Greece - Ionian Islands
Ionian Islands are a group of islands situated of the western coast of Greece, not far from Italy. Rich in history and natural beauty, the islands attract many tourists every year, but still retain a sense of authenticity and charm together with a dramatic coastline and sandy beaches.
Lefkada
Lefkada is an island connected to the mainland of Greece by a bridge. On the western coast it has exceptionally beautiful beaches Blue Flag recognized and the best kite surfing and wind surfing beaches in Ionian. Other attractions include the well-preserved Castle of Agia Mavra built in the 14th century, and the Dimossari Waterfall in Nidri which ends in a small lake, perfect for a dip.
Yachting preferred destinations are the overnight docking in the small port of Sivota and anchoring in Porto Katsiki for a swim stop.
Meganissi
Just 4 nautical miles southeast of Lefkada, Meganissi has numerous well protected bays for anchoring but also two main harbours of Vathi and Spilia as great spots for dining in seafront tavernas.
Papanikolis sea cave is a very popular destination by boat as being related to Papanikolis submarine, one of the most successful naval unit in Hellenic Navy during World War II which was hiding in the large sea cave, reason why the enemy did not discover the secret cave for months.
Ithaca
Ithaca is the island famous for being the home of Odysseus. It is a quiet and tranquil island full of mountainous terrain and a whole number of beaches for all tastes, from sand to pebbles from rocky to lush backgrounds. One of the main attractions is the Nymphs Cave, which according to Greek mythology, was used by the gods and is also the place where Odysseus had hidden gifts from the Phoenicians.
Vathi, the capital of the island, fans out like an amphitheater and has an impressive entrance to its beautiful natural harbor, guarded by the remains of a small fort with two cannons and the monument to the Sailor.
Kioni is a beautiful traditional settlement with a picturesque harbor and many taverns on the quays.
kefalonia
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands and it is known to millions from the best-selling novel and movie, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
Myrtos beach with its greenish-blue crystal waters is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Fiskardo village is a very lovely docking spot with cosmopolitan atmosphere and nice views of the neighbor island of Ithaka.
The cave of Melissani has a very strange appealing for all ages as there is a lake inside the cave that has trees and forests surrounding it.
Agia Efimia is a small fishing village lying around a natural bay with many pristine beaches to explore by boat.
zakynthos
Known by the Venetians as the “Flower of the East” is a lush island with secluded coves, deep blue waters, rugged cliffs, and an underwater world waiting for snorkelers and scuba divers. There are two major attractions: the Blue Caves, which can be visited on a boat and Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), one of the most photographed beaches in the world, only accessible by boat, and once there, you will see the wreck of a stranded ship.
paxi
Paxi is where adventurous tourists moved on to as Corfu became busier,a small island with unspoilt coves at the bottom of sheer cliffs, where time appears to have stood still. It has 3 villages which can be visited by boat: Gaios (the main port with a long channel entrance), Lakka at the northern tip of the island (best known for the large bay for anchoring) and Longos facing to the east.
Antipaxi
Antipaxi is a place for a quiet and peaceful stop. The little island is one mile off the south tip of Paxi and has only 30 permanent inhabitants. It is known for the two of the loveliest sandy beaches in the Mediterranean, Vrika and Voutoumi, which are comparable to beaches found in the Caribbean. There is a beach taverna in both Vrika and Voutoumi with a good selection of local dishes and the famous Antipaxos wine.
The island is a popular stop-off for the yachts that stay on anchor overnight.
corfu
Corfu is the best-known Ionian island for the reflection of the historical occupation by diverse cultures. The historic Corfu Town is known for its Parisian-style arcades, Venetian alleyways, and its imposing city mansions. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of winding lanes, many fine restaurants, lively bars, and fascinating boutique shops.
The most picturesque beach is Paleokastritsa with its green cliffs and a number of sea caves. One interesting beach is Sidari where you will find the Canal de l’Amour. It is said that if you swim in it, you will find your soul mate.
One impressive experience is to dock inside in the Mandraki harbor surrounded by the castle.