Ionian sailing holidays

The Ionian Islands - Ιόνια νησιά, also known as the Eptanisa (Seven Islands), are strung out along the west coast of Greece from the Albanian frontier to the Peloponnese. In this westerly situation, with more rain in early spring than most other parts of Greece, the islands have a mild climate and lush growth of vegetation. Only second to the Saronic gulf - Athens, the Ionian is one of the most important areas for yacht charters in the east Mediterranean Sea; for bareboats, flotillas and for crewed yacht charters on gulet motorsailers.
Ionian yacht charters

Due to less severe winds than in other regions these islands form the perfect ground for sailing holidays and yacht charters with kids or less experienced crew. The best bases for yacht charters can be found in Preveza, Corfu, Gouvia, Lefkas and Nidri.

Ionian Islands

Corfu, Paxos
Lefkas, Meganisi
Kefalonia, Ithaca
Zakynthos
Ionian sailing itineraries

GPS waypoints for the Ionian

The charts should not be used for navigational purposes.

History Ionian Islands

Evidence of settlement dating back to Mycenaean times has been found on the islands, but their first emergence into the light of history was in 743 BCE, when Corinth founded the city of Korkyra, later Kerkira. In the 5th century BCE the islands came under Athenian influence, and in the 2nd century BCE the Roman Empire took over.
Later they became under Byzantine rule, and in 1085 were conquered by the Normans; subsequently in 1203-04 the Fourth Crusade brought another change of masters. The islands now fell into the hands of Italian rulers, and came under Venetian control.

Agia Kyriaki (Saint Sunday) Chapel near Nidri

Venetian rule lasted until the fall of the Republic of St Mark in 1797. And during this period the islands provided a refuge for many Greeks fleeing from the Turks, including artists from Crete who founded a school of their own here, and throughout these centuries they enjoyed a richer cultural life than the rest of Greece.
After an interlude of French rule the young Republic of the Seven Islands became a British Protectorate in 1815; in 1864 Britain returned the islands to Greece.

Preveza

The Preveza port of entry lies on the Greek mainland guarding the Gulf of Amvrakia (Ambracian Gulf). Leading lights will guide your way into this gulf. On the left side of the channel a dense forest and Fort St. George can be seen. Some guides mention a strong cross-current and the channel is not likely to live up to the 'official' depth of 8 meters - due to silting: 5 meters!
Left & below: Preveza port.

Preveza port

Satellite photos

Nautical charts

British Admiralty Chart 2405

Imray Tetra chart G11 North Ionian Islands Covers the islands of Erikoussa, Othoni, Kerkyra/Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas and the Ambracian Gulf east of Preveza. Plans O. Gouvion (N. Kerkira - Gouvia bay on Corfu)), Vorion Stenou Kerkiras, Limin Kerkiras (N. Kerkira - port and straigh of Corfu), Limin Alipa (N. Kerkira), O. Lakka (N. Paxoi - Lakka Bay on Paxos), Limin Paxon (N. Paxoi - Lakka port); Insets Amvrakikos Kolpos (Ambracian Gulf), Nisos Othonoi (Othoni island). Scale 1:182,400
Imray Tetra chart G12 South Ionian Islands The islands of Lefkas, Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Atokos, Ithaca, Kefalonia and Zakynthos/Zante, as well as the coastline between Preveza and Oxia plus the northwest corner of the Peloponnese. Plans Kolpos Aetou (N. Ithaki - Ithaca), Dhioriga Levkadhos (Levkas Canal), O. Argostoliou (N. Kefalinia Argostoli Bay), O. Zakinthou (N. Zakinthos Zakynthos Bay). Scale 1:188,200
Ionian from Amazon.co.uk Ionian from Amazon.com This 6th edition (2008) has been extended and now covers the area from Corfu to Zakynthos plus the adjacent mainland coast to Methoni on the western Peloponnese. The Ionian has seen a burgeoning development of facilities for yachts since the last edition was published. This new edition records the latest information on harbour changes and improvements. Ionian contains detailed information on many of the smaller harbours and anchorages that are not covered in the Greek Waters Pilot.

Ionian Islands

Corfu, Paxos
Lefkas, Meganisi
Kefalonia, Ithaka
Zakynthos

Charter guide
Yacht charter companies
Ionian sailing routes
Assisted bareboats

Greece :

Ionian Islands
Dodecanese Islands
Cyclades Islands
Northern Sporades
Peloponnese – Athens

Turkey :

Izmir – Bodrum
Bodrum – Marmaris
Marmaris – Fethiye
Fethiye – Antalya

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