The Ionian Islands in Greece make a great destination for a sailing holiday. The Mediterranean waters of the Ionian Sea offer tranquil and warm sailing conditions The islands of Lefkada, Ithaki and Kefallonia boast beautiful harbours, beaches and culture to indulge in.
Summer time in Greece makes a perfect destination for a sailing holiday with calm breezes and warm seas bringing great sailing conditions. The gorgeous coastlines and picturesque harbours, as well as plenty of cultural interest, means a sailing holiday to Greece can offer something for everyone. Destinations such as Athens, with its historical sites or island hopping in the Aegean Sea offer magnificent sailing opportunities with short sailing times between islands and an array of places to sail to. The Southern Ionian Islands of Lefkada, Ithaki and Kefallonia offer some of the best sailing in Greece with gorgeous scenery, beautiful beaches and tavernas located conveniently in harbours ensuring your trip is relaxing and memorable.
Lefkada
Vounaki on the island of Lefkada is a good place to start your sailing trip. Some sailing companies such as Sunsail offer sailing holidays which start from here and even offer sailing tuition. To the south of the island is the town of Vassiliki. With its protected bay and sea breezes, it is a terrific spot for windsurfing. Lining the seafront, there are tavernas offering delicious Greek food and there are bars in the town for drinking and dancing.
Ithaki
The village of Kioni, on the island of Ithaki is a hidden gem. With its picturesque harbour, tavernas and bars it is a great place to congregate with other yachties. The island itself offers some interesting historical sites and visitors can retrace the steps of Odysseus at the Fountain of Arethousa and the Cave of the Nymphs. There are also plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkelling in coves and beaches around the island.
Kefallonia
Made famous by Louis de Berniere’s novel, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, the island of Kefallonia offers stunning landscapes and one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. The harbour in the fishing village of Fiscardo is a lovely place to stop with its tavernas and bars along the harbour front and plenty of shops to stock up on food and other necessities. The village makes a great place from which to explore the north of the island with easy access to hiking, museums and fortresses. The outstanding white sandy beach at Myrtos is one of the most stunning in the Mediterranean and is well worth a visit either by sailing round the island or by hiring a car or jeep. Alternatively there are secluded coves with crystal clear waters making them ideal for swimming and for exploring life beneath the water through snorkelling.
The Ionian sea offers some of the best sailing in the Mediterranean with calm waters and gentle breezes along with stunning landscape and beautiful beaches. The islands of Lefkada, Ithaki and Kefallonia provide some lovely locations to visit with tavernas, beaches and cultural sites all contributing to a memorable holiday.