280 nautical miles*
Ideal for Summer Season
Forming a vertical chain of islands on the west coast of Greece, near the Albanian border, this idyllic archipelago is characterised by high limestone cliffs, lush mountainous interiors and picturesque scalloped coves. With strong influences from nearby Italy and various conquests throughout the centuries, the islands have developed their own unique legacy, reflected in the incredible Byzantine architecture, enchanting towns and villages and customary warm Greek hospitality. The Ionian islands are Greece's hidden gem, where you can immerse yourself in everything from their rich cultural heritage, unbelievable fresh food, fantastic scuba diving, extraordinary wildlife, adventurous activities and boutique shopping; the perfect all-round yacht charter destination.
- Day 1
Embarkation in Corfu
The cultural gem of the Ionians
Renowned for its raw beauty and rich history, Corfu is the second-largest northernmost island in the Ionian archipelago and has been a hotspot for tourists for decades. The island has recently become even more popular after the success of the Netflix series, The Durrells, which perfectly encapsulates the island's extraordinary wildlife, jaw-dropping scenery and incredible warm hospitality, which has inspired writers and poets for over a thousand years.
Visit Corfu's UNESCO-listed Old Town and spend the day meandering charming labyrinthine streets, soaking up the rich history and marvelling at the Venetian fortresses and spectacular Spianada Square – a lovely pavillion that links with the Liston; a long pedestrianised mall constructed by the French in the 19th century and modelled on Paris's famous Rue de Rivoli. This wide arcade offers boutiques, bars and restaurants where you can sit and enjoy a coffee as you watch the world go by.
A trip to Corfu wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Angelokastro, a Byzantine castle perched high above the shoreline on a precipitous rocky outcrop in the northwest, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. For the more adventurous, take an expert-led quad safari tour through Corfu's olive-covered hillsides and picture-postcard villages to witness the island's astonishing beauty up close.
Find out more:
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Paleokastritsa
Beach
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The Liston
Attraction
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Paleokastritsa
- Day 2
ZakynthosDistance: 120 nm*
Discover sun, sand and sea turtles
Whether you are looking for a buzzy adventure-filled yacht charter destination or seeking a more tranquil cruise around picturesque coves and beaches, look no further because Zakynthos really is the whole package, with bells on.
Zakynthos is one of the largest and greenest islands in the southern Ionian Sea and boasts some of the finest beaches in the whole of Greece, stunning marine ecology, idyllic landscapes, mild climate and enchanting sunsets. One of the island's biggest draw cards is the Caretta Caretta sea turtle, which has used the island for millions of years as a place to deposit its eggs.
Anchor off Navagio Beach, or Shipwreck beach as it's more commonly known as, for lunch and a swim; a sickle-shaped cove of steep chalky cliffs, white sand and electric blue waters, and arguably one of the finest beaches in the whole of Greece, or head over to Lagunas where you can snorkel with the turtles. For another must-see destination, head to Cape Skinari on the northern tip of the island, where you'll find the magical Blue Caves where bright blue water is reflected off the walls creating a magical sapphire light show.
For those interested in culture we recommend a visit to the Byzantine museum in Zakynthos town, where you can discover frescoes and sculptures from the island’s churches and monasteries dating as far back as the 12th century. Top the day off with a cocktail at Al Nur Gourmet Food and Cocktail, where you can enjoy a delicious sundowner on the terrace as you watch a breathtaking sunset over the horizon.
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- Day 3
IthacaDistance: 45 nm*
Home of Odysseus and renowned for its rich culture and unspoilt beauty
Part of the appeal of this tiny island lies in its geographically diverse landscape, from rugged cliffs to rolling hills and farmland, Ithaca offers an unparallelled unspoilt beauty that is often hard to believe given its proximity to some of Greece's most popular hotspots.
Located to the east of Kefalonia, Ithaca is a verdant island boasting a raft of amazing beaches, clear waters and charming villages. There are two main towns on the island; Kioni, a charming picture-postcard fishing village in the north, and Vathy, a bustling town with one of the most idyllic seafront settings in the whole of Greece.
Some of the finest beaches on Ithaca are best approached by yacht, where guests can marvel at the translucent waters and striking scenery on offer. Head to Sarakiniko Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in Ithaca, located in a beautiful tranquil harbour where guests can marvel at the lush green surroundings and crystal emerald waters.
If guests are keen on dining ashore for the evening, they can head to the Calypso restaurant which serves a range of local and international dishes, where guests can enjoy views of Ithaca’s most picturesque port with its pastel-coloured buildings and calm green waters in the beautiful village of Kioni.
- Day 4
KefaloniaDistance: 10 nm*
A fantastic destination for nature lovers
Kefalonia is the biggest island in the Ionian archipelago, and certainly one of the most loveliest. This celebrated island is renowned for its breathtaking landscape, charming fishing villages, picturesque beaches and enchanting underground caves, as well as being the location for the much-adored film Captain Corelli's Mandolin.
This mesmerising island offers so much variety for yacht charters around its beautiful coastline, including its world-famous beaches such as the highly-photographed Myrtos Beach, an idyllic bay bordered by limestone cliffs where guests can dive into unbelievable turquoise blue waters, or the incomparable red-sand splendour of Xi Beach, as well as the undisputedly beautiful Antisamos beach with its clear blue waters, lush hillside backdrop and Hollywood links making it one of the top Ionian highlights for charter guests.
Drop anchor at Myrtos Beach, where guests can enjoy a morning swim in the crystal turquoise waters, before heading north to the exquisite tiny village of Assos – a curved amphitheatre of coloured houses set against a backdrop of lush hillsides and craggy distant mountains. Another must-see destination on your tour around Kefalonia is the spellbinding lake cave of Melissani, where you can explore in kayak's and marvel at the iridescent splendour of this beautiful location. A tour around Kefalonia would not be complete without a visit to Fiskardo, a picturesque village on the northern tip of the island. After exploring Fiskardo's historic buildings and meandering its cobbled streets, guests can rest their weary feet and enjoy delectable home-cooked dishes using the freshest ingredients, where you can gaze out over the harbour to Ithaca beyond.
Find out more:
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Fiskardo
Attraction
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Myrtos Beach
Beach
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Fiskardo
- Day 5
Kastos/MeganisiDistance: 18 nm*
Tranquil, unspoiled and utterly enchanting.
Kastos and Meganisi are both charming small islands that have remained remarkably untouched by the buzzy world of tourism, which is a feat in itself given their prime location in the popular Ionian peninsula.
Characterised by lush mountains, tiny fishing ports and soft-shingled beaches skirted by crystal clear waters, these islands present the perfect opportunity for taking a moment out of your hectic schedule to relax, kick back and soak up the unbelievable tranquility and beautiful scenery.
Head to Kastos, where the captain can drop anchor in one of the two harbours on the island for a swim or shore trip. Alternatively, the crew can launch the kayaks and paddleboards for guests to explore the island's hidden coves and lovely beaches. Afterwards, head northwest to the remote haven of Meganisi, the larger of the two islands, where guests can enjoy a heavenly swim in the warm, secluded clear waters before heading ashore to one of the small tavernas for sundowners and warm Greek hospitality.
- Day 6
LefkadaDistance: 12 nm*
Picture-perfect island boasting an array of fine beaches and breathtaking waterfalls
Known as the White Island, Lefkada enjoys close proximity to Greece's mainland making this a vacation hotspot for locals and tourists alike. However, its biggest draw card lies in its vast array of secluded platinum beaches teased by calm turquoise waters, cascading waterfalls and majestic white limestone cliffs, perfectly suited to yacht charters cruising this region of Greece.
On approach to Lefkada, you’ll notice the verdant pine-forested mountains and wild, untamed coastline, fringed by translucent waters that lure you to its shores. However Lefkada is not just a pretty island, it also boasts fantastic surfing, amazing scuba diving and an intriguing cultural heritage, as well as the world-famous tiny island of Skorpios nestled on its shores.
Head ashore and explore the pastel-hued town of Lefkada, located on the northeast peninsula and linked to the mainland by a causeway, which offers guests the chance for a spot of shopping and a coffee or quick bite to eat in the small picturesque marina. If you get the chance, be sure to visit the turquoise splendour of Porto Katsiki beach on her southern tip – a perennial superyacht hot spot, as well as the exceptionally beautiful Dimossari waterfalls in the middle of the island, where the underground waters cascade down into a stunning white-rocked gorge, perfect for swimming and a picnic lunch.
Also well-worth a visit is the medieval castle of Agia Mavra, originally built by a Sicilian count, the castle has withstood centuries of conquests, sieges and natural disasters. Discover its fascinating long history; from a fortification to defend against pirates to an Allied prisoner of war camp in the First World War.
A trip to Lefkada would not be complete without a visit to the island of Skorpios, made famous by the wealthy Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis who transformed the island and is now a hub for jet-setters and celebrities alike. Although you need a special permit to access the island, yachts can cruise past and marvel at this tiny glittering jewel of the Ionian.
Find out more:
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Porto Katsiki Beach
Beach
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Porto Katsiki Beach
- Day 7
Paxos & AntipaxosDistance: 40 nm*
Small enchanting island cluster where the pace of life is slower
Located in the Ionian Sea between Lefkada and Corfu, these picturesque islands embody the tranquil beauty of Greece without the strain of modern tourism. With their endless olive groves, balmy temperatures and phenomenal turquoise-blue crystalline waters you might just believe that you have discovered the last paradise on earth.
Paxos is the largest island, steeped in olive groves that reach the shorelines to provide the perfect shade over its array of beautiful beaches and charming fishing harbours awash with multi-coloured houses where swathes of bougainvillea drape over window boxes and friendly locals greet you as they sweep the day from their doorsteps. To the south, the island of Antipaxos, almost entirely framed by vineyards, is where you will find some of the most jaw-dropping utopian-blue waters skirted by white sands against a tropical backdrop.
Although Paxos is relatively small, there is still plenty to do on a yacht charter around the island. Experience the friendly Greek hospitality in the beautiful villages of Lakka and Loggos, picture-perfect villages in the north and east of Paxos respectively. For something a little livelier, head to the island’s capital of Gaios, a bustling town full of exquisite Venetian architecture, labyrinthine streets, boutique shops, bars and restaurants. After you’ve had your fill of culture, pay homage to the island’s thermal springs and immerse your body in the warm therapeutic waters rumoured to cure all manner of maladies from rheumatism to skin conditions. Paxos also boasts a spectacular dive scene where enthusiasts can discover a magical kaleidoscope of underwater seascapes such as the Cave of Angelos, the Reef of Agrila, the Rock of Petritis and Cathedral Cave, to name but a few.
Cruise across to Antipaxos in the afternoon to experience the unsurpassable splendour of the island’s vast array of breathtaking beaches. Voutoumi Beach definitely ranks amongst the world’s most loveliest beaches, as does the beach at Vrika, both offering guests pellucid turquoise waters that trace secluded white-sand coves, perfectly accessible by yacht.
Find out more:
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Voutoumi Beach
Beach
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Voutoumi Beach
- Day 8
Disembark in CorfuDistance: 35 nm*
On this day you and your guests will depart the yacht in Corfu
The yacht will make its final passage to the beautiful island of Corfu, back to where your magical journey began.
If you have time, take a tender ride ahsore and spend the morning visiting the island's beautiful landmarks that you didn't mange to explore on day one, or simply relax on the boat and take in the splendour of this majestic island as you and your guests get ready to depart for home.
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*All distances are approximate
