IONIAN ISLANDS 7-DAY SKIPPERED SAILING HOLIDAYS

Our Ionian Skippered Sailing Holidays

Whether you have experienced sailing before or just want a unique holiday in Greece, Please join us for a hassle free 7-Day Private Ionian Skippered Sailing Holiday

Scattered along the west coast of Greece, the Ionian Islands are set in some of the deepest areas of the Mediterranean, with a geography of steep plunging cliffs, emerald seas, and some of the most famous of Greece’s beaches shaped by the tectonics of this region.

With Italy to the West, they have a cultural, artistic and architectural heritage which is fascinating to explore. Sailing these islands is noted for almost continuous calm water, perhaps making this a good choice for less experienced groups, or families with children & is well suited to sailing by Catamaran in particular.  

Book with confidence plus lots of extra options

With an Expert Skipper & all associated yacht costs included in the price of our Ionian skippered sailing holiday, your experience is hassle-free with no hidden surprises. Furthermore, our Ionian Skippered Sailing Holiday is backed by Warmpenguin’s extensive range of land tours & partners throughout Greece as well as one of the largest Yacht brokerages in the Mediterranean which means that we can not only guarantee availability with a comprehensive infrastructure & a fleet of over 350 Yachts. but also offer a wealth of choices to make things even easier for you.

From simple airport transfers, to a full pre-sailing 7-night tour of the ‘Classical Greek’ Mainland Highlights with Hotels & Professional Archaeological Guides; Whilst during your sailing we have lots of options, from a chef-on-board, to organized Island Excursions. Just let us know what we can do to make your Holiday perfect & we will fully personalize your Holiday without extra cost.

Choosing the Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands are one of the most visited in Greece. The islands of Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Lefkada are the most popular, with the islands of Ithaca, Paxi, a more relaxed peaceful pace and there are many small islets which are ideal to see with a sailing yacht.

With many of these islands formally under Venetian rule, you will see some beautiful architecture in the main areas of Zakynthos for example. Corfu’s well-preserved town is a UNESCO-listed site with Renaissance, Baroque and Classical architecture, along with highlights such as its ancient promenade on the central square which is full of arcades and cafes as well as a 15th-century Fortress.

Apart from sightseeing, these islands are well developed for watersport activities like scuba diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing, and food lovers will not be disappointed by the well-developed local cuisine.

Flexibility

We suggest a general itinerary involving visits to all the islands, but this is very flexible and will always be adapted to the preferences you indicate, be they more time for the beach, for exploring each new destination, or in finding that perfect restaurant, or deserted beach spot to spend the evening. Prior to departure, we will discuss with you the specific day to day itinerary, but each day your Skipper will also keep you fully informed about the days sailing including any transit times, what you can expect at each destination, and any options you may enjoy, from the best beaches, to recommendations on lots of other aspects from local beauty spots, to where the best fish tavernas are located, so you will be fully informed and can choose the ideal pattern to suit your group.

Our starting prices include all costs

Our prices include the Skipper and all related costs, and are inclusive of the often hidden extras such as fuel, mooring fees, end of port cleaning, insurance, extra bedding etc. so you only have food & drinks as extras. Yacht type is based on our lowest cost, entry-level, fully equipped luxury Yachts. Examples of which are specified in the respective booking category.

Easy Booking Process

You may either use the instant booking facility below, or send us an inquiry. After booking or deposit we confirm price & availability of specific Yachts, including any upgrade or newer models, within a few days. See our FAQ below for details of the booking process. Instant Booking options may also include a choice to select a catamaran Yacht. If you prefer a Luxury Motor Yacht, these are also normally available on request.

Pre-Booking Inquiries are welcome by email to info@warmpenguin.gr or from our contact form.

You can see examples of our most common Yacht range HERE.

Suggested 7-Day Itinerary:

Corfu – Paxi – Lefkada – Ithaka – Kefalonia – Zakynthos

Locations

Modern Multicultural Corfu reflects its past History under Byzantine, Venetian, French and British rule and which unlike the rest of Greece kept it out of Ottoman occupation for centuries.

Corfu Town, flanked by two imposing Venetian fortresses, features winding medieval lanes, a French-style arcade, and the Grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George. The old town is a well preserved UNESCO world heritage site with Renaissance, Baroque and Classical architecture and austere public buildings of the Venetian rule mixing with the washing lines of the local resident’s houses amongst its narrow cobbled alleyways, stairwells & vaulted passages called  “kantounia” that transport you to medieval Italy

Amongst its many beauty spots don’t miss the large Spianada square which it the center of the city and lined with beautiful French Architecture; The Liston, where its aristocrats enjoyed a romantic promenade through its arcades; and the more modern suburbs of Mandouki, Garitsa, and Sarokos.

Apart from its sailing opportunities & beaches, Corfu has a well-developed Gastronomy, a lot to see & do to keep visitors busy with many good museums such as The Archaeological Museum of Corfu, Byzantine Museum, and Museum of Asian Art. Its other palaces such as Kanoni, with great views & romantic gardens, and the Achilleion Palace built among Cyprus trees for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria are also a wonderful experience. All in all, Corfu makes a great addition to the variety & history you can expect to experience when sailing through the Ionian Islands.

With Fjord-shaped beaches, underwater caves, idyllic bays, and lush green hills which absorb time, we can’t argue. The Capital of the Island & main port, Gaios, is one of the most beautiful in Greece, set with the small island of Agios Nikolaos.

For sightseeing in the main town, visit the Venetian fortress in & the Paxi Museum whilst the picturesque villages of Lóggos, Lákka and Oziás, tucked away in pine and olive trees have some great hiking & biking trails. In the areas of Oziás, Yaná and Glyfáda, sulfur thermal springs offer an alternative treatment for rheumatics and other health conditions and there is also a traditional Olive Museum in Magaziá.

For sailing, there are around 40 sea caves to explore along with endless beaches and the stunning islet of Antipaxi.

At the beginning and at the end of summer the islands Festival hosts internationally famous Greek and foreign soloists, whereas in July the traditional festival of “Water and Oil” is held dedicated to folk music.

With a lively sailing community, Lefkada is a sailing paradise with 24 surrounding islets set against lush green vegetation. The main ones of these are Meganisi, a green oasis with three traditional villages, Katomeri, Vathy and Spartochori, and only accessible from the sea you can visit the Giovani’s Cave and Papanikolis Cave; Kalamos Island is partly covered with Pine forest with several villages such as Porto Leone with a pretty scenic bay; Whilst Kastos Island is without cars, is an elongated isle covered in olive trees with safe anchorage for Yachts

The island capital and port, Lefkada Town, is planned like a ‘fish backbone’ with charming alleyways, traditional houses, and pretty paved shopping streets giving the town a distinct character, surrounded by a canal and lagoon with a nearby sandy beach and windmills. The seafront is pedestrianized with lots of coffee hangouts, and its central squares have good restaurants and old churches like the seventeenth-century Agios Spyridonas. Seek out the Kouzounteli area for a throwback to enjoy a traditional coffee under the shade of the age-old plane trees

The Island hosts some nice annual events including the International Folklore Festival, Discourse & Art Festival, and local Wine Festival, whilst the island is also great for mountain biking & Paragliding, the best of the island is found along its coast with a popular sport of Kite surfing as well as yachting one of the most popular activities.

The Island has many villages. For a more busy tourist resort you can try Nydri & Vasiliki, and for a more peaceful time try Poros with its wonderful views or the traditional Karya village.

Weaving a shroud she avoided them for 20 years until his return twenty years later. Its larger neighbor Kefalonia is more developed whilst Ithica has remained more peaceful & has probably changed little since the time of Odysseus.

The Island of Ithaca is 27km long with mountainous terrain with plenty of Hiking & Biking trails running along the coastal routes lined with olive, cypress, pine, oak, arbutus, and carob trees above the blue-green sea views. Scuba diving & Sea Kayak options are also available and from the vantage point of a Sailing Yacht, there are a great variety of organized and secluded beaches to choose from such as Lootsa, Filiatró, Sarakínniko, Dexá, Minnímata, Yidáki, Aetós, Áspros, and Yalós.

The Capital of the Island, Vathy is built in a bay and home to the Maritime and Folkloric Museum as well as to the Archaeological Museum of Ithaca. Vathy is a very pretty village to visit with a large marina which can get busy with sail yachts in the peak visiting period. The Village of Perahóri is also worth visiting for its breathtaking views over the Island, and also the village of Stavros in the north of the island at the edge of a forest and the village of Anoyí with ancient standing stones up to 8 meters tall.

There are a good choice of restaurants & Cafes on the Island and some of the standout local Gastronomy to try include savóro fish (fish fillet fried in vinegar, raisins, rosemary, and garlic) tserepáto (red meat of chicken charcoal-grilled in a clay pot), and the desert Rovaní (ground rice with honey).

Its mountains are covered with Pine, Cyprus & Olive trees and spectacular white sandy beaches are set between its limestone cliffs and blue sea. Ideal for sailing, it’s also perfect for snorkeling and you can enjoy rich local wildlife including the rare Sea Turtles Caretta Caretta as well as monk seals. A must-see natural wonder is the Cave Lake of Melissani with large internal domed cliff walls rising to a smaller aperture at its ‘roof’ open to the sun which shines down to the blue waters below. Located near Karavomylos, the cave has been made accessible to the public & is one of the island’s most visited places.

Combine all this with a lively nightlife & some beautiful traditional towns & villages & you may not see much need to leave the island.

Like the other Ionian Islands, Kefalonia has a history & Architecture reflecting the successive Venetian, French, Ottoman & British Occupations of past centuries. Argostoli, is the largest town on the Island built around a hill with a city-like feel amongst the medieval architecture still standing in some areas such as the old town Krani’ with its ancient Cyclopean walls, whilst the towns of Fiscardo, Lixouri, and clifftop Assos are also well worth visiting.

Kefalonia also has well-developed gastronomy based on the island’s local produce, especially its Feta Cheese, Yellow Cheese, Olive, Honey, and meats. Stand-out local dishes to look out for are ‘lagoto’ cooked with rabbit, ‘sofigado’ a dish with goat, cod pie filled with salted codfish, ‘strapatsada’ (scrambled cooked eggs with tomatoes), and ‘tsigaridia’ (fresh greens cooked with tomato sauce); Whilst for a traditional sweet try ‘Mandoles’ (almonds assorted with sugar) and ‘Pastokydono’ (made from quince). Not least, the local wine to wash it down with is Robola! 

It is also fairly well developed for tourism with an international airport.

A green island, Zakynthos has a diverse landscape & coastline with sandy beaches & hidden coves on its southeast side and rugged cliffs to its western side with deep blue hues of water. It is also naturally beautiful with over 7000 species of flower (the Venetians called it the flower of the East) and the fauna includes the rare Caretta-Caretta sea Turtle, & the Monacus-Monacus Monk Seal.

Zakynthos has a long History. After the fall of the Byzantine Empire, it was occupied by no less than the Kingdom of Naples, the Ottoman Empire, the Venetian Republic, the French, Russians, British Italians, and Germans. The Venetians have left their mark on the island’s architecture, although the island was largely rebuilt after a significant earthquake in mid 20^th century. Its Capital city Zakynthos is also the main Island Port and has lots to offer the visitor for a land excursion.

Like most of the towns & villages throughout Greece life centers around its main squares. Solomos Square is decorated with characteristic architecture of arched windows & arcades with the bust of the national Greek Poet D Solomos at its center. You will find also the local library and post-Byzantine Museum with some significant exhibits. For Cafes, Bars & Restaurants just follow the coastal road of Strata Marina from the square.

Rouga, the main commercial center for centuries which starts at Aghios Markos Square crosses most of the town & has some impressive arcades. The Venetian Castle above the town is also worth a visit but for the best view, head to Stranis Hill nearby.

Choosing your vessel.

All our Ionian Skippered Sailing holidays can be carried out with either Catamaran, Sailing Yacht or Motor Yacht. However, each vessel type has slightly different suitabilities. Catamarans are ideal for families. They are very stable and are perfect for the short hops around the Ionian Islands for example which have little or minimal wind even in August when the Cyclades can experience windy conditions. Sailing Yachts are suitable for all and are equipped with an engine to assist sail power so all the inter-island distances in each of our itineraries can be covered comfortably. Motor Yachts, without sail, offer the most speedy travel & are ideal for those who want to spend less of their time ‘hopping’ & more time sightseeing.

Options! Options! Options!

Why not combine your Ionian Skippered Sailing holidays with a land-based itinerary or professionally guided activities. With our partners throughout Greece and years of experience, we are able to offer many additional exciting options to make your time together hassle-free, and designed to get the most out of your Greek experience. From multi-day Private Archaeological Site Tours of the mainland & other excursions to, a week’s Hiking & Biking tour in some of the most amazing landscapes in Greece, to simple airport transfers. Just ask for details & let us know your preferences.

FAQ / Ionian Skippered Sailing