The Ionian Islands offer perfect sailing conditions with moderate winds that are great for a sailing holiday with the family. There are a multitude of cruising areas for you to choose from. Renting a yacht in the Greek Ionian Sea is very affordable. The culture and cuisine are beautiful and there are a plethora of historical sights and things to do. The landscape is much greener and more lush than in the other archipelagos of Greece and the area is out of reach of the strong Meltemi winds that occur further east. So let us tell you a bit more about this charterer’s paradise in detail.
Why is it so popular to rent a yacht in the Ionian Sea?
The Ionian Sea contains the seven main islands of Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Kythira, as well as many smaller islands. The northern six are located off the west coast of Greece and Kythira is off the southern tip of the Peloponnese. Although listed as one of the Ionian Islands, it is part of the Attica region. The Ionian Sea borders southern Italy and Sicily, southern Albania, and the west coast of Greece. There are several ferry connections to the Greek and Italian mainland, as well as between the islands. However, they are very easily accessible by plane and you can fly to the international airports of Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos or to Preveza on the mainland.
The historic area of the Ionian Islands is immensely popular with yacht charters and large cruise ships due to its natural beauty and charm. However, they are also greener and more fertile than the other eastern Greek islands or even the adjacent mainland. Another plus is the mostly moderate winds that are ideal for yacht charter vacations with the family. The infrastructure for sailors in the islands of the Ionian Sea is good even though the area is still quite untouched. You will find the typical authentic Greek tavern with the wonderful Greek food, picturesque harbors, amazing historical sites and easy sailing conditions. Also, bareboat charter in Greece is much less expensive than in other Western Mediterranean destinations. All of this adds up to a wonderful cruising experience.
Relevant information to rent a bareboat boat in the Ionian:
Location: Part of the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Adriatic Sea
Main Islands: Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Kythira
Main airports: Corfu, Preveza, Kefalonia, Zakynthos
Country code: +30
Climate: Temperate, Mediterranean
What main charter destinations are there in the Ionian?
There are many itineraries and islands to explore on a sailboat in the Ionian. If you are flying into Corfu, the resort town and port of Gouvia make a good base from which to move south and explore the other islands. It is located 6 km from Corfu town and 7 km from the airport and can house up to 1,235 yachts with a length of up to 80 m. It has many services and shops and is often referred to as a natural link between the Adriatic and the Mediterranean Sea.
From Corfu it is only 8 nautical miles to beautiful Paxos. Just at the north end is the beautiful sheltered bay and town of Lakka, with great restaurants and shops. The main port of the island is Gaios on the east coast. It is a perfect natural harbor due to the islet just off the coast that creates a narrow and highly protected channel with ideal mooring conditions. The charming little town has restaurants, taverns and charming souvenir shops to offer.
Just south of Paxos is the small island of Antipaxos, which is perfect for enjoying laid-back Greek island bliss. For example, drop anchor and relax on Voutoumi beach with its turquoise water and white sand and find a quiet tavern where you can eat wonderful Greek food with your feet in the sand. Cruise about 25 nautical miles to the southeast and you’ll arrive in Preveza, another major charter base.
The Preveza Marina in the city of Preveza has a very good range of services and 500 berths for boats up to 20m. Larger ships can use Cleopatra Marina near Preveza and only 1.5 miles from the city airport `Aktion`, also called Lefkada Airport. It offers 100 berths for yachts up to 30 m.
If you’re looking for a road less travelled, explore the beautiful Gulf of Ambracia estuary, east of Preveza. It is a beautiful nature reserve with lagoons, swamps and lots of special wildlife. You can find good anchorages and there are two small ports called Menidion and Votsina.
Head just about 6 nautical miles south of Preveza and you’ll reach the northernmost beaches of Lefkas. This island has many coves and beaches to explore. On the northeast coast is the city and marina of Lefkas, or Lefkada as it is also called. There is a 50m long bridge connecting Lefkas to the mainland, making it easily accessible from the airport. Lefkas Marina has 620 berths for yachts up to 45 m in length and a very good range of nautical services. It is one of the most modern and magnificent marinas in Greece and there are supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, a swimming pool and much more.
From Lefkas you have a wide variety of sailing territories in the form of many smaller islands within easy reach as well as the main ones. To name just the big islands, there is Kefalonia and Ithaca, for example, both just 6 nautical miles from the southern tip of Lefkas.
Ithaca is the smaller of the two and has beautiful bays to anchor. The highly protected port city Vathi is a popular destination and Odysseas Marina offers 72 berths for boats up to 20m as well as many services.
Kefalonia with its capital Argostoli has many sandy coves and steep limestone cliffs. For example, head to the stunning Myrtos Beach on the north side with stunning white sand and aquamarine water that sits between two mountains. There is also a cave that you can visit.
You will find equally beautiful beaches in Zakynthos or Zante, which is only approx. 10 nautical miles south of Kefalonia. The so-called Shipwreck Beach on the northeast side has crystal clear waters, a sparkling white pebble beach, and is surrounded by cliffs that rise dramatically. Zakynthos town is large and offers many sights and things to do, plus the international airport is nearby, making it easy to stop or start your Ionian Islands sailing or motor yacht charter there.
What are the prevailing weather systems for sailing on the Ionian?
Northwest sea breeze, Maestral, moderate temperatures from afternoon to sunset. The Ionian area does not have very strong winds making it ideal for family sailing holidays. Summers are long, hot and dry. July and August have an average of 12 hours of sunshine per day. There are no significant tides.
Summary of weather conditions for sailing a charter yacht in the Ionian Sea:
Month with the highest average temperature: August, 25.5°
Month with the lowest average temperature: January, 9°
Month with highest average precipitation: December, 167 mm
Month with the lowest average rainfall: August, 7 – 11 mm
Average wind speed in summer: 2 – 5 Bft.
Months with the highest average water temperature: July/August, 25°
Month with the lowest average water temperature: March, 14°
Main season: May – October
How much does it cost to rent a yacht in the Ionian Sea and what are the different types of rental?
You can rent a 12m sailboat, for example, from around €1,400 a week. Prices increase according to the size, model and equipment of the yacht. Fleet rental is as popular as ever. You can do bareboat or skippered charters, and choose between catamaran charters and sailboat or motor yacht rentals. You could opt for a day charter. And another option is the luxury boat rental that comes with many extras and a crew according to your specific needs.
What activities besides sailing are there on a bareboat charter on the Ionian?
Visit the Corfu Classic Yacht Race, a two-day regatta in September where you can watch traditional and contemporary classic sailing yachts compete in front of the beautiful Corfu town and fortress.
If you have time between boat trips, visit Corfu’s historic old town within its fortifications. It really is a must see and a labyrinth of magnificent narrow cobbled streets full of good shops and restaurants. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and has a lot of old Venetian architecture as it was under Venetian rule for a long time. The huge Venetian fortress, or old citadel, is separated on an artificial islet and is wonderful to behold. From there, you have a splendid view of Corfu. Then there is the huge new citadel, which you can take a tour of and walk through the medieval corridors and fortifications. It is situated on the northeast part of the city and from there you can see the sea in the distance and see sailboats and luxury yachts pass by. Spinada square in the center is one of the largest in Europe and you can stroll through its green spaces and monuments or dine in one of the restaurants there. Try the nightlife, especially along the Gouvia coastal road with its many bars and clubs. Alternatively, the towns of Kavos, Sidari, Ipsos and Dassia have good options for going out. The Achilleion Palace in Gastouri on the east side built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria has a very beautiful interior and exterior and is well worth a visit.
Head to the ruins of the ancient city of Nicopolis, 7 km north of Preveza. It used to be a splendid city built by Emperor Octavian and the impressive remains such as the theatre, city gates and thermal baths as well as the museum are very interesting for anyone who likes history.
If you are not too tired from your day on the charter yacht, visit Argostoli with many bustling streets and shops, as well as the bell tower in the center.
Take a wine tour in Kefalonia where you will be taken to different wineries and you can learn about the different grape varieties and wine making processes.
You can also visit the cellars of Lefkas. Or visit the island’s largest resort, Nidri, a sheltered harbor overlooking Skorpios, formerly owned by Aristotle Onassis. 20 km to the south is the windsurfing center of Vasiliki, and further south is Cape Lefkada, where the Greek poet Sappho supposedly jumped to her death from.
While in a charter boat, indulge in water sports such as sea kayaking/canoeing, water skiing, wake boarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, fishing, and many more.
Go turtle or dolphin watching, for example in Marathonisi where there are many amazing loggerhead turtles.