Why choose the Ionian Islands cruising grounds?
The Ionian Islands are often chosen for a Greece luxury yacht charter because of their impressive natural beauty, excellent surroundings for learning new watersports and the laid-back atmosphere that can be found in the towns.
The Ionian Islands take life at a slower pace than the Cyclades or Dodecanese, and while a few of the major destinations are geared towards partying until the early hours and everything the luxury lifestyle has to offer, the majority of your time can be spent discovering life in the Eastern Mediterranean thousands of years ago and making memories with friends and family in some of the most idyllic coastal destinations anywhere in Europe.
Snorkelling and Scuba dive sites are plentiful, richly coloured by living corals and the numerous fish species that call this region home. The bays and coves are protected from the strongest winds while creating ideal conditions for sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing, and after sundown your on board facilities will provide first-class entertainment both inside and out, entertaining in air-conditioned surroundings or under the stars.
Plan your own magnificent adventure with the Ionian Islands Yacht Charter itinerary below that will take you to eight spectacular locations over eight days.
Day 1: Corfu
The largest of the northernmost Ionaian Islands, Corfu has long been a tourist destination for holidaymakers and this has resulted in carefully preserved cultural heritage, plenty of modern entertainments and a well-developed local yachting industry with top quality marina facilities and plenty of water sports activities to complement your own selection of water toys.
From beautiful town-side beaches such as Piedra del Mar to the tranquil Erimitis forest area to the north east which hides such treats as Akoli Beach, sun bathers, adrenaline seekers and those looking to spend quality time with the family will be able to pick and choose their surroundings and how close they want to be to town.
There are two Venetian fortresses to take in, the Byzantine Museum and for a change of aesthetic the Museum of Asian Art. The Patounis’ Soap Factory has operated continuously since 1850 and there are tours which show the traditional process for making this soap from olive products. Ten kilometres to the south of Corfu, the Achilleion Palace is a popular tourist attraction for its dedication to art and sculpture relating to Achilles and both inside the palace and in the well maintained surrounding gardens.
Location Highlights: Old Venetian Fortress, New Venetian Fortress, Byzantine Museum, Museum of Asian Art, Patounis’ Soap Factory, Achilleion Palace
Day 2: Antipaxos
After the jetset lifestyle of Corfu, the island of Antipaxos is filled with natural wonders for those wanting golden sand beaches and turquoise blue waters, scattered ruins and the occasional wine bar and restaurant.
Make use of any bikes in your water toys collection of explore the island interior, then return to the fabulous beaches for a sunset all to yourselves.
Location Highlights: Taverna Spiros, Bella Vista restaurant, Bay Antipaxos, Rodovani Beach, Mesovrika Beach, Voutumi Beach, Kaloiri Cove
Day 3: Lefkada
Lefkada is a return to civilisation amongst beautiful surroundings that work in harmony with nature. Lefkada Town is the main location for shopping and a lively nightlife, however Nydri and a few of the larger towns will also have cocktail bars to savour at sunset. The charming local museums include the Archaeological Museum in Lefkada Town and the Karya Folklore Museum, and are worth a visit to learn more about local traditions before cruising on to deserted locations.
Cape Lefkadas is a stunning part of the coastline with its towering white cliffs and sapphire blue waves, with ample beaches and coves to explore by kayak or paddleboard. More experienced dives will be rewarded with such discoveries as the Blue Cave and the Canyon dive site, while snorkelers have plenty of fish species to swim amongst in the shallows. Those seeking the island’s charms inland should visit the beautiful Nydri Falls, or try paragliding over the coast for a bird’s eye view of the surroundings.
To find a beach all to yourselves you’ll have to travel away from the towns but there are numerous great options available that are only accessible by sea. The south of the island has excellent breezes for wind-based water sports such as kite surfing or sailing in a dinghy.
Location Highlights: Cape Lefkadas, Porto Katsiki, Egremni Beach, Milos Beach, Agios Ioannis Beach, Archaeological Museum, Karya Folklore Museum, The Blue Cave dive site, Canyon dive site
Day 4: Meganisi
In less than a day you can hop from Lefkada to Meganisi in the east, where the crooked coastline provides visitors by luxury yacht with an abundance of anchorage options away from the Vathi Marina. Watersports and resting on the beaches will be your main pastimes while on Meganisi, and you can switch off from modern life or make use of all the wonderful conveniences you have on board.
Snorkel in Papageorge’s Cove and Papanikolis Cave to the south and then eat on board or head to the towns for a variety of eateries along the waterfront. Jammin In Paradise is a popular night spot, of for a more intimate affair your bar, lounge and alfresco living areas will come into their own.
Location Highlights: Nylec Beach, Agrios Beach, Limonari Beach, Papageorge’s Cove, Papanikolis Cave, Jammin In Paradise Bar
Day 5: Ithaca
Ithaca has a selection of ancient Greek ruins that will pique your interest, such as Homer’s School and the Acropolis of Alalkomenes. Soak up the ambiance of these tranquil sites before returning to civilisation: Vathy is lined with picturesque restaurants, cafes and galleries along the harbour and is also home to the Maritime – Folklore Museum.
Hikers might want to consider the trek up 806m/2644ft Mount Nirito for the incredible views of the island and its surrounding seas, or let weary feet recover on the warm sands of beautiful Gedaki Beach.
Location Highlights: Homer’s School, Acropolis of Alalkomenes, Mount Nirito, Gedaki Beach, Hulla Beach, Dexa Beach, Bianche Beach
Day 6: Kefalonia
Wake up to stunning Kefalonia on your sixth day among the Ionian Islands and make your stay all about the feast: Begin with a full breakfast alfresco out on your main deck aft, then fish for your lunch to be prepared by your professional on board chef. Instead, go in town for an array of local dishes and wine tasting sessions up at the vineyards.
Melissani Lake Cave is one of Kafalonia’s beautiful tourist attractions with its limestone caves and waterfalls, and it can be found in Sami just a short walk inland from the beach.
To the north Myrtos Beach and its namesake cave are popular attractions and if you go in the early morning you will have the place virtually to yourself. However, you will encounter one amazing beach after another as you cruise along the coast to Xi Beach, where the crimson clay and sands make a great photo opportunity. Across the bay two historical landmarks are placed along the coast: The Saint Theodore Lantern and the Katavothres watermill.
Kefalonia is excellent for playing with water toys such as jet skis and Seabobs, or windsurfers and kitesurfers. Underwater, the Kakava Amphora Yard and Tilemachos’ Cave are both at a shallow 11m/36ft to satisfy beginner Scuba divers, while more experienced divers will have an excellent selection of sites to choose from, including ‘The Temple’ near Fiskardo as well as Cape Kapros and a Sponge Wall.
Location Highlights: Melissani Lake Cave, Myrtos Beach, Myrtos Cave, Xi Beach, Saint Theodore Lantern, Katavothres, Kakava Amphora Yard dive site, Tilemachos’ Cave dive site, The Temple dive site, Cape Kapros dive site, Sponge Wall dive site
Day 7: Katakolon
Cruise south to Katakolon and take a 30 minute ride to the ruins of Olympia, where the Olympic Games first began in 776 BC. Tour the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, The Stadium at Olympia and the Temple of Hera, then pick up some souvenirs in the museum shops where there are life-sized replicas of the statues, jewellery and artwork to furnish your luxury yacht or home. A short walk from the Katakolon marina there is the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology to learn more about life in ancient Greece on the penultimate day of your cruise.
Location Highlights: Archaeological Museum of Olympia, The Stadium at Olympia and the Temple of Hera, Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, Agios Andreas Beach
Day 8: Zakynthos
Zakynthos is a marvellous destination to end your stay in the Ionian Islands with an upbeat night life, traditional tavernas and plenty of shopping opportunities for holiday souvenirs in Tsilvi and Argassi.
Learn more about recent history in Greece at the History War Museum in Laganas or go turtle spotting at Marathonisi. If you don’t have massage facilities on board, Zakynthos is one last chance to get in some pampering before heading to Athens International Airport.
There are Scuba dive sites aplenty along the southern coast where visitors can see octopus, myriad fish, sea turtles and seahorses along the reefs and within the underwater caves.
If the southern and eastern towns and beaches are too geared towards tourism for your liking, you can get in the famous Navagio Beach shipwreck early in the day or late in the evening once the crowds have dispersed, then spend the rest of your time on the other side of the island savouring the tranquillity of churches, golden sand bays and coves and secret blue caves that that family can discover by kayak.
Location Highlights: Navagio ‘Shipwreck’ Beach, Porto Limnionas Beach, Marathonisi, History War Museum, Butterfly Cave dive site, White Reef dive site, Elephant Reef dive site, Keri Caves dive site
