The archipelago of the Ionian Islands, in Greece, is one of the most spectacular places in the world for sailing.
White beaches and turquoise waters, a warm welcome and affordable prices make these islands an essential destination for those who love to spend their holidays on a boat.
The Ionian islands are arranged in a fan along the coast of Epirus and are:
Corfu, Paxos, Antipaxos, Lefkada, Skorpio, Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Atoko, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Kitira.
The meteorological and sea conditions are almost always favorable and allow for relatively short and peaceful movements between the landings.
It is a holiday to spend with friends discovering unspoiled nature or with the family, in total relaxation between diving, sailing and evenings in the tavern to taste authentic Greek cuisine.
Starting from the nautical base of Lefkada for a week-long cruise, the islands to be included in the itinerary could be: Lefkas, Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Atoko, Ithaca and Kefalonia
If instead you start from Corfu it is advisable to visit Paxos and Antipaxos
Longer cruises, for example two weeks, can include Zakynthos which has an enchanting sea and is a nesting area for sea turtles
WHERE TO GO
LEFKAS
Most of the boats for sailing and catamaran cruises depart from the Marina of Lefkada.
The chater bases are easy to reach with a car transfer from the airport, thanks to a bridge that connects Lefkas with the mainland.
As soon as you set sail you will be surrounded by turquoise waters and verdant hills.
Porto Katsiki and Egrenmi are among the most beautiful beaches on the island.
In an excellent position to moor and spend the night we find the Marina of Sivota, from here you can go ashore and taste the Greek cuisine of the taverns.
Sailing south is the private island of Skorpios, one of the most popular places to stop for a swim.
MEGANISI
Meganisi is a very green island a few miles from Lefkada, characterized by very jagged coasts and deep inlets, full of sea caves to visit.
Atherionos bay is a sheltered bay in the northeast and ideal for an overnight stop.
ITAKA
The name of Itaka evokes the legend of Ulysses and visiting this island has romance in it.
The beaches are small and stony with crystal clear water and olive trees down to the sea.
Frikes and Kioni are good moorings with seaside taverns and clubs.
KEFALONIA
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Greek islands and the one with the most varied landscape: its western coasts are steep and the famous Myrtos opens up between two high cliffs, elected among the most beautiful beaches in the world.
In this stretch of sea you can sail to discover hidden bays where you can drop anchor, explore sea caves and sunbathe on the golden beaches.
Do not miss the Grotta delle ninfe in Lake Melissani, an underground freshwater lake and the village of Fiskardo with its colorful Venetian-style houses.
Still on the east coast we find the port of Sami, a good but small landing place.
The area of Kefalonia surrounding Sami offers landscapes of rare beauty, with steep and green mountains that contrast with the intense blue of a dream sea. Another convenient mooring is Agia Efimia, where we find the small port in the small fishing village.
ZAKYNTHOS
Wonderful Zakynthos, perhaps alone worth the trip to this blue archipelago.
Searching the web there is no photo that does not bring back Navagio beach, to the north east, famous for its wreck and breathtaking landscape.
The water around Navagio is often colored electric blue due to the numerous sulphurous caves that surround the beach.
The blue caves, near Agios Nikolaos, are particular geological formations that have given life to a succession of arches in which the reflections of the sun on the water create silvery plays of light.
Those who want to witness a unique spectacle in nature can visit the marine park of Zakynthos, located along the south coast which includes the beaches of Limni Kerì, Laganas and Kalamaki. Here the caretta caretta turtle lays its eggs every summer.
To the east of the island are the best known and most crowded resorts, Laganas, Alikes, Agios Sostis, Argassi. Laganas is the most touristic of all, with lots of Greek bars and fast food outlets, restaurants and souvenir shops.
