Get the best out of your next luxury charter cruise with our dynamic guide through the Ionian archipelago. Home to the greenest islands in Greece and some of the most alluring beaches in all of Europe, the Ionians will overwhelm you with beauty. Luff up and leave your mundane worries behind as you discover a new azure horizon every day, guided by a skilled and experienced captain that knows about every hidden gem of the area where you can soak in the sunrays far away from tourist crowds. Wander through the traditional villages and swim in Caribbean-looking coves, indulge in the best seafood and celebrate the sweet life in the stunning islands of this turquoise archipelago.
Day 1 - Corfu
Thanks to great flight connections from all over the world, Corfu is a logical starting point for your next sea escapade in Greece. With several glamorous marinas to choose from, Corfu is truly a yachties paradise.
This cosmopolitan island will seduce you with eclectic architecture left behind numerous rulers, including the Venetians, French and the British. The melting pot of European culture is a must-see destination for any gourmet food aficionado - get ready to try some mouthwatering dishes you won't find anywhere else, including the sofrito, pastrokio eggplants and pastisada.
You’ll need all the energy you can get - prepare for lots of swimming, as Corfu boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Whether you’re looking for family friendly sandy spots to play with little ones, or places to test out the water toys provided by the charter, you’ll have plenty of options. Paleokastritsa has something for everyone, including dozens of grottos to explore if you deem yourself a speleology lover, Agios Gordios is the the most verdant one, while Myrtiotissa beach will quench your thirst unspoilt nature and boast glittery aquamarine seas.
If you feel like stretching your feet a little bit before heading to your next destination, spend some time strolling through the enchanting capital where you can visit the fortresses built by Venetians, the neoclassical Mon Repos mansion where Prince Phillip was born, or even practice your cricket moves at The Esplanade.
Day 2 - Corfu to Paxos
Although you might be sad to leave the regal-looking island of Corfu, the beauty of this electric-blue oasis will soon comfort you - Paxos is praised as the closest things to St. Barts you’ll find in Europe. Visit the dramatic Emritis cliffs, swim in the glittery Vrika beach, and if you’re feeling brave, walk on the natural Triptos Arch bridge. Dine with the locals in pocket sized villages and enjoy moments of complete serenity in secluded coves very few people know about - thankfully, your skilled captain is one of them.
Day 3 - Paxos to Antipaxos
Did you think you’ll hardly find prettier beaches than the ones in Paxos? Well, rest assured that Antipaxos will exceed your expectations. The smaller sister island has just over 60 residents - probably the happiest people on Earth, and flaunts spectcaular white sand havens with limpid, electric blue waters, where you can have fun with your charter yacht’s water toys. If by any chance you feel like finding refuge from the sizzling Greek sun, why not spend hours wandering through the lush vineyards and treat yourself to a nice wine tasting? Just don’t forget to get a few spare bottles to enjoy on the foredeck as you sail away to other blue horizons.
Day 4 - Antipaxos to Lefkas
The essence of the Ionian spirit, the sublime island blends traditional living with uncompromising luxury. Home to jaw dropping natural jewels, such as the cascading Nydra waterfalls, picturesque villages with the best tavernas in Greece, and mysterious landmarks to explore by foot, Lefkas is an island that will have you thinking about booking your next vacation already. Head offroad to explore the secluded beaches only accessible by yacht or wander through the bustling villages to dance and drink with locals. In the mood for some vigorous activity? Let’s go to the south coast to windsurf at the turquoise Vassiliki or dive and try kiting by the windmills at the Agios Ioannis beach.
If you enjoyed the wine tasting in Antipaxos and managed to finish the bottles of rose you purchased there, why not branch out to the romantic winery just above Sivota? Here, you can also try the best olive oil in the region that will make a great gift for family and friends back home.
The culture vultures might enjoy spending a few hours wandering through the medieval castle of Agia Mavra or the Archeological Museum with artefacts dating back to the Bronze Age. It’s no coincidence that the unique blend of stunning beaches, rich history and mouth watering cuisine seduced Aristotle Onassis who basically put the dreamy island on the map. You can visit his statue in the port of Nidri and get a glimpse of his private island, Scorpios, just east of Lefkas as you prepare to luff up and visit your next destination, Ithaca.
Day 5 - Lefkas to Ithaca
The beauty of the mythical island that inspired Homer to write his masterpiece, Odyssey, will help you understand why Ulysses couldn't wait to return. Ithaca will steal your heart with scenic port towns, dreamy beaches and viridescent nature. Although you’ll love the azure seas of the capital Vathi, the best beaches lay further ahead and the prettiest one, Gidaki, can only be accessed by boat. Here, you can soak in the sun rays with just the sound of the waves and chirping of the birds. Lazareto is another natural jewel to explore during your stay - the minuscule islet served as a quarantine location during Venetian rule, and is completely covered in lush pine trees that provide shade for the charterers who like to avoid sun damage. If you’re looking for a romantic weekend, the captain could take you to the picturesque Pisaetos fishing village where you can treat yourself to some of the best seafood you’ve tried so far. For some more on land adventure, put your hiking gear on to visit the ruins of Odysseus castle, the Nymphs cave, and the Aetos Acropolis.
For those traveling with the youngest sailors, a visit to Kioni village is an absolute must! Here, you’ll find three kids-friendly beaches where your little ones can build sand castles, while adults will love the rich variety of hip restaurants and bars serving dishes that some Michelin-star restaurants can be envious of.
Day 6 - Ithaca to Kefalonia
Home to one of the most glamorous ports in Greece, Kefalonia has a strong yachting community. Strike out to the swish Fiskardo village to marvel at the neoclassical pastel hued mansions, gaze at blush sunsets from stylish restaurants where you can enjoy Greek cuisine with an innovative twist, or swim in the celeste-colored seas. Often regarded as the most cosmopolitan village of the island, Fiskardo is almost like a miniature St. Tropez reserved for the lucky few. Almost as sophisticated, but even smaller, Agia Efimia is a tiny village that will have you thinking you somehow woke up in Cote D’azur. That’s because the chichi town was completely rebuilt by the French after the 1953 earthquake, so it blends the best of Greek joie de vivre and aesthetics of the nation that invented fashion.
The seductive island is a famous hiking destination, with trails that lead up to the tallest summit in the Ionian archipelago. Prepare your water bottle to reach the peak to absorb the best panoramic views!
When it’s time to put your bathing suit on, Myrtos beach is the first spot to visit. With endless stretches of sugar cane sand and cerulean seas, this haven frequently tops the lists of world’s finest beaches. Next up, we have Antisamos, the tropical paradise that served as a shooting location for the iconic movie “Captain Corelli's Mandolin”. Speleology lovers might feel a little overwhelmed with options - the Melissani cave possesses an ethereal beauty that according to legends has long been the preferred meeting point for nymphs. The Drogarati grotto is one of the most enigmatic in Europe, and has staglites that are at least 150 million years old.
Day 7 - Kefalonia to Zakynthos
Although you could easily spend a year exploring the enchanting beauty of Kefalonia, it’s time to visit the last stop of your island hopping itinerary. With over 123 kilometers of azure coasts, Zakynthos is one of the prettiest Greek summer hotspots and is a sweet ending of your unforgettable luxury yacht charter cruise. Often referred to as the Flower of the Levant, the southernmost island in the Ionian archipelago owes its allure to vibrant port towns, luscious olive groves and orchards, as well as the world famous Navagio Beach. The perfect spot to live out your Robinson Crusoe fantasies, Navagio, or Shipwreck beach, is a striking cove with dramatic blue seas that is often seen on the covers of travel magazines and postcards. Zakynthos also holds the status of Greece’s greenest island, as much of the south coast is a natural reserve where you can spot endangered turtle species hatching their eggs in the sun kissed sand. Make time for a fabulous farewell dinner prepared by your talented onboard chef in the open seas - we hope to see you next year too!
