Embark on a Sailing Holiday in the Ionian Islands

Your guide for your sailing holiday in the Ionian Islands

Located to the west of the Greek mainland, the Ionian Sea is made up of 7 large islands famous for their rich history and natural beauty. A sailing holiday in the Ionian Islands with wonderful natural landscapes, lush vegetation and beautiful beaches is a dream come true. Cruise through the idyllic coastal towns of Corfu, Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxos and Kythira are the largest and most popular islands. Antikythira, Mathraki, Meganisi are just a few of the smaller islands that also make up the Ionian Sea. Cruise the Ionian Islands in a catamaran or sailboat and spend a full day exploring each of the islands of Greece, the crystal clear waters and sea caves in the area.

Cruise the Ionian Islands with Family, Kids, and Friends

Not sure if the Ionian island is perfect for you and your group? A sailing holiday in the Ionian Sea is ideal for families, young people and lovers of nature. You can build your personalized itinerary with the best beaches in the world, beach bars and sandy beaches with shallow waters. Of all of the Ionian islands, Corfu is an amazing family-friendly option if you are travelling with young children. It is the perfect place for you all to taste some local cuisine, venture to the olive groves (Corfu has around four million olive trees!) and, of course, sunbathe on the gorgeous sandy beaches.

Rent a skipper and crew for the ultimate relaxing experience

What could be better than jetting around the Ionian Sea, completely stress-free? Make this fantasy a reality and rent a skipper and crew to join you on your sailing holiday!

Whether you are a seasoned sailor or it is your first time on the water, a skipper will definitely boost your trip. They will arrive on the boat packed full of knowledge and ideas to make your charter unforgettable. They will be able to provide you with insight into the hidden gems of the Ionian Islands and can structure your sailing holiday to best fit the places you most want to visit.

Don’t just stop there - why not also rent a crew? Depending on the size and type of boat, there will be a minimum of four crew members on board with you. This includes a chef, a hostess and several deckhands. A crew will be a perfect addition to your Ionian adventure as they will add a further level of comfort to your trip. From laying the table for breakfast to organising the perfect boat party, they will take care of everything you need during your sailing holiday.

Sailing Holidays in the Ionian Islands - catamarans or sailboats?

We can’t wait for you to set sail on your life-changing adventure around the Ionian islands - but first, you have a very important decision to make: to charter a sailboat or a catamaran. Whilst there are many differences between the two, both vessels will provide you with an unforgettable experience. To help you decide, we will highlight some of the benefits for both boats!

If you want a spacious boat that can navigate long sailing routes, a sailboat is a wonderful option for you. Our sailboats are big enough for you to accommodate a large group of your family and friends. If you dream of captaining your own boat, be aware that sailboats require more sailing experience. So, if you do not have much experience on the water, we recommend that you rent a skipper for your sailboat adventure.

One major advantage of a cruise on a catamaran is its stability, which is achieved by its double-hull. This can be a great solution for someone prone to seasickness to still have a thrilling experience at sea. You can top up your tan as you lay out on the nets that are generally located on the bow of the catamaran. If you want to take advantage of this even further, this area is a perfect place to spot new fauna when the boat is stationary. It is important to note that a cruise on a catamaran is generally more expensive than a trip on a sailboat. Catamarans use less fuel than sailboats, and also take up much more space when being docked.

Unforgettable holiday experiences in the Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands are so rich in beauty and history that they are the perfect holiday destination for any nautical fanatic!

A great way to create an even more fun-filled holiday as you cruise on a catamaran or sailboat is by renting some optional extras, such as water-sports equipment. This can include snorkelling equipment, paddleboards, and so many more! Splash around in the water after a day of circling around the Ionian islands.

If you are looking for the perfect beach, we recommend Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia and Navagio Beach in Zakynthos. If you are planning a trip to Myrtos Beach, prepare to fall in love with the sparkling white sand and turquoise ocean. As you are splashing around in the sea, gaze up at the dramatic limestone cliffs and maybe even catch a glimpse of a couple goats! Make sure to cruise on your catamaran or sailboat all the way to Navagio Beach too! Nicknamed ‘Shipwreck Beach,’ due to the remains of an old shipwreck that lie on the sparkling sand, this beach is not only a wonderful place to relax but also to explore. Go on a cliff walk in order to take the most Instagram-worthy pictures or discover more about the shipwreck and its history!

In order to get closer to the beautiful fauna, we recommend boarding a glass-bottom boat in Zakynthos, so that you can catch a glimpse of the caretta-caretta turtles that swim throughout the Greek sea. These gorgeous creatures are an endangered species but are protected by Greek (as well as by international) law.

If you are itching to explore on land, venture up to the Paleokastritsa Monastery. Built in 1225, this monastery in Corfu boasts beautiful gardens to explore and intricate mosaics for you to admire. Whilst you are there you can also visit a small shop and buy local products like herbs, honey and olive oil, all whilst hearing the distant clanging of bells.

How much does it cost to rent a catamaran or sailboat in the Ionian islands?

Many different elements can alter the cost of your sailing holiday, such as the duration of the trip, the season in which you choose to sail, the specific size and model of the boat, and whether you would like to have a skipper and/or crew.

If you dream of jetting off for a cruise on a sailboat, it can cost you from £2,038.89 to £2,621.43 depending on whether it is low season or high season. Your perfect cruise on a catamaran can cost you from around £1,488.15 during low season and from £4,445.29 during high season.

However, it is also important to recognise that the price listed on the website only covers the basic charter and that there can also be additional costs. These can either be mandatory costs (such as administrative expenses) or optional extras (for example wifi and water-sports equipment). Renting for the optional extras is, of course, down to your personal taste but they will make your nautical adventure even more fun-filled and exciting.