Sail the Ionian Sea — Greek Islands Sailing Guide

Why Ionian Sea sailing

• Calmer waters than Aegean: protected by islands + mainland.
• Family-friendly: shorter distances + safer anchorages.
• Lush landscapes: Ionian islands are greener than Aegean.
• Italian-influenced: Venetian heritage on Corfu + Kefalonia.
• Anchor protected coves: hundreds of small bays.
• Predictable winds: NW Meltemi-like winds milder than Cyclades.
• Mediterranean climate: 25-30°C summer, 15°C winter.
• Crystal water: visibility 20+ meters.
• Wildlife: dolphins + Mediterranean monk seals (Alonissos archipelago).
• Greek hospitality: tavernas welcome sailors.
• Compared to Croatia or Italy: often cheaper + less crowded.

Major Ionian islands

• Corfu (Kerkyra): largest. Venetian-influenced Old Town UNESCO. Closest to Italy + Albania.
• Paxos + Antipaxos: small, traditional. Just south of Corfu.
• Lefkada: connected to mainland by bridge. Beach beauty + windsurfing + nightlife.
• Meganisi: small island near Lefkada. Quiet, traditional.
• Ithaca: Homer\’s Odysseus homeland. Small, scenic, deep harbors.
• Kefalonia: Captain Corelli\’s Mandolin filming location. Wide beaches + Melissani Cave Lake.
• Zakynthos (Zante): Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach photo-famous. Blue Caves.
• Kythira (southern): isolated, fewer tourists.
• Cretan island Antikythira (further south): remote.
• Total Ionian area: 2,500+ km² of cruising waters.

Charter costs + types

• Bareboat charter: you skipper. Need RYA Day Skipper or equivalent license.
• Bareboat 30-40 ft: €2,000-4,000/week peak season.
• Bareboat 45-50 ft: €4,000-6,000/week.
• Skippered charter: add €1,200-2,500/week for captain.
• Crewed yacht (captain + chef): €5,000-15,000/week + provisioning.
• Luxury yacht: €15,000-50,000/week.
• Catamaran: 30-50% premium over monohull.
• Charter agencies: Sunsail, The Moorings, Yacht Charter Fleet, Dream Yacht Charter.
• Booking 4-6 months ahead: for July-August best yachts.
• Deposit: typically 50% on booking + balance 6 weeks before.
• Insurance: hull + deductible CAR (Charterer\’s Damage Refundable) — €600-3,000.
• Provisioning: add €30-80/person/day for food + drink.

Best routes — 1-week itinerary

• Southern Ionian classic loop (from Lefkada):
• Day 1: Lefkada → Spartochori (Meganisi). 12 nm. Lunch swim.
• Day 2: Meganisi → Vathi Ithaca. 18 nm. Visit Homer\’s island.
• Day 3: Ithaca → Fiscardo Kefalonia. 12 nm. Picture-perfect village.
• Day 4: Fiscardo → Sami Kefalonia + Melissani Cave Lake.
• Day 5: Sami → Vassiliki Lefkada. 24 nm. Famous windsurfing.
• Day 6: Vassiliki → Sivota. 16 nm. Lake-like anchorage.
• Day 7: Sivota → Lefkada base. 20 nm.
• Northern Ionian loop (from Corfu):
• Day 1: Corfu → Sivota. 25 nm. Coastal cruising.
• Day 2: Sivota → Paxos (Lakka). 18 nm. Pristine bay.
• Day 3: Paxos → Antipaxos. 8 nm. Caribbean-style beaches.
• Day 4: Antipaxos → Gaios Paxos. 6 nm.
• Day 5: Gaios → Mourtos. 20 nm.
• Day 6: Mourtos → Corfu Old Port. 30 nm.
• Day 7: Corfu Old Town day.

Sailing licenses + qualifications

• Bareboat sailing requires: RYA Day Skipper or equivalent international license.
• RYA Day Skipper course: 5-day classroom + 5-day practical sailing. £1,500-2,000.
• Other accepted: ASA 104 (USA), IYT International Bareboat Skipper, Croatia Master.
• Greek law requires: 2 licensed crew typically (skipper + co-skipper).
• Without license: hire skipper (€1,200-2,500/week additional).
• VHF marine radio license: required + offered with day skipper.
• First aid certification: recommended.
• Charter company will verify license: at boat handover.
• Sailing schools in Lefkada + Corfu: can take RYA courses during charter.
• Insurance covers licensed sailors only: verify with charter company.

Practical sailing tips

• Currency: Euro.
• Mooring: most anchorages free. Marina fees €30-80/night.
• Provisioning: supermarket runs Lefkada Town or Corfu. €30-80/person/day food + drink.
• Best season: May-October. Avoid winter — windy + cold.
• July-August: warmest + busiest. Book yacht 6+ months ahead.
• May-June + September: best balance — warm + less busy.
• Winds: NW 10-25 knots typical summer. Calm mornings, breeze afternoons.
• Distances: islands 5-25 nm apart. Easy day-sails.
• Anchor depth: mostly sand + posidonia (eel grass). Bring sufficient chain.
• Pets: generally allowed with health certificates.
• Mobile data: Greek SIM €15 or eSIM Holafly €25.
• Marina apps: Sailgrib + Predictwind + Navionics.
• Emergency: Greek Coast Guard Channel 16 VHF + 100 phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sail Ionian Sea cost per week?

Bareboat 35-45 ft yacht €2,000-6,000/week peak season. Skippered add €1,200-2,500. Crewed yacht €5,000-15,000. Plus provisioning €30-80/person/day.

Do I need license to sail Ionian Greece?

Yes — RYA Day Skipper or equivalent (ASA 104, IYT). 2 licensed crew typically required. Without license, hire skipper for €1,200-2,500/week.

Best islands Ionian sailing?

Southern loop: Lefkada → Meganisi → Ithaca → Kefalonia → Lefkada. Northern loop: Corfu → Paxos → Antipaxos → Corfu. Both 1 week, 100-200 nm.

When to sail Ionian Sea?

May-October. May-June + September best balance (warm + less busy). July-August warmest + busiest + most expensive. Avoid winter.

Ionian vs Aegean sailing?

Ionian = protected waters, family-friendly, calmer winds, lusher islands. Aegean = stronger Meltemi wind, classic Greek vibe, busier yacht scene.

Best charter base Ionian?

Lefkada (closest mainland Aktion airport PVK). Or Corfu (CFU airport). Both have major charter fleets. Lefkada better for southern islands tour.

See also

• Greek Islands travel guide
• Aegean Airlines baggage
• Athens airport guide