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The second part of Click&Boat‘s Guide to Sailing in Greece takes you to the western part of the country: the stunning Ionian Islands. They come in all sizes and shapes, from large and popular Corfu to tiny Paxos. Sailing lovers who hire a yacht in Greece will enjoy island-hopping and exploring unspoilt coves and beaches.
Sailing in the Ionian Islands with Ulysses
Start from Corfu, the island where Ulysses encountered Nausicaa, the Princess of Phaeacia. The island has many marinas to dock your boat. We recommend the old harbour of Corfu town, Port Mandraki or Gouvia on the north of the island. In Corfu town, you can admire the Venetian arsenal, dating back to 1716. Hiking enthusiasts can climb Mount Pantokrator for a unique view of the Ionian Sea, continental Greece and the Albanian coast.
A trip around this cosmopolitan island can take you to the sheltered bays of Sagiada and Kassopi, facing the Albanian coast. Sail to Agios Stefanos and the picturesque town of Paleokastritsa to the northwest. Around 25 miles from the latter is the southernmost edge of the island, Kavos, known for its nightlife. We recommend visiting Petriti, a traditional fishing village a few miles from Corfu, to taste some of the island’s local specialities.
If you sail in the Ionian Islands, you can sail between the islands and continental Greece. The small town of Sivota is just five miles from Kavos. Further to the south, Parga is another gem that few travel guides cover.
Sivota, an up-and-coming sailing destination, has a modern quay and a small marina nearby. The beach here is sandy, and its crystal clear waters will take your breath away. However, the village tends to get crowded during the summer months.
Lefkada and Ithaca
Back to the Ionian islands, your first stop is Lefkada. It’s a distinctive island separated from continental Greece by a narrow channel. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy climbing the summit of Mount Stavrotas (1158 m). And if you have a day or two to explore, it’s worth visiting the small towns of Nidri and Vlikho.
Five miles south of Lefkada is Ulysses’ home island, the famed Ithaca. It’s only separated from nearby Kefalonia by a narrow channel, the Steno Ithakis. Small and beautiful, it offers sailors plenty of opportunities to explore remote coves. The capital, Vathi, has a small harbour to dock at, and is perfect to spend the night. Other options for anchorage include the smaller villages of Kioni and Frikes on the northeast. There can be strong NW winds in that area during the summer.
Kefalonia, a dreamy destination to hire a yacht in the Ionian Islands
Kefalonia, the largest Ionian island and Ithaca’s big sister, is an island in its own league. It’s home to several mountain ranges. Mount Enos (1,626 metres) is the highest one. Myrtos, a world-famous beach, is in the northwest of the island. Parts of the island are green and fertile, hosting vineyards that produce the famous Robola wine. As for anchorages, you can dock in Fiskardo, Sami, Poros or Assos in the north. The best option is the sheltered bay of Argostoli. It’s home to the island’s biggest towns: Argostoli (the capital) and Lixouri. Both are gems, worth visiting to try the island’s most famous delicacy: caramelised almonds known as ‘mandoles‘.
After exploring Kefalonia you have two options: head to Zakynthos (Zante) farther south or return to Corfu. If you opt for the former, stop on the small island of Paxos, around 50 miles from Kefalonia. It’s a paradise on earth, encapsulating the beauty of the Ionian islands and Greece itself.
