Corfu
The northernmost and most cosmopolitan of the Ionian islands. Venetian old town, dramatic cliffs at Cape Drastis, and the turquoise lagoon at Paleokastritsa. Ideal starting point for one-way charters heading south.
Charter from Corfu
Corfu · Lefkada · Kefalonia · Ithaca · Zakynthos
Yacht Charter Ionian Islands
The most sheltered, most beginner-friendly and most consistently beautiful sailing ground in Greece. Five major islands, a hundred anchorages, and the greenest water in the Mediterranean.
Sailing the Ionian
Greece's Most Accessible Sailing Ground
The Ionian is where Greek island sailing is at its most relaxed. The distances between islands are short, the anchorages are well-sheltered, and the summer wind, the northwesterly Maistro, blows steadily and predictably without the sudden squalls and gusts that characterise the Aegean in July and August.
Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos form a natural chain running 250km from north to south, each island distinct in character, all connected by water that shifts between deep turquoise and electric blue. The Ionian coastline is greener and more dramatic than the Cyclades, the food is exceptional, and the anchorages are rarely as crowded.
Vlamis Yachts operates from two Ionian bases, D-Marin Lefkada at the heart of the chain, and Palairos on the mainland coast, making the Ionian our most comprehensively covered sailing ground. Our team has been on these waters for over thirty years.
The Islands
Five Islands, One Chain
Lefkada
The charter hub of the Ionian. Porto Katsiki beach, the Meganisi anchorages and Fiskardo on Kefalonia are all within a day's sail. Vlamis base at D-Marin Marina, the best-equipped in the Ionian.
Charter from LefkadaKefalonia
The largest Ionian island and arguably the most dramatic. Fiskardo's Venetian harbour, the sea cave at Melissani, and the beaches of Myrtos and Antisamos rank among the finest in Greece.
Ithaca
Homer's island of Odysseus. The deep natural harbour at Vathy is one of the most sheltered anchorages in Greece. Small, unhurried and unspoiled, a favourite stop for sailors who want to step off the tourist trail.
Zakynthos
At the southern end of the chain, Zakynthos is famous for its sea turtles (Caretta caretta nest on the beaches), the Shipwreck Beach, and the Blue Caves on the north coast. Best reached on a two-week charter.
Paxos & Meganisi
Two small islands that punch above their weight. Paxos has the famous sea caves of Antipaxos. Meganisi sits south of Lefkada with deep sheltered bays and three quiet village ports. Both are fixture stops on any Ionian charter.
Good to Know
Ionian Yacht Charter FAQs
Is the Ionian good for beginner sailors?
Yes, the Ionian is the recommended starting point for first-time Greek charterers. The Maistro wind is steady and predictable, distances between islands are short, and the anchorages are well-sheltered. It is significantly more forgiving than the Cyclades in summer, particularly for families and mixed-experience groups.
What is the best island to start an Ionian charter from?
Lefkada is the most practical starting point, with a central location, best charter infrastructure, and the Vlamis permanent base at D-Marin Marina. Corfu is the better choice for one-way charters heading south through the chain. Ask our team and we'll recommend the best base for your specific itinerary.
How many islands can I visit in one week?
A one-week Ionian charter comfortably covers 4 to 6 islands or anchorages. A typical week from Lefkada takes in Meganisi, Ithaca, Fiskardo on Kefalonia, Sami, and one or two stops back up the coast to Lefkada. Two weeks opens the full chain from Corfu to Zakynthos.
Ionian or Cyclades, which should I choose?
The Ionian is better for first-time charterers, families, anyone who values calm anchorages and reliable conditions, and sailors who want dramatic green landscapes. The Cyclades is better for experienced sailors who want more wind, the classic postcard Greek island scenery, and livelier nightlife. Both are exceptional. If in doubt, start with the Ionian.
Plan Your Ionian Charter
Ready to Sail the Ionian?
Tell us your preferred base, dates and group size and we'll come back with a tailored itinerary and proposal within one business day.