Arriving in Corfu
You can arrive in Corfu by plane at “Ioannis Kapodistrias” International Airport, from where you can take a taxi to the closest marina, D-Marin Gouvia. The marina is only 9 kilometres away from the airport.
Marina Gouvia offers many boat charter possibilities, while sailing around Corfu Island or the Ionian Islands:
- Sailing boat (41 ft) – 3 cabins – High Season – from 580 €/ day
- Catamaran (39 ft) - 6 cabins – High Season – from 800 €/ day
Weather in the Ionian Islands
The best weather to sail this itinerary is from May to September. The wind and sailing conditions in the Ionian Sea are ideal and predictable.
The Ionian Islands have a Mediterranean climate, with mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. The average temperature ranges from 9.5 °C in January to 25 °C in August. In August, the maximum temperature exceeds 30 °C, and can reach up to 36 °C. Luckily, sea breezes blow, providing relief, at least when the heat is not excessive, and in any case, you can cool yourself in the sea.
From May to September the wind usually blows from North-West and rarely exceeds 20 kts. In Spring and Autumn, the wind is less strong and blows usually from South-West.
Check the weather forecast with the marina, keep the VHF radio open for weather updates or you can check one of the many desktop and mobile apps which offer weather forecasts, like Lightning or Windy.
Planning the itinerary
Prepare for a 7 days, memorable adventure around the Ionian Islands. For this itinerary, the starting point is Marina Gouvia, and you will sail more than 300 nautical miles around a very picturesque landscape, tasty cuisine and amazing people. Depending on your boat type, course, pace the below information may vary.
- Leg 1 - Corfu to Paxi/Antipaxos – 36 miles – 5.5 hours
- Leg 2 - Paxi/Antipaxos to Kefalonia – 70 miles – 11 hours
- Leg 3 - Kefalonia to Zakinthos – 48 miles – 7.5 hours
- Leg 4 - Zakinthos to Ithaki – 50 miles – 8 hours
- Leg 5 - Ithaki to Lefkada Island – 28 miles – 4 hours
- Leg 6 - Lefkada to Syvota – 45 miles – 7 hours
- Leg 7 - Syvota to Corfu – 20 miles – 3 hours
Ionian Islands Itinerary
Picture copyright: navionics.com1. Corfu to Paxi/Antipaxos – Leg 1
Sailing to Paxi/Antipaxos
After provisioning the boat and checking the weather forecast, leave Marina Goudia behind and take a S-SE heading to reach the Paxi and Antipaxos Islands.
Attention: After leaving Marina Goudia, you will have on your starboard side the Port of Corfu, which has heavy traffic, so keep an eye on the ferries.
This leg offers you the possibility to visit both islands, Paxi and Antipaxos and together are named Paxoi (Paxi) Islands. There are several harbours to safely moor the yacht, in case you don’t want to spend the time at anchor: Port of Gaios, the main port on Paxi Island with excelent conditions in most conditions, Port of Lakka consisting of a large natural inlet, or Port Longoss between Lakka and Gaios. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay at anchor, we recommend Mongonisi natural anchorage at the south end of Paxos, or the anchorages on the east side of Antipaxos island, where you can also relax at one of the taverns and cafes on the shore.
Sightseeing in Paxi/Antipaxos
According to Greek mythology the smallest Ionian Island came about when Poseidon plunged his trident into Corfu and Paxi Island broke away from the bottom and became the love nest that Poseidon shared with his consort Amphitrite, and his trident remains the official emblem of the island.
There are plenty of places to visit on both islands and we’ll just name several of them. One of the most emblematic landmarks Paxos can offer is the Tripitos Arch, three kilometres away from Gaios. The arc is the remains of a collapsed sea cave with the highest peak of 20 meters about sea level. Sailing on the western part of the Paxi, will just amaze you with its limestone cliffs and culminating with the Blue Caves that can only be visited by small boat (tender).
The islands are well known for the gold sand and turquoise waters beaches, if you prefer to relax on shore.
On Paxi island we recommend visiting:
On Antipaxos, the best beaches are:
Accomodation when sailing to Paxi/Antipaxos
Good accommodation can be found on the island like Paxos Club Resort & Spa**** with starting price from 180 € / night or Paxos Fairytales**** from 200 € / night.
There are many taverns around so why not stop for a delicious meal and a cold drink: Beach Bar and Restaurant Voutoumi or Thalassa restaurant.
Tripitos Arch, Paxi Island
capetanos.com2. Paxi/Antipaxos to Kefalonia – Leg 2
Sailing to Kefalonia
This leg will be the longest, around 70 nautical miles and you will reach the destination after around 11 hours of sailing. Even though it’s long, you will enjoy the journey and the destination will surely reach your highest expectations. Raise the anchor, set sail and take the course South (38°28'13.3"N 20°32'38.1"E), to maybe the most astonishing part of the Ionian Islands.
Sightseeing in Kefalonia
The largest of the Ionian islands, Kefalonia Island is an engaging and quite a popular sailing destination. The villages surrounded by lush greenery, the Byzantine monasteries, spectacular landscape, and charming beaches complete the picture of this picturesque island.
Top landmarks in Kefalonia include the Sea Lake of Melissani, the Cave of Drogarati with the fantastic stalactites and stalagmites.
- Timetable: From April to October – 9:00-17:00
- Tickets: 5 € for adults, 3 € for children
The Castle of Saint George and the Lighthouse of Argostoli will impress you with the majestic architectural style. Not to miss in Kefalonia are the beautiful villages of Assos and Fiscardo and of course the stunning beaches:
Accomodation when sailing to Kefalonia
Good accommodation can be found at Apostolata Island Resort and Spa***** with starting price from 223 € / night and Aenos Hotel**** from 132 € / night. While here you should definitely have dinner at Votsalo Restaurant & Cocktail Bar.
Melissani lake, Kefalonia Island
capetanos.com3. Kefalonia to Zakynthos – Leg 3
Sailing to Zakynthos
Zakynthos is not far from Kefalonia, however, depending on your anchorage or point of departure, you can sail up to 48 nautical miles to reach Zakynthos Marina, or one of the many anchorages available around the island. The marina is located at 37°47'00.4"N 20°54'07.4"E, and offers great services and amenities, if you need to re-provision your boat. Before departure, check out the anchorages around Zakynthos, they offer good shelter and unique landscapes.
Sightseeing in Zakynthos
If you sail for the first time in Zakynthos, you should visit the trademark of the island, Navagio Beach. This white sand beach is well known for the rusting remains of the MV Panagiotis, a container ship than ran aground in 1980 and is only accessible by boat. Drop the anchor, launch the tender and visit Navagio beach with its magical turquoise waters, white sand, all backed by dramatic towering cliffs. While the view from above is simply breath taking, it’s a must to take a dip in its enticingly clear water.
After visiting the Shipwreck beach, you should definitely have some relaxing time on one of Zakynthos many beaches:
Some of these beaches are home for the Caretta-caretta sea turtles, that lay their eggs every spring and summer, so you might be lucky enough to see them getting out of the sea to hide their eggs under the sand.
Caretta-caretta sea turtles are an endangered species, so you should by no means disturb them!
If you choose to moor your boat in the marina, you should visit Zakynthos Town, the capital of Zakynthos, with strong Venetian influences. Zakynthos Town has many hidden gems to explore like: the Venetian Castle, Solomos Square and the Post-Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos.
Accomodation when sailing to Zakynthos
Good accommodation can be found at Marelen Hotel**** with starting price from 131 € / night and Zante Atlantis Hotel*** from 102 € / night.
Navagio Beach, Zakynthos Island
capetanos.com4. Zakinthos to Ithaki – Leg 4
Sailing to Ithaki
This leg has around 50 nautical miles and you should arrive in Ithaki in about 8 hours. Once you leave Zakinthos Island, take a N-NE course to Ithaka Citykai, the municipality marina, at 38°21'52.3"N 20°43'06.3"E. There are also several anchorages before entering the marina, and also around the island, with good wind protection and wild beaches.
Sightseeing in Ithaki
Famous all over the world as the mythical island of Odysseus, Ithaca is probably the most renowned island of Greek mythology. With its laid-back character, emerald waters and lush greenery, Ithaca is one of the heavenly Greek islands for those who seek relaxation.
Because the island is small and quiet, activities in Ithaca are limited, however, the island is ideal for total relaxation at the beach or in the countryside.
The recommended beaches in Ithaca are:
If you prefer to stay at anchor, there are many secluded coves, that not just offer shelter, but also amazing scenery.
Accomodation when sailing to Ithaki
Good accommodation can be found at Korina Gallery Hotel**** with starting price from 153 € / night and Iriana Village Inn*** from 140 € / night.
Around Ithaka Citykai marina you can find several restaurants and taverns with exquisite Greek cuisine:
The Batis, γυρω γυρω (All Around), and a retail shop, in case you need to re-provision your boat, AB Vasilopoulos.
Vathi Bay, Ithaki Island
capetanos.com5. Ithaki to Lefkada – Leg 5
Sailing to Lefkada
Lefkada Island is approachable both from East or West, and it’s only 28 nautical miles away. With good wind, you can reach Lefkada in around 3-4 hours, a good reason to enjoy the beauty of Cape Ducato, in the Southern part of the island with its amazing Lighthouse guarding the island. If you plan to visit the island or re-provision the boat, we recommend mooring in Lefkas marina at 38°49'45.4"N 20°42'52.9"E. Lefkada has great anchorages in bays and coves and is also surrounded by small islands witch worth being visited.
Sightseeing in Lefkada
Lefkada (Lefkas) is well known for its breath-taking landscapes, so one of the must visit places is the Nidri waterfals. Being located in a lush, mountainous part of the island, it's a great opportunity for cooling off in a hot summer day.
Another nice place to see in Lefkada is the Medieval Castle of Agia Mavra, built by the Franks, who occupied Lefkada in 1294, and later on it was expanded by the Venetians. The castle is located close to the bridge that connects the island with the mainland.
- Timetable: From April to October – 8:00-15:30
- Tickets: 2 € for adults, free for children
If you prefer to spend some quality time at anchor, there are lots of bays and coves where you can drop the anchor, and also lots of beaches, like:
You can check all information regarding the top beaches in Lefkada on Lefkada Beaches.
Accomodation when sailing to Lefkada
Good accommodation can be found at Ianos Hotel*** with starting price from 146 € / night and Hotel Lefkas*** from 87 € / night.
Porto Katsiki Beach, Lefkada
capetanos.com6. Lefkada to Syvota – Leg 6
Sailing to Syvota
This leg is around 45 nautical miles away from Lefkada, and you can reach Syvota in around 7 hours, so it’s a good plan to raise the anchor in the morning. Take a N-NW heading for the Port of Syvota, located at 39°24'32.1"N 20°14'11.4"E.
Sightseeing in Syvota
Syvota has become more and more a popular tourist destination over the last years. The small costal village of Syvota combines wonderful Mediterranean climate, amazing landscapes, and beautiful architecture. A must-see landmark in Syvota is the Blue Lagoon, a small cove located on the north-eastern coast of Nisida Sivoda island. This is a good place to drop the anchor and swim around the boat, diving and snorkelling being most recommended activities in this location.
Accomodation when sailing to Syvota
Good accommodation can be found at Grand TheoNi Boutique Hotel&Spa**** with starting price from 118 € / night and Hotel Grand Nefeli**** from 131 € / night.
Being a traditional Greek village and not a typical tourist centre, it’s easy to find a taverna around the harbour, to try the authentic taste of the Greek food, like: Trehantiri Restaurant or Georgeos Family.
Blue Lagoon, Nisida Sivoda Island
capetanos.com7. Syvota to Corfu – Leg 7
Sailing to Corfu
Corfu is only three hours away from Syvota, and will give you the opportunity to admire the coast of Corfu with its amazing scenery. Sailing in Corfu will just amaze you, so take your time to admire the coastal landscape on your way back.
Sightseeing in Corfu
If your schedule permits it, take a few days to spend some quality time around Corfu, which is the second largest Ionian island. You could spend an entire week exploring Corfu island; however, we’ll highlight some of our favourite places to visit while sailing in Corfu.
A must see is the Cape Drastis, which can be best admired from the sea, and why not, launch the tender and explore also the beaches around the Cape.
A city between two fortresses, Corfu’s Old Town is a mix of Venetian and Neoclassical architecture with houses painted pale orange and yellow. While visiting the Old Town, don’t miss the New Fortress to the West and the Old Fortress to the East. Here you can visit Saint George Church, The Clock Tower and the Old Fortress Museum.
Accomodation when sailing to Corfu
Good accommodation can be found at Ekati Mare Boutique Resort & Suites**** with starting price from 167 € / night and Grecotel Eva Palace***** from 418 € / night.
Cape Drastis, Corfu Island
capetanos.comCapetanos sailing and general recommendations
For an incredible sailing adventure in the Ionian Islands, we recommend to plan in advance, consult the charts, weather conditions and choose the most suitable time according to your sailing skills. Once you land in Corfu you can also buy the Pilot Books for the Ionian Islands, or most probably you will find one abord your rented boat.
We hope that information in this article will contribute to your decision for your next holiday in Greece. The Ionian islands will convince you once again about the beauty of nature, the simplicity of life and the freedom you feel on the sea.
Sailing bugdet calculator / rent boat calculator Ionian Islands
These calculations are performed for one-week charter on a 41 feet catamaran, in mid-august and crew of 10.
| 1-week total | 9.315 € |
|---|---|
| 4 cabins catamaran | 7.200 € |
| Skipper (optional) | 1.050 € |
| Food | 240 € |
| Water | 50 € |
| Diesel | 210 € |
| Moorings | 115 € |
| Food out | 450 € |
