Greece: Ionian Isles Yacht Charter Guide
Picking a luxury yacht charter in Greece will leave you utterly spoilt for choice. After choosing between the tantalising mainland or the beautiful islands, your next decision is which group of islands to visit: the Dodecanese with their rich cultural history, the pretty towns of the Cyclades, the beautiful beaches of the Sporades islands… the list is almost endless. However, for the most spectacular food, the most fascinating history and the most varied and dramatic scenery, cruising the Ionian islands by private yacht simply cannot be beaten. You can choose from several charter itineraries when you decide to cruise the Ionian islands by yacht, and there are cruises available to suit all tastes and interests, from local culture and history to watersports and fine dining from relaxing and beach-hopping to nightlife and shopping.
The Ionian Islands are one of the most sought out 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.
Many caves, beaches and quiet local villages can be found on the shores of Corfu and Kefalonia, Ithaca and Paxi. Enjoy a long lunch with a carafe of white wine in a waterside taverna, then hop back on board your luxury yacht to cruise around to the next bay for a refreshing dip on a deserted beach. With many of the bays being inaccessible by road or footpath, the only visitors to some of the prettiest anchorages are those that arrive by yacht, making it easy to find your own private spot to enjoy. Corfu Town is a must for culture vultures keen to explore its Venetian fortresses, whilst the harbours of Lefkada offer traditionally warm, Greek welcomes and quintessential tavernas looking out over turquoise waters.
Since the days of Odysseus, sailors and yachtsmen have been drawn to the western shores of Greece. Surrounded by myth and legend, the Ionian islands harbour a distinct feeling of ancient mystery which draws seafarers to this day. The complex history and varied occupation of the region has unmistakably shaped the land and people, resulting in a rich culture and an excellent local cuisine, with its architecture, music and art all carrying distinct flavours of those that have been before. The Ionian Islands cling to the verdant ‘green coast’ of Greece, where golden sands are flanked by endless olive and citrus groves, looking out onto impossibly turquoise seas.
