Sailing holidays in the Ionian Islands with a local skipper
The Ionian Islands lie in western Greece, and are composed of twelve small and large islands, including Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, and Paxi. Here, lush vegetation, striking landscapes, and the turquoise sea combine to create an ideal sailing destination.
If you find the same experience for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match the price.
Why you should book a holiday with Sailsquare?
The leading sailing holiday marketplace
25,000+ happy travellers, and 10,000+ holidays in 110 destinations worldwide.
Get onboard solo, with your family, or your friends
Reserve a single spot, a cabin, or a whole boat just for you and your friends or family.
Discover who’s already onboard
Introduce yourselves online, get to know each other onboard, and go home with a bunch of new friends.
Sailing holidays that suit all budgets
Rumour has it that sailing holidays are only for the rich or well-connected. With Sailsquare, that's no longer true. Come and discover a world you never thought was accessible!
Customer Support
Would you like some support using the platform? We've (almost) always got the answers!
Can't find the perfect holiday for you?
Use our free holiday concierge tool - and let us find your dream sailing experience for you!
Let's find it together!- A mild climate, with good sailing conditions from April through to November.
- One of the most popular destinations in the Mediterannean for both skippered and flotilla sailing holidays.
- Experience the culture and heritage of the Ionians with visits to the mediaeval castles, monasteries, and numerous museums.
- The iconic rolling hills of olive and cypress trees present throughout the lush Ionians.
- It’s jagged coastlines are truly unique. Once, the Ionians were in fact part of Central Greece, before seismic activity shifted the landscapes.
- Taste the special local delicacies of the Ionians, such as Pastitsádais, a Greek traditional pasta dish that is prepared on the island of Corfu, or the Lefkadítiki ladópita (oil pie) that originates from Lefkada.
- See the elusive monk seals and Loggerhead turtles native to the area.
- Visit one of the European hubs for kitesurfers and windsurfers, with many areas and facilities for various watersports.
The best destinations to visit during your sailing holidays in the Ionians:
The beaches of Engremni, Porto Katsiki, Kathisma on Lefkada, and Shipwreck beach of Zante are spots in the Ionian that have garnered an international reputation. However, there are beaches such as Voutoumi and Vrika on the quieter islands of Paxi and Antipaxi that are beloved by sailors. Then there are the picturesque beaches such as Myrtos, on Kefalonia that is sheltered by a range of towering cliffs, and Corfu’s much-loved Paleokastritsa beach.
The world famous beaches of Engremni, Porto Katsiki, Kathisma on Lefkada
Kefalonia, home to the Assos and its Venetian castle, as well as the ancient towns of Argostoli and Lixouri is also blessed with the natural wonders of Drogarati, the 150 million year old cave system, and Melissani the underground lake. Zante, which was selected as Greece’s first marine park, is in fact the area the rare and endangered caretta caretta turtles come from the Libyan Sea to lay their eggs. Corfu is home to the popular islets of Vlaherna and Pontikonisi (Mouse Island), Sidari (and its Love Canal beach), Paleokastritsa, Kassiopi, Lefkimmi - and it’s capital, the beautiful Corfu town, which is steeped in much cultural history.
An array of natural beauty: Kefalonia, Zante, Corfu, and much more
The Maistro or Maestral is the prevailing northwest wind that flows through the Ionian is much calmer than the Meltemi in the Aegean. Weather conditions are well forecast, the climate is warm throughout much of the year, and the mountainous landscape offers a dramatically stunning backdrop for an ideal sailing experience. All of the above possible with convenient travel routes from major European cities.
The magical Ionian: its climate, landscapes, and locations crafted for sailing
The Maistro or Maestral is the prevailing northwest wind that flows through the Ionian is much calmer than the Meltemi in the Aegean. Weather conditions are well forecast, the climate is warm throughout much of the year, and the mountainous landscape offers a dramatically stunning backdrop for an ideal sailing experience. All of the above possible with convenient travel routes from major European cities.
Tips to help you to better plan for your next sailing holidays in the Ionian Islands:
All you need to know about your next cruise around the Ionians aboard a sailboat.
- As the region boasts a warm climate for much of the year, sailing the Ionian is recommended between early April and late October.
- From major European airports there is much availability to the airports in Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, and several ferry options from Venice, Ancona, Bari and Brindisi in Italy.
- You can find experiences for a week in the Ionian Islands with a skipper from €450 per person. This figure excludes transport to and from the holiday. It is important to remember that depending on the month of travel and style of boat pricing is subject to change.
The best sailing itineraries for your next holiday with a skipper in the Ionian Islands:
Corfu and Paxos
Corfu and Paxos are not only some of the most beautiful areas for sailing in the Ionian, but in the whole of Greece. Many skipper suggest routes including these two areas along the western coast of Greece. With a 7 day trip, it is possible to hop from island to island between popular spots including: Othonoi, Corfu, Merlera, Paxos, and Antipaxos. However, with a longer, more comprehensive trip other areas, there will be more opportunity to explore Corfu, along with other charming areas such as the Syvota islets.
A wide range of options
The area offers a relaxing sailing environment, with nature-rich bays, and stunning turquoise waters. Some areas of beauty that local skippers like to include in sailing holidays in the Ionian include: Lakka, Gaios, Mongonisi, Emerald Bay, Two Rocks Bay, and Parga. The wide variety of options in the area, means that with skippers you may be able to heavily customise itineraries to construct a holiday that suits best your wishes.
Sailing holidays in the Ionian Islands - why you should travel with a local skipper
If you want to fully enjoy your sailing holiday in the Ionians with the best conditions, we recommend that you go choose a trip with a local skipper. Travelling with a skipper who has insider knowledge on the area, allows travellers to fully immerse in the pleasure and relaxation of the holiday. Where individuals on the trip wish to learn or practice their sailing skills, skippers will be there to integrate travellers into the responsibilities onboard.