Ionian Islands Yacht Charters | Sail Western Greece

The Ionian Islands – Greece's Classic Sailing Paradise

The Ionian Islands are widely regarded as one of the finest yacht charter destinations in the Mediterranean, combining sheltered cruising waters, reliable sailing conditions and an outstanding choice of picturesque islands and traditional waterfront villages. Whether you're planning your first Greek sailing holiday or returning to explore more of the country, the Ionian offers an ideal blend of relaxed sailing, spectacular scenery and authentic local culture.

Lying to the west of mainland Greece, the Ionian Islands enjoy a more sheltered climate than the Aegean, remaining largely protected from the strong Meltemi winds that dominate eastern Greece during summer. Gentle morning conditions are typically followed by reliable afternoon sea breezes, creating enjoyable sailing for both experienced crews and those new to Mediterranean chartering. Short passages between islands allow plenty of time to swim, explore ashore or simply relax in a peaceful anchorage.

The Ionian's lush green landscape sets it apart from many other Greek sailing regions. Higher winter rainfall produces fertile hillsides, olive groves and cypress forests that descend to crystal-clear bays and beautiful beaches. Combined with welcoming villages, excellent local produce and fresh seafood, the region offers a wonderfully relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle both afloat and ashore.

The principal islands of Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Meganisi, Ithaca, Kefalonia and Zakynthos each have their own unique character and attractions. Historic Venetian towns, colourful waterfront harbours, secluded coves and traditional fishing villages provide endless opportunities for exploration, while the relatively short sailing distances make it easy to tailor each day's itinerary to suit your crew and the prevailing conditions.

For many sailors, the Ionian represents the perfect introduction to yacht chartering in Greece. The combination of dependable weather, protected waters and outstanding cruising variety makes it equally appealing for bareboat, skippered and fully crewed charters. Whether you prefer leisurely days discovering quiet anchorages or lively evenings dining beside the harbour in a traditional Greek taverna, the Ionian Islands deliver an unforgettable sailing experience.

Combining beautiful scenery, rich history, warm hospitality and some of the Mediterranean's most enjoyable cruising grounds, the Ionian Islands remain one of Greece's most enduringly popular yacht charter destinations.

Preveza was a great starting point and we enjoyed travelling south to Ithaki and north to Paxi. Kalamos was a highlight we tied up to a pier next to a taverna for the night and it was a lovely spot.

Craig, New Zealand, October 2023

Our favourite was Sarakiniko Beach (on Ithaca). This beautiful spot offered good anchorage, a local taverna and easy access over the hill to Vathy.

Stephen, Australia, July 2024

The map below has been produced using internet tools, and pin placements may not be exact. It is intended as a rough a guide. For further research and preparing itineraries, we suggest you refer to quality on-line maps and charts.

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Our client reviews about charter sailing in Greece

Rating: ★★★★★
Boat was fantastic - was it's first charter so perfect condition. We sailed around Ithica and Kefalonia - both islands were beautiful. Sail connections was easy to deal with. Kurt, Australia, Jul 12th, 2024

Rating: ★★★★★
Boat had plenty of space for the 7 of us. The sleeping cabins were well appointed and clean as were the communal areas.

The skipper Socarates took us to pristine beaches and bays that were not overrun with other boats. Loved being able to sail during the day and then visit the local towns at night. The skipper always gave us recommendations and asked what we would like to do each day. Crew were totally there to make our trip comfortable and to experience the beautiful Greek islands

The booking experience with Sail Connection was good would recommend to friends wanting to charter a boat. Anna, Australia, Oct 2nd, 2024

Rating: ★★★★★
(The boat was) perfect for our family of four. Only slight negative is that the helm position has a fairly large blind spot and there is no shade.
Favourite spot ... Sarakiniko Beach, Ithaka. This beautiful spot offered good anchorage, a local taverna and easy access over the hill to Vathy.
(Your service was) excellent. Dimitri in particular was very accommodating and nothing seemed to be a problem.
Stephen, Australia, Jul 8th, 2024

Rating: ★★★★★
The Lagoon 46 was the best catamaran we have chartered. There was plenty of deck and seating space and all the bedrooms/ensuites were a good size.

Preveza was a great starting point and we enjoyed travelling south to Ithaki and north to Paxi. Kalamos was a highlight we tied up to a pier next to a taverna for the night and it was a lovely spot.

We had very good service from Robert and Sue at Yachting Holidays and dealing with an NZ company gave us peace of mind. The service from Fyly in Greece was also excellent. We really appreciated being able to board the boat early and our skipper was also very friendly and easy to get along with.

Our skipper Adrian Dimitru was keen to get away on Saturday afternoon so we headed south and got a day ahead which was great. .he cruise was excellent and Adrian got us to some of his favourite spots so we were very lucky.

Ithaki not to be missed. Craig, New Zealand, Oct 18th, 2023

Rating: ★★★★★
Dear Sue, we would like to thank you and Robert for all the work you put in to make our charter run so smoothly from your end. We absolutely loved the Greek Islands, they were everything we had ever imagined. Jill and Pip, New Zealand , Oct 9th, 2019

Good breezes that provided just the right level of challenge. Not super crowded - no troubles berthing / mooring / eating / etc. Fairly chilled - at least compared to Croatia. Patmos was very good. John, Australia, Aug 17th, 2019

Had a great time. The wind was terrific - good fun, but nothing too hairy - exactly what we were looking for to take it up a notch or two from Croatia last year. And the Dodecanese were really good - nice ports, not too crowded (esp compared to Croatia) - just felt a bit more out of the way. DYC were fine - a little bit more on the 'smell of an oily rag' end of things compared to the very efficient German-run scene at Trogir, but it all worked and no real issues. Excellent recommendation Robert - boat and destination - you nailed it!

John, Australia, Jul 31st, 2019

The Lucky Clover was fantastic. We travelled around the Saronic Islands which were beautiful. A new adventure every day. One day we hired scooters and explored the islands. Great service thank you. 10 out of 10, a trip of a lifetime! Deborah, New Zealand, Aug 1st, 2017