Having cruised the Greek Seas extensively since childhood, Lambros, one of our expert brokers in the Mediterranean, holds a special place in his heart for the Ionian Islands.
A typical itinerary in the Ionians offers a lovely mixture of breathtaking sceneries, turquoise waters and beautiful little towns. Above all, the Ionian Sea is almost always calm during July and August; when the Meltemi winds torment the Cyclades Islands. A typical 7 day itinerary of the Ionians involves quite a lot of mileage, so a motor yacht is recommended for fast island hopping.
Day 1: Kefalonia
Kefalonia lies almost in the mid of the Ionians and is the perfect spot to start. Enjoy swimming in the translucent waters of Assos bay and then head for Fiscardo, a little fishing village in the North part of Kefalonia for a savoury dinner in Tassia’s Restaurant. Mrs Tassia is a larger than life figure, an accomplished Greek cuisine chef and a loving host, she is the main attraction for the international jet setters who cruise the Ionians. Do not get fooled by the photo below; make sure to reserve a table!
Day 2: Paxoi – Antipaxoi
Two small islands right between Lefkas and Corfu, Paxoi and Antipaxoi are the ultimate yachting paradise! Visit the famous blue caves in Paxoi and swim in the white-gold beaches in Antipaxoi, before heading for the port of Gaios in Paxoi: a unique little fiord-like anchorage that is definitely worth visiting.
Day 3: Corfu
Corfu is the undisputable queen of the Ionian islands; the old town is magnificent with her long history and plethora of monuments. Ask your captain to secure a berth in the old port and take a night stroll in Liston Square, named because only noble families (listed in the Libro d’ Oro) could maintain properties there.
Day 4: Parga
A little gem, situated in mainland Greece, across Corfu, Parga vaguely reminds us of Southern Italy with the multi-coloured houses perched on a hill overlooking the sea.
Day 5: Meganisi
Spend a quiet day swimming in the emerald waters around this little island and maybe enjoy a barbecue organised by your crew by the beach; the perfect way to relax after Corfu and Parga!
Day 6: Ithaki
Famous for being the island of Odysseus, Ithaki (Ithaca) is another hidden gem in the Ionian and has long been attracting boaters with her dandelion coasts, emerald waters and lively little towns.
Day 7: Zakynthos
We kept the most beautiful place for last: make sure to be early in the famous Navagio bay, so as to enjoy it before the flocks of tourist boats arrive! After feasting your eyes to this beauty, head for the town of Zakynthos.
Day 8: Disembark
After spending the morning exploring Zakynthos town and doing some last minute shopping, head for the airport for your flight home.
The memories of your Ionian cruise will stay imprinted until your next visit to the islands. The best thing is that there are so many places left unseen, that you can return to Ionians several times until you have seen them all!
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