The Ionian Islands, Greece

A Yacht Charter through the Ionian Islands of Greece is a spectacular holiday for those who can afford the luxury of exploring this beautiful region. Magnificent yachts with crews that will cater to your every need are awaiting you and your guests.

Below are just some of the stops included in your charter itinerary through the Ionian Isalnds of Greece.

ZAKYNTHOS

Zante the third in size of the islands of the Ionian Sea, the green island of poetry, of song and love, the native land of D. Solomos, the writer of the Greek National Anthem but also that of St. Dennis, the Patron Saint. Rich in beauty and tradition, both historical and cultural, Zante is the “ideal” of any traveller with an exploring mind. Discovered in 1897 the blue caves can be found on the northern tip of Zante not far from Cape Skinari. Famous for their stunning shade of blue seas and rock formations. Smugglers Cove also known as Navagio has to be the most famous beach on the island if not in Greece. At the famous bay of Laganas you can enjoy one of the longest and most sandy beaches in the Mediterranean. Greece is the only European country where the logger headed turtles (Caretta, Caretta) nest and Zante is the most important nesting area in the Mediterranean. The national marine park of Zante objective is to preserve the natural environment

KEFALONIA
Kefallonia is the largest of the Ionian islands. The capital of the island is the town of Argostoli. It is a lively place, especially in the summer months, with much of the action taking place around its main square (panoramic view, will take you to external site). Argostoli is a modern town that offers many entertainment and shopping opportunities, while still maintaining its charm. Argostoli, as well as all the other towns and villages of the island, was completely rebuilt after the earthquake that struck in 1953. The only area that was spared from the earthquake was Fiskardo. For this reason Fiskardo retains the old architecture, making it the most beautiful village on the island. The second largest town of Kefallonia is Lixouri, on the Pali peninsula. The Mellisani Cave is an underground seawater lake featured in most guidebooks because of the amazing colour of the sea.

LEFKADA
It is the fourth largest island of the Ionians and has impressive landscapes, long golden sandy beaches with colour as if the blue of the sea was mixed with bleaching water, traditional villages, a charming capital, some animated beach resorts with many restaurants and bars, Byzantine churches, archaeological sites, perfect wind conditions for windsurfing and kite surfing. Agios Nikitas, Porto Katsiki, Kathisma, Vassiliki are must – see beaches as they are some of the most beautiful beaches of the world.

PARGA
Parga is a picturesque town in the province of Epirus. It is nested between lush green hills and the clear waters of the Ionian Sea. Parga is a busy town in the summer with lively streets packed with a healthy tourist population that mingles busily in the narrow passages and the coffee shops that line its promenade. It seems to be a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. A stroll through the streets of Parga reveals an “island flavor” with the multitude of the tourist shops and tavernas lined up on both sides and the carefree tourists that constantly stroll up and down the narrow corridors. A short walk through the steep streets would take you to the castle that reveals a bird’s eye view of the ceramic rooftops of the town, the small beach in its center, and on the other side of the hill a glimpse of the large and very popular Valtos Beach where swimming is best.

ITHAKI (or ITHAKA)
Throughout the ages Ithaki has been known as the home of Odysseus. For years Homer’s hero wandered before he finally returned to his island kingdom. The west coast of the island is steep and almost barren in contrast to the green, gentle shoreline on the east. The capital and largest settlement is Ithaki or Vathi: its red-roofed delightful houses set amidst enchanting scenery at the end of the deep closed bay of Molos. Three kilometres to the northwest lies the so-called Cave of the Nymphs (Nimfon Cave). Also worth visiting is the medieval Monastery of the Archangels at Perahori. North of the capital and 600 metres above sea level, the Kathara Monastery (Moni Katharon). Kioni and Frikes, typically Ionian villages, on the northeast coast are unspoilt, wonderful places for a short excursion or an extended sojourn.

SAMI
The village of Sami lays 2 kilometres away from the capital of Kefalonia, coil up in the bay of the same name. its port is the second most important port after the main port of Argostoli and proposes regular ferries going to Patras, Ithaca and Italy. Interesting monasteries, astonishing underground lakes and superb caves are located in the area as well as various beautiful sandy beaches.

NAFPAKTOS
From the towering of Venetian Castle on the hill above the city you can see all of Nafpaktos. Its expansive beaches, pastel buildings set beside Venetian Walls, and veil of pine, palm, orange, and elm, make it one of the most beautiful cities of the Gulf of Corinth. Green enough, plenty of waters, big old platans, clear sea, spotless yards with beautiful gardens, a marvelous fort and small port together which is the smallest and the most beautiful in all over Mediterranean and its powerful castle that is “testifier” of its adventurous history.

ATHENS
The Capital of Greece, will be the start of this yacht chartered cruise to the Ionian Islands Greece.  Within the sprawling city of Athens it is easy to imagine the golden age of Greece when Pericles had the Parthenon (the most eminet monument of the ancient Greek archtitecture) duilt. Athens is built around the Acropolis and the pinnacled crag of Mt. Lycabettus, which the goddness Athena was said to have dropped from the heavens as a bulwark to defend the city. The suburbs have covered the barren plain in all directions and the city is packed with lively taverns and bustling shops.

 

The following is a 10 day itinerary through the Ionian Islands. 

DAY 1

12:OO            Embarkation

13:00             Departure for the Ionian Islands

14:50             Arrival at the Corinth Canal

It is 3.2 miles long 25 meters wide. The canal joins the Saronic Gulf with Corinth Gulf. It takes about one hour including the delay for the authorization to pass the canal

16:00             We sail the canal and then proceed to a nice location for a rest and swim.

17:30             Arrival at Makris Nikolas Cape

20:00            Departure from Makris Nikolas Cape and proceed to Trizonia Island

21:20             Arrival at Trizonia Island. Trizonia is known for its green, peacefulness and quietness. There are no cars or motor bikes allowed making it more or less unique.

DAY 2

08:00             Sail from Trizonia Island and cruise towards the famous Navagio Beach at Zakynthos Island.

12:00             Arrival at Navagio Beach. It is a cove on the South West shore isolated by high cliffs and accessible only by boat. The beach and sea bottom are made of white pebbles and surrounded by turquoise waters.

19:00             Departure from Navagio Beach

20:20             Arrival at Zakynthos port 

DAY 3

09:30             Departure from Zakynthos Island and  proceed to Cephalonia Island.

11:20              Arrival at Lourdas Bay.

Lourda is one of the largest bays in Cephalonia and one of the most attractive beaches on the Island. The sandy beach stretches for over two kilometers.

19:00             Departure for Argostoli    20:10 Arrival at Argostoli

DAY 4

09:00             Departure from Argostoli and proceed to famous beach Myrto

10:50              Arrival at Myrtos Bay

Myrtos Beach has gained worldwide reputation and has been constantly included in travel magazines among the most beautiful and picturesque beaches in the world.

19:00             Departure from Myrtos bay and sail to the North to Fiscardo.

DAY 5

09:00             Departure from Fiscardo to Lefkada Island.

10:00             Arrival at Poros Bay.

19:00             Departure from Poros Bay and cruise to Nydri.

19:50             Arrival at Nydri. The cosmopolitan nights of Nydri attract and fascinate thousands of visitors every year.

DAY 6

09:30             Departure from Nydri and proceed to Meganisi.

10:20             Arrival at Meganisi

Meganisi is a spectacular tiny island, very green and with crystal clear waters. Meganisi offers complete relaxation in a typical Greek atmosphere. There are many bays to moor one’s boat.  The perfect place for a barbeque aboard or on the beach. 

DAY 7

09:30             Departure from Meganisi  and sail to Atokos Island.

10:30             Arrival at Atokos Island

Atokos is simply and earthly paradise. It is impossible not to  fall  for the tranquil turquoise waters, the white rock formation at the one house bay and the dense vegetation that covers the island.

19:00             Departure from Atokos and cruise to Ithaka Island

20:00             Arrival at the port of Ithaka

Ithaka is known to the world as  Odyssey’s homeland. Probably the most legendary of all the Greek Island.

DAY 8

09:30             Departure from Ithaka and cruise towards Pera Pigadi.

10:10              Arrival  at Pera Pigadi.  It is a nice spot for swimming and water activities.

19:00             Departure from Pera Pigadi and cruise towards Agia Efimia at Cephalonia Island.

19:50             Arrival to Agia Efimia

Agia Efimia is a very pretty fishing village and has a number of excellent water side cafes and tavernas  around the harbor.

DAY 9

06:00            Departure from Agia Efimia and sail to Corinth Canal.

12:30             Arrival at Corinth Canal

13:30             Passage through Corinth Canal and cruise towards Epidaurus.

15:00             Arrival at Epidaurus

A historic region where, according to mythology, Asclepios was born. We highly recommend a visit to the world famous great theater of Epidaurus.

DAY 10

09:30             Departure from Epidavros and sail back to Athens

11:30              Arrival at Marina Alimos Athens

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