Sailing the Ionian Islands of Greece

Bareboat charter in the Ionian Islands is the least challenging of all our destinations in Greece. The ‘spiritual home’ of our big brother company Sailing Holidays Ltd, the Ionian offers waters of the most amazing clarity, dockside tavernas, ‘short-hop’ sailing, and an ambience of sights and smells that is hard to describe in print.

It is easy to see why this is one of the most popular destinations in the world for British sailors.

The Ionian Islands are off the western coast of Greece and stretch from Corfu in the north to Zakynthos in the south. The sailing area of the Ionian Islands is principally made up of six islands. From north to south they are Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Kefalonia and Zakynthos (Zante). The Greek mainland also contributes many beautifully scenic ‘ports of call’ such as Parga, Mourtos and Kalamos. You are never short of a bay, taverna or beach to spend a relaxing day or evening.

Expect a friendly welcome from your Greek hosts, with food fresh off the spit or straight out of the garden. Moor up outside a taverna for the evening meal and a few of the local ‘tipples’, and buy fresh bread and tomatoes for when you throw anchor in a secluded bay for lunch the next day.

Weather and Winds

Our season runs from May to October in the Ionian, with each month offering it’s own benefits for at sailing holiday at that time. Expect average temperatures of 29-32 degrees in late June, July, August and September. May and October average a pleasant 24 degrees.

The Ionian summer wind, called the ‘Meltemi’ prevails from the north-west. During the peak season the Meltemi averages 3-4 Beaufort in the afternoon, dying off at sunset.  While in early and late season the weather is a little more unsettled with slightly higher 4 Beaufort winds.

How to get there from the UK

Sailing Holidays are able to source flights to Preveza Airport, or simply guide you on the best (and cheapest!) way to package your holiday. You can also fly to Corfu Island from many airports in the UK, including Gatwick, Bristol, and Manchester. Just give us a call, we'll be happy to help.

South Ionian Base

Still retaining much of its ‘ethnicity’ with a wide range of tavernas and local stores, Lefkas Town is fast becoming a minor metropolis with a modern town square, associated tourist shops and also a new marina.

Our main bareboat base of Lefkas Town is just a short 40 minutes from Preveza airport and offers a great introduction to the Ionian.   We can organise a transfer for you to and from the airport or there are taxis available outside the airport.

North Ionian Base

Corfu town is steeped in history and is intrinsically tied to Greek ancient history. In more recent times Corfu has become a tourist mecca with ‘Corfiotes’ having a long history of hospitality to foreign residents and visitors, typified in the twentienth century by Gerald Durrell's childhood reminiscence My Family and Other Animals.

Our main bareboat base of Gouvia Marina is a short 15 minute journey from Corfu Airport (Kerkyra).  There are plenty of taxis outisde the airport to take you to the base.

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