitting at the foot of the Peloponnese. Far from the main tourist routes, Kythira rewards sailors with untouched beaches like Chalkos and Kaladi, the dramatic waterfall at Neraida, and the Venetian castle of Chora. A true off-the-beaten-path destination for experienced sailors.

Kaladi BeachChora CastleNeraida WaterfallOff-the-Beaten-Path
Base: Kapsali Bay
Suggested Itineraries

Popular Routes

7 Days

7-Day Corfu to Lefkas/Ithaka

Corfu → Paxos → Syvota (Lefkas) → Ithaka → Meganisi → Preveza → Syvota (Mourtos) → Greek Mainland → Corfu

7 Days

7-Day Corfu to Paxos

Corfu → Paxos → Parga → Syvota → Corfu

14 Days

14-Day Grand Tour

Corfu → Paxos → Lefkada → Meganisi → Ithaca → Kefalonia → Zakynthos → Kefalonia → Lefkada → Corfu

Yacht at sea

Ready to Set Sail?

Browse our fleet of fully equipped yachts, or contact our team to help plan your perfect Ionian itinerary.