Discover the most beautiful places to sail in Greece ! Part 1: The Ionian Sea
Are you wondering which are the most spectacular places to sail in Greece? Well, we have some good news! We have the inside scoop thanks to the Atalanta Marine team who is sharing their favorite places! Ready to discover these dream spots, breathtaking views, and magnificent beaches? You will find here everything you need to help you to plan the perfect trip! So hop on board!
Greece is a country with thousands of islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas. This country is considered to be a sailing paradise, because of its numerous gulfs and archipelagos, therefore offering all kinds of seas and winds. Many virgin bays are accessible by boat only, and several hidden gems are waiting to be explored. The perfect climate makes of Greece around year destination for your sailing vacation, but to be precise, the best season runs from April to October.
The Ionian Sea
Mostly thermic and mild, the “Maistros” winds blow from the North West during the summer and make of the Ionian Sea an ideal destination for catamarans sailing. Specifically, the Ionian Islands distinguish themselves for their lush vegetation and their turquoise waters. Each of them is unique and characterized by its own history. Your itinerary could include almost all of the Ionian Islands!
A beach in Syvota
Corfu Island
Corfu is known as one of the most delightful Greek islands. Evoking the Venetian aristocracy and marked by its rich history, it constitutes the ultimate location for cultural immersion. With many beaches to explore, it is the favorite destination of many Greeks and tourists every year. Some of the most renowned beaches are ‘’Canal d’Amour’’, ‘’Issos’’, ‘’Paleokastritsa’’ and ‘’Glyfada beach’’. Many beaches are accessible by boat only, such as ‘’Paradise’’ Beach and the caves close to the ‘’Liapades’’ beach. However, you can also sail to the northern part of the island where you will find the Erikoussa island, and there, you will have the pleasure to enjoy crystal-clear blue waters. Moreover, you can sail across Corfu on the Greek mainland, where you will find Syvota, a place with several must-see beaches, again, accessible by boat only!
Paxi and Antipaxi are two of the smallest islands of the Ionian Sea located on the southern coast of Corfu. These two islands are extraordinarily beautiful. Due to the many yachts that moor at its port every summer, Paxi is one of the hottest destinations to sail in Greece. Paxi is covered by olive trees, pebbled beaches, and small picturesque villages! In Paxi, the ‘’Erimitis’’ beach is marvelous and perfect for your morning dives! Antipaxi also has pebbled beaches and is literally a heaven on earth that you can best discover while being on board! ‘’Voutoumi’’ and ‘’Mesovrika’’ are the most popular beaches but you can also find ‘’Rodovani’’ beach, a secret gem which you should visit in your lifetime!
Lefkas or Lefkada is a radiant green island on the West Greek coast. Located between Corfu and Kefalonia, it is the fourth-largest island in the Ionian Sea. According to experts, Lefkada’s sea is one of the best to sail in the world. In fact, sailing around Lefkas feels like sailing in paradise. Some famous anchorages of Lefkas are ‘’Nidri’’ and ‘’Syvota’’. The most delightful beaches are ‘’Egremni’’, ‘’Porto Katsiki’’, ‘’Kathisma’’ and the amazing ‘’Kalamitsi’’! Although, Lefkas is also seen as a stepping stone to Ithaca and Zakynthos: on your way to Ithaca, some of the hidden gems are the wonderful Meganisi with its bays, the private island of Skorpios, the serenely and ravishing Atoko as well as Kalamos island, where you can walk around an exquisite pine forest!
Ithaca, Ulysses’ home, is another Ionian island that boasts a natural landscape as well as mesmerizing beaches. ‘’Vathy’’, Ithaca’s capital is a town located in the South of the island. There, you will find charming alleys and red-tiled roof houses. ‘’Filiatro’’ is a calm bay with white pebbles and crystal waters, surrounded by the Mediterranean vegetation. Located in the East of the island, ‘’Sarakiniko’’ is one of the most famous beaches in Ithaca.
Syvota
Between Lefkada in the North and Zakynthos in the South, Kefalonia is the largest and greenest Ionian island. Being a picturesque village with neoclassical buildings and rich in sensational food, Fiskardo bay is a great place to stop during your sailing trip! ‘’Myrtos’’ beach is one of the most photographed beaches in the whole of Greece. Similarly, Antisamos is a popular place to sail: close to Sami’s port, it is unique for its natural beauty, made of emerald waters and marvelous green hills. An interesting fact is that following the Hollywood movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”, Antisamos, where many of its scenes where filmed, gained a worldwide reputation. Do not miss out on visiting the Melissani cave, which constitutes a unique geological phenomenon: there, you can admire stalactites and swim in mind-blowing blue waters.
Polyaigos, Aegean Sea
Zakynthos is ready to unveil its mysteries to you! You will be overwhelmed by the astonishing sunsets on the vertical cliffs of the island. Its beaches the home of an endangered turtle species, the Caretta-Caretta, which, every year, hide their eggs in fine white sand. Explore the Blue Caves of the island, discover the magnificent blue light glowing through the caves, visit the spectacular ‘’Shipwreck beach’’, with its crystal-clear blue waters, accessible by boat only! Sail to the main port of Zakynthos at night, where many incredible places are waiting to be explored, such as the Venetian Castle and Saint Mark Square.
Get ready to discover more! Next week, we’ll guide you through the most beautiful spots of the Aegean Sea
Thank you Atalanta Marine team, for sharing these dream spots and beautiful pictures!