Incredible sailing holidays that people love.
It’s what we do.

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Incredible sailing holidays
that people love. It’s what we do.
Ionian Islands
6 - 13 Sep - Adults: 6
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The Ionian Islands, a traditional, authentic, and relaxed sailing haven.
Great for:
  • 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.

Ionian Islands Sailing Holidays that Guests Rave About
IB

Ian Bloxham

August,2021

Another fabulous trip courtesy of Seamaster. Tim and Will are great to deal with and always seem to be able to find us just the right boat, even when we change our plans at the last minute. This time, travel restrictions meant our long awaited trip to Sardinia had to be changed to the Ionian. A brilliant week though and first class support from Seamaster and the local team whenever we needed it. We are now counting the days to our Cat trip to Marmaris at the end of September and hoping we can go ahead as planned for our 3rd year in a row !!

S

SStacey

August,2021

We recently returned from a fantastic week of sailing in the Ionian Islands, which Tim at Seamaster organised for us. He was always available in the weeks leading up to our departure, to answer all our questions relating to the trip, the boat, the itinerary, covid requirements etc. The whole experience was seamless. We have our sights set on many more sailing holidays in the future, and we would highly recommend Seamaster.

MAH

Mrs Anna Hill

August,2023

Will was always happy to answer all my questions - no matter how silly. And he answered them super quickly too. Gave me great advice on boat and trip ideas. The skippers they have are fantastic - ours was amazing - super friendly / knew the perfect places for us to dock for overnight or random swims - can’t say enough good things about him - Fantastic service all round.

LS

Lisa Sinclair

August,2023

Brilliant experience with Tim and his team. 3rd booking with them. Always helpful and they give you lots of useful information.Very trustworthy company to deal with.Would highly recommend.

JS

Jules S

July,2023

SeamasterYachting have linked us up to several sailing holidays and none have disappointed. Recent trip to Sardinia on a very reasonably priced boat for nine of us was superb. All good. Love Will and Tim's experience and local tips to get us off to a great start and colour brochure of all the best anchorages. Straightforward, honest guys who pass on value for money and run a professional outfit.Would definitely recommend.

Our Ionian Islands Yacht Selection
Best for 6 people - 06 Sep - 13 Sep(Change)
  • Premium
  • Super Premium
  • yacht-imagewhishlist

    Seamaster Choice

    flag

    Corfu, Ionian Islands

    Lucia 40 Compact Catamaran
    • 4 Cabins
    • 3 Toilets
    • 2017
    solar_panelsteak_cockpitfurling_mainsailwifi
    £4,697£ 5872
    Including Boat only
    20% off
  • yacht-imagewhishlist
    flag

    Corfu, Ionian Islands

    Lagoon 40 Compact Catamaran
    • 4 Cabins
    • 4 Toilets
    • 2019
    generatorsolar_panels
    £5,746£ 6384
    Including Boat only
    10% off
  • yacht-imagewhishlist
    flag

    Corfu, Ionian Islands

    Lagoon 39 Compact Catamaran
    • 4 Cabins
    • 4 Toilets
    • 2015
    furling_mainsailautopilot
    £3,775£ 4719
    Including Boat only
    20% off
  • yacht-image
    Modern
    whishlist

    Seamaster Choice

    flag

    Corfu, Ionian Islands

    Bali 4.1 Medium Catamaran
    • 6 Cabins
    • 4 Toilets
    • 2021
    air_conditioninggeneratorsolar_panelsfurling_mainsail
    £5,998£ 7056
    Including Boat only
    15% off
  • yacht-image
    New
    whishlist

    Seamaster Choice

    flag

    Corfu, Ionian Islands

    Excess 11 Medium Catamaran
    • 6 Cabins
    • 2 Toilets
    • 2023
    solar_panels
    £4,914£ 5460
    Including Boat only
    10% off
  • yacht-imagewhishlist
    flag

    Corfu, Ionian Islands

    Lagoon 42 Medium Catamaran
    • 5 Cabins
    • 4 Toilets
    • 2020
    air_conditioninggeneratorsolar_panelsteak_cockpitfurling_mainsail
    £5,998£ 7056
    Including Boat only
    15% off
  • yacht-imagewhishlist
    flag

    Corfu, Ionian Islands

    Bali 4.1 Medium Catamaran
    • 6 Cabins
    • 4 Toilets
    • 2020
    solar_panelsfurling_mainsail
    £6,048£ 6720
    Including Boat only
    10% off
  • yacht-image
    New
    whishlist
    flag

    Corfu, Ionian Islands

    Bali Catspace Medium Catamaran
    • 4 Cabins
    • 4 Toilets
    • 2023
    air_conditioninggeneratorfurling_mainsail
    £5,897£ 6552
    Including Boat only
    10% off
  • yacht-image
    New
    whishlist
    flag

    Corfu, Ionian Islands

    Lagoon 42 Medium Catamaran
    • 4 Cabins
    • 5 Toilets
    • 2023
    wifi
    £6,431£ 7308
    Including Boat only
    12% off
  • yacht-image
    Modern
    whishlist

    Seamaster Choice

    flag

    Corfu, Ionian Islands

    Lagoon 46 Large Catamaran
    • 6 Cabins
    • 4 Toilets
    • 2021
    air_conditioninggeneratorsolar_panelsfurling_mainsail
    £8,240£ 9156
    Including Boat only
    10% off

What makes the Ionian Islands so Special

Short hops from village to village
Short hops from village to village

The Ionian islands is packed with small, picturesque villages boasting traditional Greek tavernas to enjoy a local meal and drink in during the evenings. Moor up outside a Greek village in the afternoon, enjoy a sunset cocktail before ambling in to the local taverna for a glorious Greek meal.

Incredible bays, coves and beaches
Incredible bays, coves and beaches

During the day you’ll discover one of the many isolated bays and coves that offer beautiful azure seas under chalk cliffs to swim, snorkel and paddle board. After a short sail, you’ll spend your day here under anchor, enjoying these activities but also eating lunch and generally relaxing in the sun.

Calm, relaxed sailing conditions
Calm, relaxed sailing conditions

The Ionian is the calmest sailing region in Greece making it very popular with families and those looking for a tranquil sailing holiday in the Greek sunshine. Expect light winds and hot weather right through the season, with winds that may border on too light for the keener sailors.

Exclusive boat and crew
Exclusive boat and crew

We are proud to have exclusive access to both a wonderful portfolio of quality, modern yachts but also a fine selection of friendly and professional Seamaster crew. While the yachts are obviously stunning, it’s our Seamaster crew that will bring your holiday alive with unique insight and great company.

Ionian Islands sailing itineraries
  • 1 Week - North Ionian Route
  • 1 week - South Ionian Route
  • 2 Week - South Ionian Route
  • 2 Week - Whole Ionian Route
1 Week - North Ionian Route
Day 1 - Kassiopi (Corfu)

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.

Day 2 - Sayiadha (Mainland)

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!

Day 3 - Petriti (Corfu)

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.

Day 4 - Gaios (Paxos Island)

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.

Day 5 - Lunch spot - Emerald bay (Antipaxos)

“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.

Day 5 - Parga (Mainland)

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.

Day 6 - Sivota Mourtos (Mainland)

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.

Day 7 - Gouvia Town (Corfu)

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.

Typical Ionian Islands Weather
Typical Ionian Islands Weather
May Weather 23°C Sea temp: 19°C

Warm days, cool evenings. Changeable weather improving

June Weather 28°C Sea temp: 23°C

Hot days, warm nights and generally calm conditions

July Weather 30°C Sea temp: 25°C

Beautifully hot, dry and very calm conditions throughout

August Weather 31°C Sea temp: 26°C

Beautifully hot, dry and very calm conditions throughout

September Weather 27°C Sea temp: 25°C

Warm days, warm nights, weather becoming changeable

October Weather 22°C Sea temp: 22°C

Cool days and nights with occasional stormy weather

April Weather 19°C Sea temp: 16°C

Cool calm seas and chilly evenings changeable conditions

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

As a dynamic yacht charter agency headquartered in the United Kingdom, we take pride in offering expert guidance and fantastic deals on Mediterranean sailing vacations. We look forward to arranging your next sun-soaked sailing adventure!

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