The Best Beaches In The Ionian Islands To Visit By Yacht
The Best Beaches In The Ionian Islands To Visit By Yacht
The Ionian is one of the most alluring stretches of sea in the Mediterranean - emerald bays and chalk-white cliffs plunge into gin-clear water, backed by a lush green interior. Stretching along Greece’s western coastline, the Ionian islands provide sheltered cruising, short hops between islands, welcoming anchorages, and, on top of everything, the most incredible beaches.
Beaches that are framed by pine forests and olive groves, bordered by turquoise waters, and those that are accessed only by yacht typically stay uncrowded. Because many of the Ionian beaches sit beneath cliffs or along remote coastlines, arriving by yacht or tender is often the best experience. Here are some of the best Ionian beaches that reward yacht charter guests the most:
Paxoi
Tiny Paxoi punches well above its weight. Erimitis, on the island’s western flank, was created by an earthquake in the late 2000s and remains one of the Ionians’ most dramatic finds: dazzling white pebbles, a palette of extraordinary blues, and sheer cliffs for a backdrop. The obvious choice to get here is by boat. Don’t miss Kaminia and Kaki Lagada either, or the trip south to Antipaxoi’s Voutoumi, where white cliffs crown a beach of crystalline, shallow water.
Zakynthos
No list of Ionian beaches is complete without Shipwreck Beach (Navagio) in Zakynthos. The rusting hull of the MV Panagiotis lying in a cove of bone-white sand, framed by vertical limestone walls, is arguably the most photographed scene in Greece. Current landslides may have closed the beach itself, but the view and a swim from a yacht remain just as special. Further south, Gerakas is a beautiful sandy crescent that doubles as a nesting site for loggerhead turtles. The beach closes at dusk to let the hatchlings make their way to the sea.
Lefkada
Porto Katsiki and Egremni are two beaches that have a strong claim to being the finest in all of Greece. Both feature the same spectacular features, towering white cliffs, turquoise waters, and pebbles worn smooth by the Ionian swell. Both are best accessed by boat.
Ithaca
Often overlooked in favour of its larger neighbour, Ithaca offers many beaches. Skinos boasts turquoise water backed by dense pine forest and a sense of calm that is increasingly hard to find. From here, a path leads to Gidaki, deep blue water beneath a steep green hillside, which can also be reached by boat from Vathy. Afales, on the northern tip, delivers beautiful blue water, white pebbles, and steep slopes, and is entirely unmanaged.
Kefalonia
Kefalonia offers a remarkable variety of beach days. Fteri looks exactly like a postcard: fantastically clear water, gleaming white pebbles, and imposing cliffs softened by surrounding green hills. There is a footpath for the adventurous, but by boat is far easier. Xi offers something different entirely, dark red volcanic sand contrasting sharply with clear water, studded with smooth white rocks. It’s unmistakably Kefalonian.
Othonoi
Remote Othonoi - the westernmost point of Greece - is a destination for those who like their yacht charter with a sense of genuine discovery. Its Aspri Ammos beach is among the most beautiful in the Ionian. Think white pebbles, steep cliffs, and water that shifts from turquoise to deep blue as you swim out. And, there is no road access; a yacht is the only way in.
Discover The Ionian By Yacht
By yacht, the most beautiful beaches in the Ionian are easily reached, from the cliffs of Zakynthos and Lefkada to the coves of Ithaca, Kefalonia, and Othonoi. Chartering a yacht in Greece allows you to experience these incredible coastlines at their most peaceful. Contact our expert IYC charter consultants today to discuss your next Ionian yacht charter, tailored completely to you.
More From The Blog
While islands like Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Lefkada dominate the guides, and rightly so, there are many more, lesser-visited islands beyond these well-trodden highlights that are full of hidden gems. Smaller, quieter islands full of authentic Greek cuisine and culture, traditional villages with minimal development, uncrowded beaches, and isolated anchorages. Here we spotlight our favorite insider spots in the Ionian to include on your next Greek yacht charter itinerary.
Located off the western coastline of Greece are the Ionian Islands - a group of islands that perfectly combine lush green landscapes with turquoise waters and quaint villages. This region of Greece offers natural beauty and laid-back charm that still allows you to sidestep the tourist crowds.
The Ionian Islands are one of the most sought destinations in the Mediterranean for a luxury yacht charter holiday, thanks to their warm, gentle breezes and the close proximity of the islands, allowing guests to adopt a relaxed approach and enjoy a week or two of blissful island-hopping.