- Gentle winds
- Most popular
- Family friendly
- Sailing with a Skipper
Located off the western coast of Greece, the Ionian is a wonderfully calm sailing region that British sailors have made their second home for decades now. Stretching from Corfu to Zakynthos, the Ionian is characterised by light winds, a green coastline, short sailing legs, small villages, authentic quayside tavernas and a generally relaxed disposition. The Ionian islands consist of six primary islands: Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Kefalonia, Ithaca, and Zakynthos. The group also includes many smaller islands, most of which offer secluded bays, a traditional taverna or two, clear waters and a true Greek experience.
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Seamaster Choice
Corfu, Ionian Islands
Lucia 40 Compact Catamaran- 4 Cabins
- 3 Toilets
- 2017
£4,697£ 5872Including Boat only20% offCorfu, Ionian Islands
Lagoon 40 Compact Catamaran- 4 Cabins
- 4 Toilets
- 2019
£5,746£ 6384Including Boat only10% offCorfu, Ionian Islands
Lagoon 39 Compact Catamaran- 4 Cabins
- 4 Toilets
- 2015
£3,775£ 4719Including Boat only20% off- Modern
Seamaster Choice
Corfu, Ionian Islands
Bali 4.1 Medium Catamaran- 6 Cabins
- 4 Toilets
- 2021
£5,998£ 7056Including Boat only15% off - New
Seamaster Choice
Corfu, Ionian Islands
Excess 11 Medium Catamaran- 6 Cabins
- 2 Toilets
- 2023
£4,914£ 5460Including Boat only10% off Corfu, Ionian Islands
Lagoon 42 Medium Catamaran- 5 Cabins
- 4 Toilets
- 2020
£5,998£ 7056Including Boat only15% offCorfu, Ionian Islands
Bali 4.1 Medium Catamaran- 6 Cabins
- 4 Toilets
- 2020
£6,048£ 6720Including Boat only10% off- New
Corfu, Ionian Islands
Bali Catspace Medium Catamaran- 4 Cabins
- 4 Toilets
- 2023
£5,897£ 6552Including Boat only10% off - New
Corfu, Ionian Islands
Lagoon 42 Medium Catamaran- 4 Cabins
- 5 Toilets
- 2023
£6,431£ 7308Including Boat only12% off - Modern
Seamaster Choice
Corfu, Ionian Islands
Lagoon 46 Large Catamaran- 6 Cabins
- 4 Toilets
- 2021
£8,240£ 9156Including Boat only10% off
- 1 Week - North Ionian Route
- 1 week - South Ionian Route
- 2 Week - South Ionian Route
- 2 Week - Whole Ionian Route
Kassiopi is a lively resort at the North East corner of Corfu. A charming little fishing village, with a traditional port. Tourism has of course had its influence, but you can still find local fishermen bringing home the morning catch down at the harbour. The harbour is constructed in a natural cove protected on its W side from the prevailing winds by the peninsula of Ak Kassiopi, on which there sits an imposing Byzantine/Venetian castle.
A small and very ‘Greek’ harbour, Sayiadha is located on the mainland near the Albanian border, in fact it was once closed to the public for this very reason! Today it is a lovely relaxed place to visit and top up on water and sample the prawns on offer from Alekos Taverna, reported to be the best in the Ionian!
Petriti is a small and somewhat sleepy fishing harbour on the south east coast of Corfu, 10 miles south of Corfu Town. Nestling in a small bay protected from the prevailing north westerly winds, the harbour consists of a 100 metre long breakwater extending south from the north side of the bay. A rocky shoal to the S of the harbour affords some protection from southerly winds and swell. Visiting yachts berth on the outer 50 metres or so of the breakwater, using their anchors to go bows or stern-to.
Gaios, the island’s main town, hardly needs to try for the ‘picturesque’ label. Pink, cream and whitewashed buildings line the edge of an emerald bay on either side of the Venetian square. The village is protected by the wooded islet of Agios Nikolaos, named after its monastery. Gaios has the liveliest nightlife on the island, and cafes and tavernas line the waterfront. The town’s picturesque setting and unique geography have made it deservedly popular and during the season it is full of day trippers from Corfu and the mainland and busy with yachtsmen of all nationalities, especially Italians.
“The turquoise bay was so clear that boats appeared to be suspended in air!” the words of one visitor help to give you an idea of why Emerald bay is such a special destination. Located on the north east shores of the tiny island of Antipaxos, Emerald bay really is a joy to behold. In the early 19th century, the island was inhabited by Souliotes, who fought the Ottoman Empire until they were defeated in 1803. If you’ve got time you might want to explore some of the short walks around the island among the orchards, vineyards and carpets of wild flowers.
Parga is a very popular and busy tourist resort lying 15 miles south east of Igoumenitsa and 25 miles north west of Preveza. The town is dominated by an imposing Venetian castle crowning the peninsula around which it sits, which is a useful landmark on arrival. For the visiting yachtsman, the only realistic berthing option is to anchor on the north west side of the long beach to the west of the town, Ormos Valtou, where shelter is reasonably good from the prevailing north westerly winds.
Mourtos is a small village and fishing harbour located on the mainland of Greece opposite the southern part of Corfu, six miles south of Igoumenitsa and three miles south of Plataria. In recent years it has become a bustling tourist town with the small harbour now used as much by yachts as fishing boats, while the quay has a mass of tourist restaurants and bars.
Just as it was a great place to start, Corfu is also a great place to finish. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in Gouvia Town we recommend you check out. Our information packs have lots of recommendations about the best places to eat, drink and explore.
Warm days, cool evenings. Changeable weather improving
Hot days, warm nights and generally calm conditions
Beautifully hot, dry and very calm conditions throughout
Beautifully hot, dry and very calm conditions throughout
Warm days, warm nights, weather becoming changeable
Cool days and nights with occasional stormy weather
Cool calm seas and chilly evenings changeable conditions
In the north Ionian, our base is Marina Gouvia on Corfu island. It’s located just 15 minutes from Corfu airport and is a nice little marina with all the facilities you need nearby. The south Ionian is served by bases at Preveza and Lefkas town. We also have a small number of boats available from Sami on Kefalonia.
There are two airports to fly to for sailing the Ionian; Corfu and Preveza. Preveza is on the Greek mainland, and has its own marina nearby, while approximately 40 minutes from the airport is Lefkas town where most of our yachts are based. There are flights on Fridays and Saturdays from London and Manchester, or on Sundays from London, Manchester and Bristol. Corfu Airport is just 20 minutes from our base at Gouvia Marina. London, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester flights are available.
In the Ionian Islands you’ll usually find light winds throughout the summer, but particularly in the peak summer season with winds ranging between Force 1-3. Generally, the northern Ionian has better sailing winds than the south, though only marginally. Greece enjoys a long season, with May and October temperatures in the mid-20s. July and August sees temperatures in the mid-30s, while June and September experience temps in the late 20s.
Mooring fees are rare in the Ionian but are increasing. This is especially so on private quays that are popping up around the area. Fortunately, they do remain affordable, so look to spend €20 or so per night.
For charters in Greece, you must have an ICC (International Certificate of Competence). Those with an RYA Day Skipper, or above, can apply to the RYA for an ICC with no additional assessments required.