With fantastic history, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and outstanding sailing conditions, the Ionian Islands, make for the perfect destination for a bareboat yacht charter
When looking for your next sailing holiday, Northern Greece is definitely one to consider. With fantastic history, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and outstanding sailing conditions, the Ionian Islands, make for the perfect destination for a bareboat yacht charter.
Take a look at the top five reasons we recommend the Ionian for your next sailing expedition.
1. Ease of access
Working with our partners at Dream Yacht Charter, we are thrilled to be able to offer three fabulous bases to explore the Ionian Islands from; Corfu, Lefkas and their brand new base at Preveza Marina, the gateway to the Ambracian Gulf. Just a 15-minute taxi ride from Aktion National Airport (PVK), Preveza Marina is close to the town centre and the marina itself hosts a mini supermarket, restaurant and bar for all of your provisioning needs. Sailors will also have access to fresh water, electricity, Wi-Fi and a laundry service while moored in the marina, making it the ideal location to start your adventure.
View from an hidden beach in Greece - Corfu. Photo by Tom Grimbert
2. Mystery and history
From Byzantine architecture to mythical legend, Greece is well known for its history and mystery, from the story of Odyssey, one of Greek Mythology’s most famous tales, to the historical landmarks of the Parthenon in nearby Athens. When sailing from Preveza, a visit to the local town will export you back to an age of mystery with a visit to the Castle of Pantocrator and the Archaeological Museum of Nikopolis, located in an old Ottoman mosque and featuring marble statues of the Goddess Minerva, the 4th century Roman Goddess, along with ancient artifacts from Odeum.
Parthenon in nearby Athens, Greece at night. Photo by AussieActive
3. Perfect for island hopping
You’ll be spoilt for choice when sailing the Ionian with so many different islands to visit. Head to the largest of the island’s, Corfu, and its Old Town, home to a Byzantine fort hidden within the mirage of lanes that encompass the city. The mythical island of Ithaca, the final destination for the legendary Odysseus offers visitors mystical experiences that date back centuries or spend a day on the popular island of Zakynthos, home to the famous ‘Shipwreck Beach’ where you can relax on the beach or head inland to the National Marine Park of Zakynthos where you’ll witness hundreds of turtles chicks hatching in their protected environment. As well as these gems, the Ionian is also home to other Greek jewels including Paxos, Kefalonia and Lefkas.
Ship wreck on Navagio beach, Zakynthos
4. Exhilarating sailing
In peak season, the usual wind pattern is gentle breeze in the morning, building through thermic winds in the afternoon, then settling back down for a lovely calm evening at anchor or on a town quay. It is line of sight meaning easy passage planning and you can mix long and short passages to always find a new place to explore.
Valleta, Malta. Photo by Micaela Parente
5. Culinary heaven
Greek cuisine is some of the finest in the world and staple ingredients found in almost all home cupboards, including olive oil, are produced with great passion. Dishes such as stuffed vine leaves, kleftiko, fresh feta cheese salads and beef stifado are all on our list of must trys while visiting these beautiful islands. Greek olives are big and juicy and the black olives produce more oil, making them perfect from the production of tasty authentic Greek olive oil, something every sailor should bring back ashore with them after a sailing adventure around these magical islands. A personal favorite of our team though (some of whom have worked in Lefkas) is Saganiki cheese, alongside a €3 Gyros. You learn to optimise money as a seasonaire!
Souvlaki - authentic Greek food
When to go sailing in Greece
The Greek sailing season tends to run from April to October, where the temperatures can range from the mid 20’s to the high 30’s. The sea is warm from June onwards and the weather tends to be stable through until early October.
How to get there
Fly from several UK airports direct to Aktion National Airport (PVK), Lefkas with British Airways. We can help arrange airport transfers on request to the marina in Preveza, which takes about 15 minutes by taxi.
Get in touch
Fly from several UK airports direct to Aktion National Airport (PVK), Lefkas with British Airways. We can help arrange airport transfers on request to the marina in Preveza, which takes about 15 minutes by taxi.
The Latesail team are all experienced sailors who can help you find the perfect charter. Get in touch and we are happy to provide a personal service. Call us on: 01227 479 900
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