Home Best places to visit in the Ionian

ABOUT THE IONIAN

Best places to visit in the Ionian

The North and South Ionian are such wonderful locations for a sailing holiday. The numerous islands, the close proximity of the islands to each other, the huge number of pretty villages, the unlimited bays and coves to visit and the excellent weather all add up to create one of the best sailing areas in the world.

So much choice!

With so many places to visit, it can be quite daunting at first, when starting to plan your itinerary for your holiday. The first point to make is that there really are very few places in the Ionian which you will be disappointed with (if any!), so you cannot go too far wrong!
The second point is that, due to the short distances between the islands and villages, you do not need to do too much hard and fast planning. You can pretty much make it up as you go! However, it is a good idea to have a list of places you would like to visit before you set off. If you are new to the Ionian, when you arrive at the Nisos base, one of our skippers will sit with you with the charts and help you plan an itinerary and share their vital local knowledge with you.

Our recommendations

Below you will find the main destinations in the Ionian which we recommend you try and visit. It should be noted that there are many more suitable overnight stops, mostly in bays without facilities/tavernas. Go explore and if you feel we should list your favourite place here, please do email us!
All Nisos yachts in the Ionian, are supplied with original Imray G11 and G121 charts, and The Ionian Pilot Guide. These publications can be purchased from Imray if you wish to have your own copies.

Ionian Pilot Guide by Rod Heikell (as supplied on the Nisos Yachts)

Let’s explore!

Lefkada (Lefkas / Levkas)

Lefkas sits in the heart of the Ionian. It is where most charter companies are based and is ideally suited as starting point for your charter due to its central location.

Meganissi Island

Stunning Meganissi. Her north coast is riddled with sheltered bays and coves, all of them wonderfully situated in beautiful surroundings.

Kalamos & Kastos Islands

Kalamos is the high island looking like a stranded whale, with dense pine forests and shear drops down into sea. The bays on the north coast are stunning and there are a few lovely stops. Kastos is its low lying neighbour, again with superb bays. There is always good sailing in the late afternoon between the two islands.

Ithaca

Probably one of the most famous of the Ionian Islands with its historical association with Homers Odyssey. Ithaca offers a huge number of bays and villages to visit.

Kefalonia (Cephalonia)

The largest island in the Ionian region, bought into the public attention with the book, “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”. A wonderful island to explore with numerous bays and villages, especially on the east coast.

Preveza & the Amvraki Gulf

If you fancy going off the beaten track a bit then take a look at the Amvraki Gulf. Low lying, it offers a very different experience to the rest of the Ionian.

Atoko Island

Wonderful and mystical Atoko! Two anchorages that can be used in settled weather. Famous for its friendly wild pigs!

Corfu (Kerkira)

One of the most well known islands in Greece. Although it is a bit of a stretch on a one week holiday from Lefkas, if you are chartering for 2 weeks or more, then it is well worth a visit.

Paxos & Anti Paxos

These beautiful islands are able to be visited in a one week holiday. Stunning bays and some lovely villages to stay at.

Want to know more?

If you’re looking for any further advice or are wanting to book a holiday, please don’t hesitate to get in contact as we would be delighted to assist you.

Please give us a call or message on Whatsapp or alternatively fill out the form on our contact page, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

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