~ North & South Ionian Islands 14 Day Route Sailing The Ionian Islands


Lefkas

Lefkas means white, and with the white cliffs it truly is a beautiful island, with quiet country villages and wild beaches on the west coast of the island. Only just qualifying as an island, it’s separated from the mainland by a canal dug by the Corinths in 600BC, it’s now easily accessible by means of a swing bridge.  A tell tale of its once glorious past are the series of fortresses built along the causeway.  While in Lefkas town head to the main square to indulge in some people watching, with cafes and restaurants it’s thought of as one of the most beautiful places in the town.

Meganissi

Meganissi has a sleepy greek village feel to it, it’s a great place to escape to.  One of the main pulling points of Meganissi are the huge and very impressive caves, the most famous being the Papanikolas cave which housed a submarine in WW2. 

The main port is Vathi on the north east coast, a charming port village amongst hills.  An alternative port is Spilia bay below the cliff top village of Spartahori, there are beautiful views over the rest of the Islands from here.   Once moored up and if feeling adventurous why not head inland to the traditional village of Katomeri and partake in some greek village life and relax with the locals sipping Ouzo or having a frappe!

Kastos

A short sail from Kalamos you’ll find this little island, where you’ll truly feel you’re bareboating. This is a tiny island, its widest part is only 900m wide!  If you’re looking to escape to somewhere where you’ve stepped back in time then this is it. There are no cars on the small roads and the 50 or so permanent residents use boats or walking to get around this island. In the summer months it can rise to 500 people, as friends and family come to visit! (sounds like a great party!) It’s worthwhile stocking up on some food before you arrive here, so you can have a truly blissful night under the stars and relax completely.

Frikes

On the Island of Ithaca you’ll find Frikes, like Kastos it retains an unspoilt charm still maintaining Greek village life and popular with coolest of cool young Ithacans.  It also has a great little beach which attracts a healthy crowd, all enjoying the clear waters. There are a few tavernas around the main quay, where you can settle down for some good food.  There is also a mini market and a fruit and vegetable van that pays a visit to the village in the mornings, so you can get your ‘rations’ for lunch sorted.

Fiskardo

At the most northern tip of Kefalonia, Fiskardo is a charming and beguiling port village. Famous for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin being filmed there, however a long time before the film was made Kefalonia has long been a popular destination for many a yachtie, Fiskardo in particular.  The life and soul of the village is based around the waterfront.  Famous for its preserved Venetian buildings after being the only village not to be devastated by the earthquake in 1953, it has a different feel to other villages on the island.  On the headland towards the west is the village’s lighthouse, well worth a walk to if not only for the mesmerising views on your way back to the water front. Being a favoured destination it can get extremely busy during the summer months, so it’s advisable to head out in the morning and arrive around lunch time to get a much sought after place on the town quay.  Arriving early to beat the crowds you can take a stroll to one of the beaches and enjoy a spot of sunbathing or head into one of the many restaurants for a hazy day.

Paxos – Gaios

Gaios is the slightly more cosmopolitan counterpart to Lakka.  As the largest port and village on the Paxos it’s a hub bub of atmosphere and is popular for yachts to spend an overnight stop here.  Amidst the cobbled streets you’ll find plenty of restaurants spilling onto the streets and shops leading from the main town square.

Paxos - Lakka

On the island of Paxos you’ll find Lakka on the north tip of the island.  It’s a well sheltered bay, which is formed naturally by the headlands which curve round into a horseshoe shape.  The bay is surrounded by olive groves and cypress trees which add up to a picture perfect setting.  There are plenty of restaurants to dine in, just take a stroll through the meandering streets and soak up the atmosphere.

Petriti

Petriti is an old Greek fishing village on the south east part of Corfu its a little part of ‘old greece’ with the traditional fishing boats and friendly relaxed atmosphere.  In the summer months it can get a little crowded, but you can always anchor off the sandy beach towards the south of the bay.

Corfu

Corfu has never been invaded by the Turks, alongside other Ionian islands, touches of French, Italian and British influences have made an impression.  One impression we made was the love of the game of cricket! When strolling down one of Corfu Town’s intertwining streets it’s worth swinging by the café at Liston in the evening and indulging in some serious people watching, back many years there were frequent games of cricket played – a spectacle to behold I would imagine.

Sagiada

This fishing village was once closed to the public because of its proximity to the Albanian border however you’ll be glad to hear that it’s open again.  If feeling the need for some exercise not water based, then head up to ‘old sagiada’ which can be somewhat described as a ghost town after it was abandoned in 1940’s during the civil war.

Plataria

Opposite of Plataria lies the south tip of Corfu island,
Plataria has a population of around 000 inhabitants, but its during the summer where you will find its number...triples(!) because of the amount of visitors it recieves.
As you go exploring around the marina you will find lots of restaurants with fresh fish and cafeterias.
Stretching to reach the Ionian Sea the lush green trees lining Platarias stunning beaches creates an amazing vista, not to mention the pure sand lining the beaches along with its crystal blue waters - it really gives the place a rare kind of beauty.

Mourtos

Nestled behind the Sivota islands Mourtos is a peaceful bay where you can truly forget the hum drum of everyday life. Renowned for its sunset, this is said to be the most beautiful sunset in the area.  On the new promenade there are many waterfront tavernas to choose from to watch the sun go down.

Parga

A typical picture perfect Greek town, Parga has narrow winding streets that lead up to the Venetian castle.  It’s worth the uphill stroll to take in the views across the town, you get a birds eye view over the ceramic roofs of the town and you’ll be able to see the small sandy beach in the centre. The beach is lovely and sandy, you can get a pedlo to head across to a small island opposite the beach. It’s a way to work up an appetite for sure!  To help satisfy your appetite there are many restaurants to choose from which suite every taste bud, from Mexican (?!) to typical Greek fare.

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