SAILING DESTINATION GUIDE IONIAN SEA
INTRODUCTION TO THE IONIAN ISLANDS
The Ionian Sea is west of the Greek mainland and includes the islands of Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Keffalonia, as well as many other smaller islands.
From Corfu you can set sail into the waters of the Ionian and discover a magical, mythological Mediterranean. The Ionian is the central basin of the Med bounded by the west of Sicily and the foot of Italy. Two winds predominate here the Sirocco and the Gregale, or Bora as it’s know in Corfu. The Sirocco blows from the south during Spring and Autumn and is a warm wind originating in South Africa. The Gregale is a Winter wind, but luckily it’s full force is not felt in the Greek Islands.
Variety is the key to describing the Greek landscape. On one hand there are high mountains and entire mountain ranges such as the Pindus (known as Greece’s backbone) and then there are endless intertwining coastlines springing up a scenic surprise at every turn. In fact no part of Greece is ever more than 60 miles away from the sea and 80% of the land in Greece is mountainous.
Wherever you choose to charter in Greece you can be certain of one constant, a warm welcome from both the locals and the weather – the sun shines in Greece for over 3000 hours a year!
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Sailing Conditions...
- Meltemi thermal wind - May to October
- Cool sea breezes
- Still at night
Local Information...
- Currency - Euro
- Language - Greek
- Time Zone - GMT + 1
Base Facilities...
- Small supermarket
- Showers & toilets
- Swimming pool
- Bars & restaurants
- Fuel & water
- Money exchange
ABOUT THE ISLAND
Corfu stands at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea and is just 50 miles from the heel of Italy. Roman, Germans, Turkish, French, Russians, Italians and British - Corfu has seen them all and taken a little from each, becoming the proud and exciting island it is today. Corfu Yacht Base is the ideal destination from where to sail the North Ionian with its beautiful islands, mainland coast and stable winds.
The island's shape resembles a scythe (once the ancient name for Corfu) and geologists say it’s the exposed crown of a submerged mountain range that broke off from the Greek/Albanian mainland. The greenest of Greece's 1,425 islands, Corfu boasts beautiful scenery, endless groves of silvery olive trees, lovely beaches and lush hillsides. The most marvellous thing about Corfu is that over the years it has absorbed so much yet has changed so little.
Gouvia Marina is a state-of-the-art marina facility in the heart of the Ionian. There are mini markets, supermarkets, restaurants, bars and cafes all located within walking distance in the towns of Kontokali and Gouvia.
CRUISING NOTES
The first major escape from tourist development on Corfu is found in Agios Stefanos, a lovely, isolated and shady cove with a small but attractive pebble beach. There are four tavernas on the beach and a couple more in the village plus a minimarket and a few half-decent gift shops. Agni bay, also on Corfu is a small bay of pebbles with the odd patch of sand, home to three tavernas with views across to Albania. Jetties have been built to accommodate the yachts and it's a beautiful and peaceful setting; a step back in time for those seeking a more relaxed Greece.
The neighbouring island of Paxos is blessed with greenery, impressive white boulders and beautiful beaches with clear waters, small coves and enchanting caves. Gaios is the island’s principle town and port, a picturesque place with pretty whitewashed houses and narrow streets. The old windmill, Venetian fort and Ipapanti sea cave with its breathtaking blue water are all must sees before crossing over to the island of Anti Paxos.
A small but perfectly formed island, Anti Paxos is a complete escape from the daily grind. Its sandy blue water coves have been compared to the Caribbean’s and a swim in the crystal clear waters of Paradise beach will wash away your worries!
Set sail across to the mainland and head for Mourtos, a small village hidden behind a group of tiny islands called Sivota. Mourtos is a traditional town with a beautiful boulevard and a number of terraces from where to sit back and relax, soaking up the scenery and stunning sunsets.
On a two week charter you can easily head south to explore Levkas, Cephalonia, Ithaca and surrounding islands.
Corfu, Greece
Useful Information
Sailing Conditions...
- Meltemi thermal wind - May to October
- Cool sea breezes
- Still at night
Local Information...
- Currency - Euro
- Language - Greek
- Time Zone - GMT + 1
Base Facilities...
- Small supermarket
- Showers & toilets
- Swimming pool
- Bars & restaurants
- Fuel & water
- Money exchange
LEVKAS
Levkas is a popular stop for sailors. Also known as Lefkada, Levkas Town is the capital situated on the northeast coast where the island is joined to the mainland by a causeway and 50 metre swing bridge. The town is a very pleasant, friendly, traditional Greek town with a pedestrianised main shopping street. Halfway along you’ll find the town square, full of friendly cafes where you can sit and watch the world go by.
Lefkas Town provides one of the calmest harbours in the Ionian and the new luxury marina is an enjoyable place to moor up. A little further out of town is the impressive Frankish fortress of Ayia Mavra and the peaceful monastery of Faneromeni boasting beautiful views above the town.
MEGANISSI
With a population of less than two thousand people, the Island of Meganisi offers complete relaxation in a typically Greek atmosphere. Take a slow stroll along the beach or sip on Ouzo with the locals in the village taverna!
If you feel like finding your land legs for a few hours there are various walks and cycle rides around the Island and a variety of footpaths and goat trails to more remote parts of the Island. Spartohori perched high above Spilia Bay, is reached by a 10 minute walk up the road or steps and has spectacular views across the sea to the mountains of the mainland. Spilia Bay harbour is a popular sailing stop where you can take advantage of a few quaint tavernas and welcoming beach.
ITHACA
With its low key resorts and pebbly coves dotted around the coastline, Ithaca is an island to visit if you’re looking for a quiet holiday in a traditional village. Home to some two thousand inhabitants, Vathi is Ithaca’s capital and the elongated, hidden bay of Vathi is where most tourists head. The town itself is a picture of classical Greece with tavernas and cafes spilling out onto the town square lining the harbour's edge. Frikes is the most northerly of Ithaca's resorts and the relaxed lifestyle of the village revolves around the tiny harbour. Nearby Kioni draws sailors into its dramatic horseshoe bay for the traditional architecture on show.
CEPHALONIA
Made famous in the year 2000 with the release of the film Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Cephalonia has been drawing visitors from far and wide since. Cephalonia or Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands and a scenically stunning Greek island of lush flora and fauna, exceptional beaches and secluded sandy coves.
Throughout the years the people of Cephalonia have retained their own brand of Greekness and their friendship and hospitality to strangers wins them many friends.
Whatever you’re looking for whether it be a beautiful beach, clear blue seas, rugged mountains, lush green valleys, wild flowers, loggerhead turtles, dolphins or a little isolation, you’ll find it all on this island.
On a two week charter you can easily head north to explore Corfu, Paxos and Anti Paxos, or if you can only spare a week away from work, why not start your yacht charter from our other Ionian charter base, Corfu.
Other Islands
Useful Information
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