Sailing the Ionian Islands

Sailing the Ionian Islands of Greece

Sailing the Ionian Islands is the least challenging of all our destinations in Greece. 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.

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.