Discover the beauty of the Ionian Sea while sailing in Greece

Calm waters and favourable wind conditions

The Ionian Sea is perfect for those who want to go sailing for the first time, but also for experienced sea wolves. No wild meltemi that will rip the sails out of your hands in the Cyclades. Here you'll find a pleasant maestral that blows reliably from the northwest and reaches a force of 2 to 6 on the Beaufort scale. The perfect partner for a relaxing sail from one picturesque bay to another. And if you're planning a lazy breakfast on deck in the morning, don't worry - the wind won't wake you up until after noon.

The waters here are as calm as an empty coffee shop after hours. Most of the time, you'll enjoy smooth sailing without dramatic waves, which will be appreciated not only by newcomers but also by those who have a soft spot for stability and comfort on a boat.

Picturesque nature and history of the islands

Who can resist a landscape that combines turquoise sea, green hills and historic towns? The Ionian Islands are literally a textbook of Mediterranean beauty, with chapters on country tavernas, Venetian architecture and the myths of Odysseus. Lefkada will dazzle you with its white cliffs, while Ithaca will transport you to the time of Homer's epic stories.

And what about those small, almost deserted islands like Kalamos or Kastus? Get your cameras ready - or rather, a proper memory stick in your head - because every anchor here looks like a scene from a paradise advert.

Yacht charter in Greece: Tips and recommendations

Chartering a yacht in Greece is a breeze... if you know what you're doing. And if you don't? Well, pay attention now! First, be clear whether you want a classic yacht or a catamaran (more on that later). A skipper's license is a must, and a VHF license is handy - they just won't let you on the water without it.

Be as thorough as Sherlock Holmes when taking over the boat. Check every detail - from the engine to the kitchen sink. And trust me, you don't want to find out in the middle of the sea that your anchor is missing or that the toilet doesn't work. Better make a list of things to tick off - yes, you'll look like a stickler, but your nerves will thank you for it.

The best season for sailing

The Ionian Sea is fabulous from May to October, but if you have a choice, avoid August. You don't want to spend your holiday among hundreds of other boats resembling a supermarket car park. May and June will welcome you with mild weather and calm seas. September is a total jackpot - the sea is still warm, the wind just right and the marinas half empty.

If you're more adventurous and don't mind a bit of adrenaline in the form of rain showers or unexpected storms (watch out for the so-called "medicanes"!), try late autumn.

Lefkada: Beaches and beautiful bays

Lefkada is not just another Greek island; Lefkada is every beach lover's dream. Porto Katsiki? Egremni? You'll remember these names quicker than the lyrics of your favourite song. The white cliffs contrasting with the turquoise water will have you whipping out your phone or camera every ten minutes - seriously!

And when you're tired of taking pictures (or rather your batteries), anchor off the picturesque town of Nidri or explore the hidden coves around Meganissi.

Ithaca: the mythical home of Odysseus

If you have a literary soul - or at least a hunch about this guy named Odysseus - Ithaca will absorb you with its atmosphere of ancient stories. The anchorages on this island have the charm of olden times; in the evening you can sit in a tavern overlooking the ship's masts lit by the setting sun... romance level 9000.

And if you're not a history buff? Just take a stroll through the local countryside - the mountains here offer views straight out of a luxury holiday catalogue.

Zakynthos: The famous wreck and the Caretta-Caretta turtle

Zakynthos has it all: the famous Panagiotis shipwreck in Navagio Bay (or as the tourists say: the "Instagram photo"), the Caretta-Caretta turtles in Lagan Bay and the incredible blue caves around the coast.

Want to have a little adventure? Go snorkelling with the turtles! Want some peace and quiet? Find a secret beach off the main tourist routes (yes, they exist!).

Catamaran in the Ionian Sea: Comfort and adventure

A catamaran in the Ionian Sea combines the best of both worlds - the ultimate comfort of a hotel room with the adrenaline rush of a nautical adventurer. Two hulls mean not only more stability (read: no seasickness!), but also more space for your crew and equipment.

Unlike a conventional yacht, a catamaran will offer you a more spacious deck and cabins - the perfect choice for families or a group of friends looking for comfort while spending evenings together under the stars.

What's more? Thanks to the smaller draft, you can anchor closer to shore even in the shallow waters of the Ionian Islands. So while others are fighting for space in the larger marinas, you'll be sipping ouzo on a deserted island...

So, has the Ionian Sea lured you yet? Because if not, maybe the idea of a humid evening on deck, watching the sun set over Lefkada, will help. So don't wait for a more favourable wind - explore the beauty of the Ionian Sea's bays from the deck of a yacht and experience an adventure that no all-inclusive can offer!