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 _Ionian Greece
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The archipelago consists of more than 120 islands, 20 of which inhabited. On the same sea we are sailing today, once there were great sailors who have contributed to make the history of the Mediterranean Sea, spreading culture and traditions all over the known world. The Ionian Islands are a paradise for those who are learning to sail and for everyone who is searching peaceful atmosphere and uncontaminated nature, thanks to the favourable climatic conditions and the possibility of discovering countless bays with crystalline water. The villages of fishermen offer the characteristic Greek hospitality, a warm and friendly welcome and a famous cuisine in the world.
Routes
Going with a weak northwest wind, we will sail on a limpid sea, among colourful and fragrant Mediterranean scrub, retracing the route of Ulysses back to his beloved Ithaca. We will visit Corfu, Paxos, Anti-Paxos, Parga, Lefkada, Skorpio, Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Atoko, Ithaca, Kefalonia. We will reach the beaches of Zakynthos where the Caretta-caretta turtles go to lay eggs, favoured by comforting waters that are exceptionally hot. The base of embarkation and disembarkation is at Lefkada Marina. There are a lot of companies, both Italian and Greek, that provide the maritime connections with Italy. Even flights are posssible from all Europe to Athens and from there to the airports on the islands. We provide you some suggestions at the “how to reach us” page.
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Corfù
Corfu is situated in the northern part of the Ionian islands. It is famous for being the last stop of Ulysses on his journey back to Ithaca. It shows the marks of Venetian and English domination: the result of mixed cultures and tastes gives her a lively and cosmopolitan aspect. Here you can enjoy yourself and find entertainment and nightlife. Corfu is an island with a soft profile, green hills and Mediterranean vegetation that grows luxuriant due to a very mild climate. From postcards to reality: the beautiful west coast with sandy beaches, the north rich of bays and rocks, the island of Pontikonissi, known as "the island of mice" for its typical shape, covered with cypress trees. The legend tells that Pontikonissi is the ship that brought back Ulysses, transformed in a stone by Poseidon. The city of Corfu (also known as Kerkira) is built on Cape Sidero with an ancient Venetian citadel, at the top has a lighthouse. It is a curious mix of Italian architecture (paved streets and narrow roads), English one (the main square presents a typical colonnade with a large grass lawn) and Hellenic one. From Corfu our navigation goes on towards Paxos and Antipaxos, really two pearls, and the coast of Epirus with colourful Parga. Do not miss Sivota and the Acheron mouth. The river Acheron was believed to be a branch of the underworld river Styx over which, in ancient Greek mythology, Charon ferried the newly dead souls across into Hades. |
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Paxos and Anti Paxos
Two pearls scattered in the Ionian waters with their bays known as the "pools". Characteristic is Port Gaios on Paxos, lively and colourful village built along a channel naturally created by the proximity of two islands. |
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Kefalonia
It is the largest of the Ionian islands. It is a land rich in archaeological evidence of a glorious past. Sailing on a limpid sea, we will reach hidden bays, coves, mysterious caves and beaches, as Mirtos which is surrounded by a chalky rocky amphitheatre, or Xi with its red sand. Then there are the monasteries which deserve a visit, even if only for their location, for example Agrilion: it was erected on a hill surrounded by wild olive trees, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view on the bay and on the nearby Ithaca. And more, the Venetian castles such as Assos in its spectacular position. Do not miss the cave of Melissani 160 metres long, filled by a deep lake, with large stalactites, where the ancient Greeks adored the god Pan. We will pass a night in the picturesque harbour of Fiskardo. |
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Lefkas
Lefkas, Lefkada or Santa Maura, the last is the name given by the Venetians. It is separated from the mainland by a water channel of only 30 metres, connected by a revolving bridge that opens on the first 5 minutes of each hour. After having sailed along the channel, we will reach the town of Lefkada, very picturesque and lively with its colourful wooden and iron plated houses (rebuilt after the terrible earthquake of 1953). We will land at the nearby comfortable Marina situated few minutes walk from the heart of town. The town centre is full of shops where you can find souvenirs and delicious traditional cakes. From Lefkas towns, sailing towards south, if the weather conditions allow, we will sail towards Sappho’s leap, where the legend wants that the ancient Greek lyric poet found her death by falling from the rocks in the sea. Between Lefkada and the coast of mainland there is the so-called Inland Sea with the islands of Meganisi, Skorpios (the island of Onassis), Atoko, Kalamos and Kastos. |
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Zakinthos
The birthplace of the great Italian poet Ugo Foscolo, "Fior di Levante" for the Venetian, is famous for its clean, limpid, and warm waters. Its beaches, as the beach of Lagana, remain the comfortable nest for turtles Caretta-caretta. Zakinthos is also famous for its caves, one for all the Blue cave where the sun penetrates and shows you breathtaking scenes in blue and all its nuances until silver. |
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Ithaca
Finally you are where the myth becomes reality. Ithaca is the home of Ulysses, the hero who sailed the seas for twenty years, struggled by gods and adverse events before coming back. Ithaca is a name that immediately reminds you the never ending conflict between human will and destiny. It is the symbol of adventure and searching for knowledge. Ithaca seems to be precisely the island described in the Homeric poem: just read the description that states "On Ithaca there is a bay of Phorcys, the old man of the sea: in it, two headlands, projecting, sheared off, crouching from the harbour, shield it from waves whipped up by blustering winds outside. Inside well-timbered ships can ride unanchored, when they reach the mooring place...". How can we fail to recognise Vathì? Ithaca's beaches are small and rocky, the waters are touched by centuries-old olive trees and cypresses and are limpid and clean, perfect for many long baths. Good moorings are Frikes and Kioni, picturesque villages with many taverns along the sea. |
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