Ionian Islands

According to mythology, Paxoi were created by God of the Sea Poseidon with his trident, in order to nest his love with Goddess Amfitriti. Hence, the symbol of the islands is Poseidon's trident.

The main port and capital of Paxos island, Gaios is invisible right up to the last minute as you approach it. It lies at the end of a ‘fjord’ created by the islet of Agios Nikolaos, which suddenly opens up to reveal a fine harbour. The town, which has held on to its original Venetian layout and architecture, boasts a number of prized possessions, like the old British governor’s mansion and the church of Agii Apostoli with an impressive cistern above it. You’ll love wandering into the old shops and cafes, some unchanged since they first opened at the turn of the last century.

You’ll find turquoise-blue translucent water and the whitest of white sand on beaches on both Paxos and Antipaxos. Note these names: Orkos on Paxos, Vrika and Voutoumi on Antipaxos are beaches that should be top of your list amongst all the Ionian Islands.

The castle of Agios Nikolaos on the island of the same name, opposite Paxos’ main port of Gaios, has landmark status. The Venetians began construction on this amazing attraction in 1423 and finished it in 1510. Its secret? It was built from plans prepared by none other than Leonardo da Vinci that are still preserved in the city’s archives.

On an island with little water, the rain was so precious on Paxos that the islanders built monumental cisterns to store it. Today, they are considered ingenious works of art and part of Paxos’ cultural heritage.

Sweet and dark, the wine made from little-known grape varieties like Pheidias and Petrokodrynthos in Paxos is one of a kind. Production is on a small scale, so you won’t find it in every bar, but it’s worth tasting, so do seek it out.

This west coast of Paxos is a wonderland of white cliffs and grottoes. By yacht, you can investigate them all: the caves at Ahai, the vast grotto of Ypapanti, the cliffs at Eremitis beach. You’ll get your biggest surprise at Ortholithos. As its name implies, it’s an enormous rock in the shape of one of Obelix’s menhirs that rises straight out of the water.

At only 3km in length, teeny Antipaxos island (just south of Paxos) would fit most definitions of paradise. A dense forest of mastic, pine, myrtle and cypress trees covers it, interspersed with grapevines. Well worth investigating if you can bear to leave the beach

Vasiliki on the island of Lefkas reflects the zest for life. Enjoy the advantage this spoilt sunny spot in the Mediterranean has. You will amaze yourself with the choice of fresh and natural food in the taverns/restaurants. Discover what pure nature is about, with its beaches and incredible landscapes.

Vasiliki, in the wandering place of the mythical Odysseus, is one of Greece’s top ranking destinations for relaxing and water sports. Although a very beautiful place to visit, keep in mind due to her position you need to be very careful with the weather forecast as very strong gusts of winds can come and jeopardise a yacht's mooring position.

Between the other islands of the Ionian Sea stands grand Kefalonia. Much photographed, much-talked about, much-loved by Greeks and foreigners alike. Not just because of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, the 2001 film set on Kefalonia island that attracted so much attention, but also because of its sheer beauty, stately towns and many other impressive attractions.
Argostoli, Lixouri, Fiskardo, Assos, Lake Melissani, the names alone are something to marvel at! Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, renowned for its emerald-green mountains and the sparkling azure waters and dazzling beaches of the Ionian Sea, has been a popular holiday spot in Greece for decades.
The inhabitants of Kefalonia have a reputation for being the wittiest Greeks – always ready with a joke, a smile and a helping hand. Their laid-back attitude toward life is infectious and within hours of your arrival, you’ll feel as carefree as they do.
A paradise of sea activities but also hiking and horse riding, Kefalonia is a very diverse island that offers a great variety of experiences.

Famous from ancient times for her amazing wines (Robola, Tsaousi, Thiniatiko, Vostilidi or Gustolidi, Moschato, Mavrodaphne) Kefalonia was mentioned in Homer’s writings, where Laertis, father of the "cunning Odysseus (or Ullyses)", had a vine with 19 rows of different grape varieties! The wines of Cephalonia were known since ancient times, consisting of the most appreciable gift!
The Homeric heroes drank wine to hold friendships, create new bounds, dispel misunderstandings, and build alliances. In Homer’s poems Iliad & Odyssey, nectar is the drink and ambrosia is the food. In the Odyssey, Calypso is described as having “spread a table with ambrosia and set it by Hermes, and mixed the rosy-red nectar”.

Historically, the Venetians occupied Kefalonia for many centuries. The Ionian islands were later occupied also by the French and the British. All these foreign cultures and influences impacted heavily the Kefalonians in all aspects of their lives. The town of Argostoli was almost entirely destroyed by the earthquakes of 1953, and the British helped rebuild much of its infrastructure.
Before the earthquake, many beautiful mansions decorated the city. They were indicative of Venetian Architecture, with Renaissance, Rococo, and Baroque elements. There are many buildings and ruins, rich in history and cultural significance. From the 6th-century Cyclopean Walls of Ancient Krani, to the renovated buildings after the earthquake of 1953, you can watch history unfold right in front of your eyes.

Bridge De Bosse or "Devosetos Bridge", is around 700 meters long, and is the longest stone bridge over the sea in the world! It is a pedestrian bridge that connects Argostoli to the opposite side of Argostoli Bay. There lies the Drepano village, where you can find the Municipal and the English Cemetery. Additionally, the bridge separates the Koutavos lagoon from the bay. It was built in 1813, by the Swiss engineer and English governor of Kefalonia at the time, Charles de Bosset, who supervised a lot of infrastructure projects on the island.
After the earthquakes of 1953, it suffered many damages which are still visible today. Close to it, there is a small artificial island, with the monument of Obelisk in the middle. It has the shape of a four-sided pyramid, and if you look closer, you can see an inscription placed at the front, in honor of its creators.

Another landmark you can't miss, both figuratively and literally, is the renowned Lithostroto/Cobble Street. The Kampana (Bell) square is the place from where Lithostroto starts, and a place worth visiting as well.

The Lighthouse of Saint Theodore (or Fanari), is a unique building, 3kms outside of Argostoli. It is built on an artificial peninsula, and besides the value of the building itself, the view is great from there. And, of course, an ideal spot for taking photographs. It has a circular form, extending 8 meters in height, with twenty white pillars supporting it, in the fashion of a doric architectural rhythm. It was built in 1928, during the rule of the British administrator, Charles Napier. It was destroyed by the earthquake, but it was rebuilt in 1964, according to its original design.
A very interesting piece of information is the reasoning behind the formulation of its shape. In fear of the frequent earthquakes, the British built an interior circular staircase, to support it, thus granting it a unique shape and form. It is close to the Katavothres and the wider Lassi area.

The Kefalos Theater is the Municipal Theater of Kefalonia and one of international prestige and recognition. It lies on Georgiou Vergoti Street and is one of the largest and oldest theaters in Greece. It opened in 1858, under British rule and the first performance it hosted was La Traviata by Verdi and Mari di Rohan by Donizetti, in November of 1858. It has an amphitheater of 450 seats, making it the biggest theater in all of Kefalonia. Since 1994, when it was rebuilt, it has hosted many theater performances, dancing shows, scientific conferences, and art exhibitions. Furthermore, it has hosted shows of the State Orchestra, the Lyrical Scene, international theater productions, and concerts of very famous musicians.

What sets Kefalonia apart in terms of geological phenomena, is definitely the one of Katavothres. You can reach it pretty easily, since it is 3kms away from Argostoli, along the Fanardi road. The phenomenon of Katavothres is the disappearance of seawater in the cracks of the soil! It then runs through the Katavothres, a fact that has baffled scientists for years. The explanation finally, was that the Katavothres are made of limestone, and the water rain melts a chemical element of it. Then the cracks dilate, forming underground caves, tunnels, and holes. The katavothres run through the entire southern part of the island, ending in the Melissani Cave.

5 kms from Argostoli, lie the ancient Cyclopean Walls of Razata. They are walls of massive stones, dated from the 7-6th century B.C., and functioned as a formidable fortification of the city. Razata was the main area of the city in the Mycenaean era. The southern side of the hill (Riza) was the Necropolis of Kranis, 1 of the 4 city-states of Kefalonia, called Kefalianiki Tetrapolis. There are also the Doric Temple Ruins of Demeter.

At the end of your walk on the beautiful Argostoli coastline, there is the statue of the naval, Nikos Kavvadias, who is one of the most beloved Greek poets.

Porto Vromi Zakynthos: The villages of Maries and Exo Xora lie in the area. Both are pleasant villages with Maries having a distinctive light blue church at its center with quite a few tavernas around. Exo Xora also has a lovely church and a large tree throws shade across the central square where local people sit outside the tavernas.

Zakynthos Agios Nikolaos: Named after a tiny whitewashed chapel that stands above the beach, Agios Nikolaos beach is located on the southeastern part of the island, around 32 km away from Zakynthos Town. It is one of the most popular beaches on the island and the area is full of facilities, including places to stay, taverns, restaurants, bars and water sport centers. The sandy seashore and clear turquoise waters make the beach of Agios Nikolaos suitable for families with small children, but at the same time, it is also frequented by young people who enjoy hanging out at the local facilities.

For the most part, it is fully organized, with sunbeds and sun umbrellas to rent, while you will also find a few quiet non-organized spots. The beach can easily be approached by car and the same road will take you to the small photogenic chapel that overlooks the sea.

Sami Kefalonia is a beautiful coastal town located 25.8 km east of Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia. The village reaches a population of 1000 inhabitants most of whom are engaged in agriculture and fishing. Sami is the second largest port of Kefalonia after Argostoli. The modern village is built close to ancient Sami, one of the most important archeological discoveries of Kefalonia.

Sami is a perfect destination for your summer holidays in Greece. The delightful waterfront, the wide paved streets and the Venetian buildings offer the village a unique charm and reflect the rich heritage of the island. The main coastal road consists of modern amenities, shops and lovely cafes overlooking the busy port. A number of restaurants are found nearby as well.

Sami is surrounded by a dream landscape of verdurous imposing hills and stunning coves. The village is home to some of the most interesting monasteries and sights in Kefalonia like the monastery of Agrilia, as well as beautiful caves (like Karavomylos and Dragati), some stunning underground lakes like the one at Melissani and Antisamos beach.

The Cave of Melissani in Kefalonia: Situated just outside Sami, the Cave of Melissani has a strange appeal. It is one of the most significant places to visit in Greece. Surprisingly, there is a lake inside the cave that has trees and forests surrounding it. The cave itself is B-shaped with two chambers or halls separated with land/island in the center. The roof of one of the halls caved in centuries ago letting sunlight filter in. The depth of the lake is 20 to 30 meters. When the sun is right overhead at noon, the sunlight hitting the turquoise-blue waters creates a magical illusion and the whole Cave of Melissani suddenly feels lit with blue light.

Vathy, the capital of Ithaki, fans out like an amphitheatre. It is built in the inmost part of the gulf of the same name and dates back to 1500 AD. Vathy is an attractive settlement with a pronounced Venetian influence, pretty houses with tiled roofs, imposing mansions and picturesque stone-paved alleys. It has, since 1978, been classified by law as a ‘traditional’ settlement. Vathy has been inhabited continuously since the time of the Venetians. It nestles safely in the beautiful natural harbour that has been identified as the Homeric harbour of Phorcys. This is where the sea-god Phorcys had his temple and where the Phaeacians left the sleeping Odysseus.

The approach to Vathy by sea is truly an experience. The narrow neck of the harbour conceals the view of the gulf that suddenly reveals its true beauty. The entrance to this beautiful natural harbour is guarded by the remains of a small fort with two cannons. This stands just above the beach of Loutsa and was built in 1807, during the French occupation of the Ionian Islands. Purified and beautiful, the tiny isle of Lazaretto adorns the entrance to the harbour and is a point of reference for every Ithacan and visitor. Well-kept and well-lit, it hosts choice cultural events and many baptisms and weddings.

On approaching the quay, the first thing one sees is the Monument to the Sailor, a symbol of the seamanship of Ithaca from the times of the Homeric epics to the present. Through her nautical schools, her maritime trade, her contribution to the struggles of the nation for freedom and the two World Wars, the history of Ithaca is intimately and strongly connected to ships and widely-esteemed captains. Ithaca today honours and continues this significant legacy.

At the town square of Vathy, one is welcomed by the statue with two poses of Odysseus and the bust of Homer. The king of Ithaca, created by the Ithacan artist, Korina Kassianos, gives a certain tone and point of reference to the visitor from the outset. On the one hand, Odysseus the traveler gazes seaward and dreams of the world. On the other, Odysseus the lowly, the earthly, turned looking towards the interior of the island, labours and struggles.

One of the most beautiful beaches of Ithaki, Afales situated on the norht part of the island are a must to visit. Surrounded by an idyllic landscape with tropical vegetation that reaches all the way down to the sea, the exquisite beach of the Gulf of Afales is truly a beautiful place with large white pebbles and rocky coastlines that hide two further beaches, Kouloumi and Perivoli, ideal for those that seek out absolute calm. The beaches look northwards and the Island of Lefkada lies on the horizon. The sea at Afales is sometimes slightly turbulent since the beach faces the Mistral head-on.

Without doubt, Kioni is one of Ithaca’s most beautiful villages and one of the most stunning destinations in the Ionian Sea. Its settlement dates from the 16th century when access to the sea became imperative for the inhabitants of nearby, hillside settlements. As you approach Kioni, you are greeted by the sight of its small, beautiful bay and by the traditional, well-maintained houses built in the amphitheatre rising from the sea and losing themselves in the woodlands of the surrounding hillsides.

Descending into Kioni towards the harbour and the bay, you will pass by the church of Agios Ioannis, well known for the beauty of its wood-carved altar screens. The vista, as you descend, is one of olive trees, cypress trees, and the red-tiled roofs that peek from amongst the lush foliage

Once at the water’s edge, you can choose from a variety of cafes and restaurants and, in the evening, the three windmills that guard the entrance to the bay are lit up to great effect. A sail towards ‘Argalio’ and the neighbourhood of Loutsa brings you close to the ruins of the home of Georgios Karaïskakis, a hero of the 1821 Greek uprising, and to the pebbled beaches and crystal clear waters of Katsikouli, Sarakinari, Plakoutses and Filiatro—all ideal for a refreshing swim.

Kioni celebrates the festival of the Prophet Elias on the 20th of July every year. On this day, there are morning services at the small church to which worshippers are transported by small boats. The evening celebration is held in the square, close to the water and lasts throughout the night.

Most prоbably Kаlamοs is one оf thе least knοwn inhаbited Grеeк island. It belongs tо thе Iοnian group аnd lies clоse tο thе Mytikas village on mаinland Greесe, betwеen Мeganissi аnd Kastos, аnοther unknown island.
Kalаmos is a very mоuntainοus islаnd and has onlу twо sеttlements by thе seа - Кalamοs аnd Episkopi. Kalаmos, the capital, is lосаtеd οn the east coast аnd thеre are alsо mοst of thе islаnd beaches aсcеssible by rоаd. You can find аll restaurants, саfеs and shоps namely in Kаlamοs, around its sаfe harbоr and smаll prοmеnade.

The longеst beaches оn Kаlamοs arе 1 km аway from the village еасh - Milоs tο thе south аnd Муrtia tо the nοrth, both abоut 500 metеrs lοng. All beachеs on the islаnd have smоοth whitе pebbles and trаnsparеnt blue water but if you аrе lоοking for sandу beaсhes, yоu will nοt find thеm here. The sеttlement of Episkоpi οn thе northwest cоast is very smаll and has οnlу а harbor with bеaсh restаurant and а cluster оf hοusеs. Close to it yοu can visit thе ruins of а Venetian сastlе, pаrts оf which are verу wеll preservеd.

There are amazing isolated beaches around Meganisi, accessible only by boat, with unique beauty, a zen atmosphere, emerald and turquoise waters. You can't miss the beautiful reefs, the diversity of underwater life, and all with incredible visibility of over 30m/98ft!
Papanikolis Sea Cave the Biggest sea cave in the world, is a fantastic swimming spot with a small beach inside the cave and crystal-clear waters.

The cave of the Cyclops, at the bay of Kalopoulos, above the Spilia port, at the height of 50m above sea level, is one of the three potential caves in Greece to verify the well-known Homeric myth. The tradition states that Cyclops Polyphemus used it as a sheep shed.

The sunset from Stefani at Spartochori is simply breathtaking and favourite photo shooting spot.

The bay of Vliho is tucked away in the NW corner of Vliho bay on the island of Lefkas – Greece. From ancient times the bay has been known as an ideal harbor. The famous German archeologist Dorpfeld believed that it harbored the ships of Odysseus! And indeed even during heavy storms, the bay is perfectly safe.

Lеfкаdа (аlsо Lеfκаs) is thе fοurth biggеst islаnd оf thе Iοniаn grоup. Its nаmе соmеs frοm thе Grеек wоrd fοr "whitе" ("lеuκоs") duе tο thе whitе rоскs in thе sοuthеrn соаstlinе οf thе islаnd. Alоng with Еviа, it is οnе оf thе twο islаnds оf Grеесе whiсh саn bе visitеd by rοаd bесаusе thеу аrе соnnесtеd tο mаinlаnd with flоаting bridgеs.
Lеfкаdа is mоstly κnοwn fоr its bеасhеs - like Egremni, Porto Katsiki, Kathisma and Gialos - thе bluе сοlоr οf thе sеа is sо intеnsе thаt it sееms аlmοst unrеаl.

Thе islаnd is аlsо а pοpulаr spоt fοr кitе surfеrs аnd windsurfеrs. Kitе surfеrs wоuld fаll in lοvе with Agiоs Iοаnnis bеасh in thе nоrth whеrе thе wind is sο аggrеssivе thаt sunbаthеrs аnd swimmеrs will hаrdly dаrе tо stау. In thе sоuth pаrt οf thе Lеfкаdа liеs thе rеsоrt οf Vаsiliκi, vеry pоpulаr plасе fοr thе fаns оf windsurf duе tο а lосаl hοt wind whiсh аppеаrs in thе summеr mоnths.

Thе innеr pаrt оf thе islаnd is riсh in οld smаll villаgеs with stоnе hοusеs, nаrrоw strееts аnd fаmily run tаvеrnаs, still кееping thе spirit οf thе pаst. Mаny еxсlusivе villаs аrе nаmеlу in аnd аrоund thеsе villаgеs, οffеring trаnquility аwаy frоm thе сrοwds, sоmеtimеs сοmbinеd with viеws tо thе Iοniаn sеа оr tο Ithака, Kеfаlоniа, Меgаnisi аnd thе сlustеr οf uninhаbitеd islаnds оppοsitе Nуdri.

Parga is a beautiful town in the western part of the country, in Epirus. What's fascinating about it is that although it is a mainland town, its scenery reminds of an island. Surrounded by lush greenery and the cobalt sea, it boasts a unique natural setting. The town, which sits on the slopes of a hill, looks like a postcard. Full of elegant two-story mansions with colorful walls, it is incredibly photogenic. The Town is touristically developed, with many hotels, restaurants and other facilities. At the port, you’ll also have the chance to taste the delicious local recipes, as it is lined with many traditional taverns!

The ruins of an 11th century Venetian Castle lie on top of a hill above the town. It's worth a visit! Another castle worth visiting is the Ottoman Castle of Anthoussa, which was built in the 19th century by Ali Pasha.

Many beaches are located close to the town as well. Valtos, Sarakiniko, and Lichnos are the best ones! Their crystal clear turquoise waters and beautiful ambiance never fail to amaze visitors!

If you are in a mood for nature exploration, you should visit the springs of River Acherontas, which boast a unique natural landscape!

Mourtos Syvota is a small village and fishing harbour located on the mainland of Greece opposite the southern part of Corfu, six miles S of Igoumenitsa and three miles S of Plataria. In recent years it has been rather overtaken by tourism and the small harbour is now used as much by yachts as fishing boats, while the quay is a mass of tourist restaurants and bars. In evenings in the season - especially at weekends - the quay is packed with charter and cruising yachts alike and it can be difficult to find a place.

The harbour also contains a small marina, half of which is taken up by local boats but the other half can be used by visiting yachts. The marina is partly equipped with laid moorings, although some yachts will need to use their anchors. Nearby are several anchorages, including around the Syvota islands, which offer good shelter in the prevailing winds.

The charming village of Petriti is idyllically located on the eastern coast of Corfu. Close to Petriti are the villages of Lefkimni and Boukari, both very tourist-friendly. In the ancient times this village was popularly referred to as Egrypos. The word Egrypos is derived from the Greek word Evrous which literally means a good river. Today, Petriti village is sparsely populated with just 700 permanent residents most of whom are engaged in fishing.

There are a couple of picturesque harbors where colorful boats moor creating a kaleidoscopic vignette. A stroll around the harbor area in the early morning hours reveals an intense activity of the fishermen. Despite mass tourism, the settlement still retains its old charm and unique character.

The village has gained immense popularity among international tourists providing all kinds of modern tourist amenities to satisfy all the traveler's needs. From shops to happening bars and taverns, Petriti village is all geared up to welcome each and every visitor and despite mass tourism, the village still retains its rural and charming character.

Petriti village is particularly a very attractive destination for families and couples who find the tranquil village a nice choice for their holidays. Set in the midst of a lush green forest cover, there are numerous choices for hiking. Also worth visiting is the high-altitude village of Korakades which is conspicuous by its magnificent church. It hosts priceless icons, murals, and wall paintings that adorn the parapets. The best time for sightseeing in Petriti is early in the morning or during the evening hours.

Corfu is one of the most beautiful and romantic islands at the Ionian Sea. From lush green hills to noble mansions and from idyllic beaches to interesting museums, this island has everything it takes to please any type of traveler.
Strongly influenced by the Venetians, the French and the English, Corfu Town is a brilliant base for exploration. Explore the narrow cobblestone alleys, the so-called “kandounia”, visit museums, such as the Museum of Asian Art, walk down the famous Liston promenade, stroll around the huge Spianada square. The whole Corfu town is coloured with a nostalgic charm! You ’ l l see the glorious past of Corfu on imposing palaces, noble mansions, beautiful museums, and charming squares.
Moving away from Corfu Town , you’ll discover picturesque seaside villages, tiny verdant islets, luxurious Corfu resorts, and wild natural landscapes. It’s
amazing how the different sides of this idyllic island coexist in harmony!
If you manage to peel yourself away from the enchanting Old Town, move to the coasts of Corfu, where beautiful beaches are nestled! The beaches in Dassia, Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, Kontokali, and Kavos are must-visits. Nestled in sandy coves, surrounded by green forests and mountains, they are some of the best
beaches in Greece!
As for sightseeing, it’s one of the best things to do in Corfu! The top places to visit in Corfu are Achillion Palace, the former retreat of princess Sissi of Austria,
Mon Repos palace, the iconic Panagia Vlacherna and Pontikonisi island.
Corfu is famous for one thing in particular: it’s food! Based on meat, fish, pasta, and herbs, the island’s gastronomy will excite those who love good food.

You are kindly required to return to the marina the day before the end of the charter (usually on Friday afternoon) at around 17:00-19:00. Our marina personnel will assist you to moor and do the check out. You will be sleeping on board the yacht and will be expected to leave her on Saturday morning at 09:00.