Whether you’re an experienced sailor or not, one of the most desirable places to sail is the Greek Ionian. Together with a number of lesser-known islands and islets, the Ionian Islands are collectively referred to as the Heptanese, or “the seven islands” in Greek. They comprise Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Kythira.

It’s fascinating to note that the word “Ionian” has Greek mythological roots. According to legend, Io, one of Zeus’ deadly loves, swam from Greece to Italy while escaping Hera. The Greek Ionian Islands are so vast that a yachter may spend years discovering them. If you’re willing to voyage across the Greek Ionian Islands, here is a list of 9 places to explore.

Corfu

Corfu is the first unmissable place to explore when you’re sailing around Ionian. Here, you can explore the Old Town of Corfu and Paleokastritsa Beach. Villa holidays in the Ionian are going to help you explore Corfu’s Old Town, which is a UNESCO World-Heritage site renowned for its maze-like streets and Venetian architecture.

Paleokastritsa Beach is undoubtedly among the most picturesque of the Ionian islands. It’s the ideal place for recreation and water sports, with its glistening turquoise waters and breathtaking rock formations.

Lefkas Town & Lefkas Marina

Boats are able to navigate across the artificial canal connecting the North and South Ionian on an hourly basis, thanks to the Santa Maura bridge that connects Lefkas Town to the mainland of Greece.

Both the municipal quay and the reputable Lefkas Marina are good places for anchoring in Lefkas municipality. The town quay does not allow reservations, and because so many charter vessels operate out of it, it can get exceptionally crowded on turnaround weekends.

Polyaigos, Aegean Sea

Zakynthos is prepared to share its secrets with you! The spectacular sunsets on the island’s towering cliffs are going to amaze you. The Caretta-Caretta, a threatened category of turtle, lives on the coastline and buries its eggs in the pure white sand each year.

Experience the amazing blue light that shines through the island’s Blue Caves and pay a trip to the breathtaking “Shipwreck beach,” which is only reachable by boat and has unambiguous blue waters! Sail at night to Zakynthos’ major port, where you may tour a ton of amazing locations like Saint Mark Square and the Venetian Castle.

Ithaca

Ithaca is well-known for being the birthplace of the Greek adventurer Odysseus. The island is a lot more than just stories despite its substantial legendary past. When you’re in Ithaca, you must remember to explore Gidaki Beach and the Archaeological Museum of Ithaca.

One of Ithaca’s undiscovered gems, Gidaki Beach, is only reachable by boat or a trekking trail. It’s a heaven for people looking for peace and quiet because of the calm coastline and crystal-clear waves.

With items dating back thousands of years, this museum provides insight into the island’s cultural significance. There are items on show that date back to the prehistoric, Roman, and Byzantine eras.

Kefalonia

When you choose to visit Kefalonia, you should definitely explore Fiskardo, Fokki Bay, Ay Eufemia, and Sami. Known as the “gem in the Ionian,” Fiskardo is a stunning village on Kefalonia’s northeastern shore that is also highly populated. There’s sufficient room to anchor sterns to the boulders on the opposite side of the bay with shorelines. However, anchoring on the quay is usually reserved for arrivals since overnighting boats depart late in the morning. In case you find that option unappealing, you have the option to anchor south of the harbor or even at Fokki Bay and stroll towards the settlement.

Whereas Fokki Bay is renowned for its superior lunchtime stop or overnight fastening. On the south shore of the bay, there are an incredible number of tunnels that are worth exploring (bring a torch), and for those who are afraid of elevated positions, there is a cliff jump.

Paxos & Antipaxos

Despite being the tiny ones in the Ionian group, these twin islands are incredibly gorgeous. Here, you should explore Voutoumi Beach in Antipaxos and Tripitos Arch in Paxos. Voutoumi, one of the Ionian’s favored photographic locations, has smooth white sands and aquamarine waters. This is the ideal location for you to moor your rented yacht and enjoy the sunshine.

Cliff divers find refuge in Tripitos, an incredible fossilized stone arch. Though it is a tiny and slick walkway, tourists are recommended to take caution when walking on the arch.

Preveza and the Ambracian Gulf

A landlocked gulf accessible through Preveza is the Amvrakikos Kolpos. Few boats visit the region, making it a nice place to escape from it all. There are several harbors and moorings. Dolphins, birds, and fish stocks thrive in the gulf. Additionally, turtle encounters occur frequently. As a result, the flat-bottomed fish served in the local fish tavernas is exceptional and uncommon throughout the Ionian.

Preveza is located directly within the Amvraki Gulf entrance, and here, you can park your boat at the Preveza Marina and town quay. It can be a convenient site for gathering or dropping off crew members during a charter. Superb tavernas and a bustling promenade for witnessing the evening “volta ” in the evenings. It’s definitely worth the effort to stroll around this typical Greek worker town’s hidden streets.

Meganisi

The island of Meganisi, a less widely recognized jewel in the Ionian Sea, provides pristine splendor. Here you should visit Spartochori Village, which is situated on a hill. It offers expansive panoramas of the harbor and surrounding islands. There, you can have a true Greek flavor, thanks to the neighborhood tavernas, little avenues, and classic Greek homes.

Next, you should visit Papanikolis Sea Cave. This renowned site was designated after a submarine that sought shelter here during World War II. Due to the cave’s large volume, boats are able to go inside to discover its resonant sections.

Lefkada

A short causeway unites the island of Lefkada to the mainland. It is well-known for its stunning natural beauty and water-related activities. You ought to go to Agios Ioannis Beach and Porto Katsiki here. With turquoise waves, Porto Katsiki is a white-sand beach encircled by rocks. It is regularly ranked among the top beaches in Europe.

It is an unquestionable must-see due to its unparalleled magnificence. Agios Ioannis Beach is a popular destination for windsurfers due to its strong waves and wind gusts, making it the perfect place for everyone who enjoys aquatic activities. The Ionian Islands offer vacationers a life-time experience unlike any other because of its varied landscape, historic sites, and spotless coasts. Visiting these Ionian Islands sites is an amazing treat. In order to maximize your travel experience, top-notch planning is needed.