Greek Ionian Islands: Emerald Waters
Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, and Ithaca — the greenest corner of Greece by yacht
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Embarkation
- Corfu (Gouvia Marina)
- Disembarkation
- Lefkada (Lefkada Marina)
- Best season
- May – October
- Total distance
- 145 NM
Overview
The Ionian Islands are Greece's emerald jewels — lush, green, and blessed with some of the clearest turquoise waters in the Mediterranean. Unlike the wind-swept Cyclades, the Ionian offers calm seas, sheltered anchorages, and a gentle pace that makes it ideal for families and first-time charterers.
Why the Ionian?
The Ionian Sea is one of the calmest in the Mediterranean, with reliable gentle breezes and protected waters between the islands and the mainland. The islands themselves are greener and more verdant than their Aegean cousins, with Venetian architecture, olive groves, and cypress forests.
Highlights
- Corfu Old Town UNESCO site
- Paxos blue caves
- Antipaxos turquoise beaches
- Lefkada's Porto Katsiki beach
- Ithaca — home of Odysseus
- Sivota's hidden bays
Day by day
Day 1: Corfu — Venetian Elegance
Corfu
Morning: Arrive at Corfu International Airport and transfer to Gouvia Marina. Board your yacht and settle in with a welcome champagne reception.
Afternoon: Explore Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Venetian, French, and British influences. Visit the Liston arcade, the Old Fortress, and the Church of Saint Spyridon.
Evening: Dinner at Etrusco, one of Greece's finest restaurants, in the hills above Corfu Town. Return to the yacht under a canopy of stars.
Day 2: Paxos — Blue Cave Paradise
Corfu → Paxos · 30 nm
Morning: Cruise south to the tiny island of Paxos, passing the dramatic white cliffs of the west coast. Take the tender into the famous Blue Caves — Ipapanti, Ortholithos, and Kastanida.
Afternoon: Anchor in the charming harbour of Lakka and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Explore the village's tavernas and olive groves.
Evening: Dinner aboard in the sheltered bay of Lakka, with the gentle sound of waves and cicadas.
Day 3: Antipaxos — Caribbean in Greece
Paxos → Antipaxos · 5 nm
Morning: Short cruise to Antipaxos, a tiny island with beaches that rival the Caribbean. Anchor at Voutoumi Beach — white pebbles and impossibly turquoise water.
Afternoon: Spend the day swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying water toys. The island produces excellent wine — arrange a tasting at one of the small vineyards.
Evening: Cruise back to Paxos for dinner at Vassilis in Gaios, the island's main town, known for its fresh seafood.
Day 4: Sivota — Hidden Paradise
Antipaxos → Sivota · 18 nm
Morning: Cruise to the mainland coast and the hidden bays of Sivota. This area is known for its fjord-like inlets and deserted beaches.
Afternoon: Explore the Blue Lagoon by tender — a natural pool of turquoise water surrounded by rocks. Swim and snorkel in the warm, sheltered waters.
Evening: Dinner at the charming fishing village of Sivota, where waterfront tavernas serve the catch of the day.
Day 5: Lefkada — Dramatic Cliffs
Sivota → Lefkada · 35 nm
Morning: Cruise south to Lefkada, famous for its dramatic white cliffs and stunning beaches. Porto Katsiki, consistently rated among Europe's best beaches, is the highlight.
Afternoon: Anchor below the towering white cliffs of Porto Katsiki and swim in the electric-blue water. Take the tender to explore the beach and the dramatic coastline.
Evening: Cruise to Nidri harbour for dinner at a waterfront taverna, with views across to the private island of Skorpios (once owned by Aristotle Onassis).
Day 6: Meganisi — Secret Island
Lefkada → Meganisi · 8 nm
Morning: Short cruise to Meganisi, a tiny island with no cars and no crowds. Anchor in the stunning bay of Atherinos.
Afternoon: Explore the island on foot — whitewashed villages, olive groves, and hidden swimming coves. Visit the sea cave of Papanikolis, used as a submarine base in WWII.
Evening: Dinner in the village of Vathi, where family-run tavernas serve home-cooked Greek food under vine-covered pergolas.
Day 7: Ithaca — Home of Odysseus
Meganisi → Ithaca · 22 nm
Morning: Cruise to Ithaca, the legendary home of Odysseus. Enter the deep harbour of Vathi, one of the most beautiful natural harbours in Greece.
Afternoon: Visit the Cave of the Nymphs and the archaeological site of Aetos. Walk through the charming capital of Vathi with its neoclassical houses and waterfront cafés.
Evening: Farewell dinner aboard in the harbour of Vathi. Disembark the following morning for your transfer.
Families · Couples · Nature Lovers · Swimmers
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