North 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.