GREEK ISLANDS – IONIAN

Few corners of the globe offer the devastating combination of ancient historical sites nestling tantalisingly close to idyllic, virtually untouched beaches as you’ll find in the Greek Ionian Islands – perfect to discover by superyacht. Among the best loved of Greece’s 6,000 islands that remain under the radar compared to better known Mykonos and Santorini, the Ionian Islands enjoy a temperate year-round Xxxxxxxxxxxx. climate and dramatically rugged shorelines, the result of the seismic activity that first cast them off the mainland. Xxxxxxxxxxxx. Nowhere is Greece’s historic and myth-strewn past more evident than in this heavenly setting, where you can bob contentedly in the most tranquil of harbours, take in the spectacular views of near deserted coves or bathe in the softly lapping turquoise blue waters of the Ionian Sea. It’s the ultimate destination for cruising the less populated, but no less beautiful isles of Corfu, Paxos, Anti Paxos, Zakynthos, Lefkas and Kefalonia, which benefit from a mild and predictable weather pattern that creates a lush, almost rainforest-like landscape.

HOTSPOTS

Situated off the west coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea, these picturesque islands are famous for their stunning coastlines, idyllic beaches and lush greenery. Uncover their mystery on a comprehensive charter.

Zakynthos Enjoy an early morning cruise to Zakynthos where you will drop anchor off the famous Shipwreck Beach. Explore the Blue Caves basking in the magnificent blue light that glows within, caused by daylight trickling through the openings above. After a delicious lunch on board, head to the main port of Zakynthos where you will spend the night. There is no end of options to choose from, perhaps discovering castles and fortresses or blooming hills and sheltered bays. As night falls, prepare to be overwhelmed by the astonishing sunset over the vertical cliffs of the island.

Ithaca and Kefalonia Spend the morning exploring pebbled beaches with emerald waters located on the eastern side of Ithaca. A visit to Kefalonia’s Melissani Cave, one of the most awe-inspiring caves in Greece, is a must. Here, you can admire the unique natural sculpture crafted by the stalactites and marvel at the crystal blue-green waters.

A short early morning cruise the next day will take you to Ithaca’s celebrated Filiatro beach before you cruise on towards the peaceful port of Ithaca. The island’s capital, Vathy, is protected by a crescent of pine-covered cliffs and the authentic character of its red tile roofed houses make it a favourite holiday destination. Syvota and Corfu After a tranquil night in Ithaca, make a morning swimming stop in Syvota, one of the most unspoilt and least discovered areas of Greece, with marvellous turquoise waters. Later on, continue cruising towards Corfu, the Ionian’s most cosmopolitan destination, which is defined by rugged mountains and a resort studded coastline. One of the first Greek islands to embrace tourism, the ancient defensive walls surrounding the historic city of Corfu Town keep the Venetian architecture untouched.

Antipaxoi and Kefalonia Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you arrive in Antipaxoi for a relaxing swim. This small island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Ionian region and its rugged natural landscape is full of vineyards that produce excellent red wine. After a delicious lunch on board, cruise to Kefalonia, where you can spend the night at anchor and experience the legendary seafood restaurant, Tassia. In the early morning, take a short cruise from Fiskardo and drop anchor at a picturesque bay off Meganisi.

Lefkada Later that day, you will cruise to the traditional coastal resort of Nidri on Lefkada. Positioned midway down the west coast, Nidri stands on a calm lagoon dotted with tiny islets. Late afternoon sees you cruise to the serenely beautiful and remote Atokos, where you will spend your last moments of a truly memorable vacation. There’s time for one last swim before disembarkation from the yacht at noon.