Island hopping in the Ionian

North Ionian

With warm afternoon winds, calm seas and peaceful anchorages, sailing the Ionian Sea is ideal for beginners and seasoned sailors. The mountainous islands off the west coast of Greece resisted the Ottoman conquest and remained under Venetian rule. This history has given them a subtle Italian elegance reflected in the food, music and architecture. Whether sailing north or south, expect idyllic conditions for water sports, memorable rustic Greek fare and breathtaking scenery.

In the far north of the Ionian Sea, the flourishing island of Corfu is strongly influenced by the French, English and Venetians, giving it a multicultural allure. Corfu Town’s spacious port has the finest facilities in the Ionian and provides easy access to the capital’s many attractions… The Ionian Academy boasts the title of first Greek university, and Spianada, the largest square in the Balkans, is a must-see. When the time is right, you can catch a cricket game or musical concert in the Spianada. Just a few metres on, Liston is a romantic arcade where you can sip coffee in one of the cosy cafes and soak in a harmonious combination of traditional and modern culture. If you manage to tear yourself away from the city, discover the island’s lush landscapes and beautiful beaches. Visit the Canal d’Amour, where legend promises that couples who hold hands while swimming in the waters will last a lifetime.

North of Corfu, the Diapontia Islands is a picturesque Greek Archipelago, and popular sailing stop en route to magical Paxos. The rustic villages and waterfront promenades of Paxos delight and amaze, while the capital, Gaios, provides limitless entertainment within bars, cafés and restaurants. It is easy to find a fabulous meal with authentic dishes like fresh Greek salad and grilled octopus. A scooter or quadbike is an excellent way to explore the island. Don’t forget to visit the Tripotis Arch and, for a delectable cocktail, Averto Bar Restaurant. From Gaios Port, sail to the exotic island of Antipaxos with its Caribbean-Esque beaches, fabulous villas and famous vineyards, which are the source of all local wine production.

Lastly, you can visit Parga, the maritime town of Epirus, with cobbled stone streets and quaint arches. Dive into the refreshing waters from Krioneri beach and swim to the tiny island of Panagia or stroll the Venetian wall for a fantastic sunset view. For a mythological experience, the ancient site of Nekromateio by the river Acheron is where Hades was believed to receive the dead into his ghostly kingdom.

South Ionian

The mainland town of Preveza has a rich cultural history waiting to be explored. Take your fill of the ancient sites and stroll along the harbour, visiting a traditional Greek taverna before continuing your voyage south. Lefkada, connected to the mainland by a floating bridge, offers an abundance of sights and warm local hospitality. The cosmopolitan island town of Lefkas has a lively nightlife with bars by the lagoon and a bustling square with great selections of mouth-watering souvlaki and gyros. Nidri is also a popular tourist town with plenty of bars and restaurants. Further south on Lefkada, is the village and peninsula of Geni with peaceful anchorages and lovely waterfront tavernas so close to the sea their tables are scattered along the small piers. Sail on to anchor in Rouda Bay and take a dinghy ashore for the best fish restaurant in the area, Zolithros.

Meganisi is a beautiful little island close to Lefkada. Its pebbled, secluded beaches are perfect for picnics and barbecues and easily accessed by picturesque walking paths. The village of Little Vathi is quaint and beautiful with traditional cuisine, entertainment and cocktails, while Port Atheni harbours a charming taverna nestled in the quiet bay. The island’s historical landmark is Papanikolis cave, the second-largest in Greece and believed to be a hideaway for the WW2 Papanikolis submarine. It can only be accessed by boat, where you can dive into the aqua waters and swim with scores of friendly fish.

Ithika, the serene, mountainous home of Odysseus, symbolises the return to a haven. Kioni is arguably the most beautiful harbour in the Ionian, surrounded by imposing sea cliffs. The magical bay has three unique windmill ruins that can be spotted standing sentry at the secluded entrance. A little further, the approach by sea to the Port of Vathi is truly a memorable experience. The beauty of the gulf is breathtaking, and the Monument to the Sailor is the first sight as you approach the quay. This symbol of seamanship reflects the tremendous maritime history of Ithika, from the epics of Homer to Greece’s modern struggles for freedom. There are hiking and biking trails aplenty in the lush mountains, and scuba diving and sea kayaking are recommended, with the Cave of the Nymph a tantalising attraction. The traditional cuisine features ancient dishes such as savoro (savoury fish fillet fried in vinegar, raisins, rosemary and garlic) and sweet rovani (sweet cake with honey and rice).

Kefalonia is the largest Ionian Island with much to offer, from breathtaking waterfronts to beautiful castles and monasteries. Attracting thousands of visitors, the world-class beaches include Antisamos, Skala, Lourdas and Myrta. The seabed is rich in marine life and will satisfy the snorkellers and divers who desire to experience the delights under the water. Pastel-coloured Venetian buildings and hot-pink bougainvillea harbour vibrant local activity where dancing, drinking and dining are the order of the day. For wine lovers: the family-owned boutique winery, Gentilini, is located in Kefalonia’s Minies village. They produce robust wines using the isle’s distinctive Robola grape.