Ionian Islands Luxury Yachting Guide

The allure of the Ionian Islands is an impossibility to resist; seven transcendent atolls glistening in a Grecian sea of their own. Blanketed in deep greens and often covered in blooming wildflowers, the islands of Cephalonia, Corfu, Ithaki, Kythira, Lefkada, Paxi and Zakinthos only shine brighter in their isolation from one another.

Infused with flavours of French and British culture, the Ionian Islands create a different feel to their Aegean countrymen, each featuring an individual sense of tradition, atmosphere and architecture. Basking buoyantly off the west coast of Greece, these humble pleasures have long been attracting discerning travellers in need of respite to their welcoming shores.

The Ionians hold the key to a private piece of Grecian heaven; cruising to an isolated swimming cove, or wandering peacefully antiquated towns. One must only sail to a different slice of the Ionian Sea however to discover a paradise for adventure addicts. Inspiration is easily found in trekking the richly-forested mountains, diving the deep iridescent sea or windsurfing off the pebbly coastline.

Corfu
Dripping in contemporary treasures and buzzing with lively enthusiasm is the island of Corfu, crowning the Ionian Islands in the north. Laden with bending cypresses and tumbling olive groves, the captivating landscape of this Greek gem is interspersed with attractive inland villages bursting with character. The capital of Corfu Town is a colourful jumble of picturesque harbours and dainty bays bordering on sweeping esplanades and spacious town squares. Scattered beyond the capital are relics of Greece’s dramatic past, creating intriguing day trips ashore.

Cephalonia
The famous Cephalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands, filled with mountainous beauty and beaches simply perfect for bathing. Scattered with intriguing towns boasting dramatic stories, days can be well spent wandering these fascinating quarters, particularly Fiskardo, the only town to survive the island’s devastating earthquake, and the more cosmopolitan capital of Argostoli.

Ithica
Tiny and elegant is Ithica, the legendary home port of Homer's Odysseus, whose charming capital is packed with neat cafes, quaint bars and sophisticated shops.

Zakynthos
The magic of southerly Zakynthos exists in its animated social scene and pristine shores, culminating in an enticing blend of lively nightlife and opulent escape.