Rich in culture and atmosphere, the Ionian islands are one of the Mediterranean’s most beloved yachting paradises!
The Ionian Islands are also called the Eptanisa meaning Seven Islands, are scattered along the west coast of Greece. Each Ionian island has a distinct character and between them they offer everything you could wish for from a Greek Island holiday.
The islands have a mild ambiance and a flourishing growth of plant life. The Ionian Islands is one of the most significant areas for sailing holidays in the east Mediterranean Sea.
The clear, turquoise waters on the Ionian are well known throughout the world, and the blue caves that can be found on nearly all of the Ionian Islands are worth a visit.
It is also one of the easier areas for beginning Yachters!
The Southern Ionian area has several Islands situated very close together which results in flat seas, which are ideal for beginners and the less skilled, because you are always as close as an hour from a protected anchorage and taverna. You can feel safe in knowing that you are never far from help if you happen to need a little rest.
Tranquil olive groves and sleepy villages run right down to the alluring blue of the sea, the scenic coastline revealing all manner of sheltered harbours and breathtaking coves that beg to be anchored in and explored.
The Ionian Islands are located in the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of Greece and are composed of Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Ithaki, Paxos and Kythira. The islands are well known for their beautiful sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, charming villages and stunning scenic countryside which is verdant and flourishing with greenery and nature.
Corfu in the North is an island of rolling green farmland, vineyards and orange groves.
Just below Corfu is Paxos, the smallest of the Ionian islands, dominated by thousands of olive trees.
Further south is Lefkada, a green and mountainous island covered in pine trees.
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands, covered in citrus trees, olive groves and vineyards.
Ithaki, 2 miles west of Kefalonia is a narrow island, almost cut in two by the Gulf of Molos.
Located on the southern side of Peloponnese, Kythira is a secluded island with relaxing atmosphere.
The wind and sailing conditions in the Ionian Sea are ideal and predictable.
From May to September the wind blows from North-West at Force 2-5. In Spring and Autumn the wind is less strong and blows usually from South-West. The Ionian Islands located on the western side of mainland Greece, are seven main islands that distinguish from many of the Greek islands by their fertile land (blanketed with olive groves sustained by the winter rains) and clear blue waters.
The mixture of different civilizations and cultures is harmoniously welded together into one piece that is undoubtedly Greek, in a complex of islands where the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean can be explored.
The Ionian group is situated off the west coast of mainland Greece, but it is more reminiscent of Corfu’s neighbor Italy. Because of the high amount of rainfall it receives, the vegetation is lusher than on the other islands. Each of the islands has it’s own unique culture and cuisine.