sailing the Ionian Sea

Strung along the western coast of Greece, the stunning Ionian islands are incredibly beautiful and thanks to their gentle winds, they are perfect for sailing holidays.

Each island holds a charm of its own, with ancient ruins from both Venetian and ancient Greek rule, and is surrounded by the heady scents of cypress groves and herbs. The pace of life is slower here; experiences such as eating are cherished. The Ionian islands are famed for their beauty, with many having starred in Hollywood films or inspired writers and artists. They are truly captivating and arguably the most picturesque group of islands in Greece.

Sailing around Corfu

The largest and most northerly of the Ionian islands, Corfu boasts a rich history, dating back to 734 BCE. From 1386 – 1797, Corfu was run by the Venetians and a walk through Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will showcase their impressive legacy. Tall, majestic, brightly coloured buildings adorn narrow streets that eventually open onto the dazzling seafront. Explore the old fort, which dominates the landscape here, then head down to the yacht club for a swim with the locals before sampling a delicious cocktail as the sun goes down.

Most of our Corfu voyages will depart from this pretty waterfront, so keep your eyes out for your boat, likely anchored up not too far away!

Sailing to Paxos and Antipaxos

Home to olive and cypress groves, excellent snorkelling and vibrantly painted mansions, the Ionian islands of Paxos and Antipaxos are considered some of the most attractive in the entire area.

Your voyage will likely include a visit to the famous ‘blue cave’ where you may be able to explore from a dinghy or take a swim. If you spend an evening here, take a wander away from the waterfront where you will be greeted with cobbled streets, vine-draped bars and locals selling their wares.

The Other Ionian Islands

There are over 20 islands making up the Ionian archipelago, with only seven of them inhabited. Perhaps the most well-known is Kefalonia, the 6th largest island in Greece, known for its outstanding beauty largely thanks to the vivid green mountains which tumble down to the water’s edge. With a rich, cultural history, welcoming locals and plenty of secluded beaches to visit, Kefalonia is a popular destination when sailing the Ionian.

However, if you’re keen to get off the beaten path, then you won’t be disappointed. Far from the madding crowds, there are endless islands and islets to explore. Your skipper will plan your route according to the winds and tides; however, you are likely to wake up in tranquil coves where the only sound is from the water lapping against the hull of your boat.
>Dive in for a morning swim in the enticingly warm waters before breakfast, then set sail for the next gem of the day. The only company, other than your fellow guests, is likely to be the odd dolphin as they surprise you frolicking in the bow waves.

Food and Drink in the Ionian

As to be expected, the cuisine in the Ionian is as gorgeous as the scenery, with a good mix of Italian, Greek and a little Albanian. There is always plenty of just-caught fish and seafood available along with freshly picked vegetables, fruits, olives and herbs. All of our ventures provide the chance for you to dine ashore, whether it’s in a traditional Greek taverna, sampling gyros from a local bar or a three-course meal in a local restaurant. There are always plenty of options, and the choice will be yours.

Things to Do in the Ionian

During your time sailing in the Ionian, you will have daily chances to enjoy a refreshing swim or magical snorkelling session. As we mentioned above, the waters here are utterly breathtaking and comfortably warm, making them perfect for a variety of watersports.

There will also be plenty of opportunities to step ashore to experience the unique charm of these islands. Wherever you visit, we guarantee ancient history, pretty villages, spectacular scenery and magnificent architecture. The locals here are also incredibly welcoming, so spend time meandering, saying hello or souvenir shopping.

Wildlife in the Ionian

Those sailing the Ionian are able to experience a diverse range of wildlife, from little bats in hidden sea caves to wild pigs on the beach! Marine wildlife here isn’t overly abundant due to the temperate waters, but the area is known to be home to the rare Monk Seal, and guests often sight one during their week at sea. Dolphins are known to make the occasional appearance, too, along with the odd swordfish, game fish and sea birds.

Under the surface, snorkellers can enjoy a wide range of fish, seaweeds, corals, shells and rocky formations, with no two snorkelling sites the same. Back on land, the local population often includes welcoming cats as well as colourful butterflies, musical crickets and other insects. So, whilst not necessarily a nature lover’s paradise, the Ionian islands still have plenty of natural gems to experience.

Climate and Sailing Conditions in the Ionian

Lying north of Athens, close to Albania, the Ionian Sea offers a warm, wet climate with hot, dry summers. Temperatures here rarely climb above 39 degrees, with cooler numbers when at sea.

Out of reach of the wild Meltemi, sailing conditions here are remarkably pleasant. Mornings are often calm and peaceful, with warm north-westerly winds often picking up in the early afternoon before dropping as dusk falls. This makes it utterly perfect for beginners as well as families, but even experienced sailors will enjoy a good mix of sailing conditions, with little to no rainfall.

Whether it’s warm, sunshine sailing, exploring somewhere new, or simply escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life, sailing the Ionian is hard to beat. Plus, with flight times from UK to Corfu around 3 hours, you could set off from home in the morning and be swimming next to your boat by dinner time!