The Ultimate Ionian Yacht Charter Guide

A Comprehensive Guide to Chartering a Yacht in the Ionian

An Ionian yacht charter will take you through a narrative that is lengthy and full of unexpected twists and turns since the Ionian Islands have a history that dates back to 1000 BC. When you take into account the Ionian Peninsula’s picture-perfect harbor towns, waters with a turquoise color, verdant vineyards, and towering mountains, you’ll see why a yacht charter in this region lives up to all of its hype.

Even if you have been on a boat charter in the Ionian Sea before, there is a good chance that you will learn something new while exploring the many different islands, each of which has its own unique history and beauty. The Western European rulers of the islands left their mark on the islands’ architecture in the form of a vast array of temples and castles. This is in stark contrast to the Ottoman rule that was prevalent on the mainland.

An Ionian yacht charter offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an educational excursion, a relaxing beach holiday, or an introduction to a brand-new cultural tradition. You may either wing it as you go along thanks to the short sailing legs, mild winds, and plentiful anchorages in the Ionian Sea, or you can follow one of our suggested itineraries to ensure that you see as much as possible during your yacht charter in the Ionian Sea.

This guide will provide you with all of the information you want, from the first stages of planning your next Ionian yacht rental until the moment you cast off.

1. Where Can You Find the Ionian Islands?
2. When is the best time to go on an Ionian Yacht Charter?
3. Ionian Yacht Charter Wind Conditions
4. Ionian Yacht Charter North vs. South
5. Itineraries for Greek Islands
6. Things to Do on an Ionian Yacht Charter
7. What Is the Process of Yacht Chartering?
8. How Much Does It Cost to Charter an Ionian Yacht?
9. When Should You Book an Ionian Yacht Charter?
10. Frequently Asked Questions About Ionian Yacht Charter

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1.Where exactly are the Ionian Islands located?

This peculiar chain of islands may be found off the western coast of the Greek mainland.

Corfu, in the north, and Zakynthos, in the south, are the two islands that make up the Ionian Islands, which are located off the west coast of Greece. The seven major islands in the group are known together as the Heptanese islands. These islands include Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, and Paxos. Kythira is the smallest of the Heptanese islands.

Antikythira, Antipaxi, Ereikousa, Mathraki, Othonoi, Meganisi, and Strofades are some of the lesser-known smaller islands that can be found in the group. Each of these islands has a lot going for it, including Antikythira, Antipaxi, Ereikousa, Mathraki, Othonoi, and Meganisi.

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2. The Ideal Time of Year to Charter a Yacht in the Ionian

When it comes to sailing, the best weather occurs in the spring, summer, and fall.

The months of May through September offer the finest conditions for sailing due to the abundance of long, bright days and relatively low levels of precipitation. During the summer, the temperature is pleasant day and night regardless of the time of day.

If you want to go swimming, snorkeling, or participate in any other water activity, the best time of year to go is July, August, or September when the water temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). With an average water temperature of 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit), the months of June and October are acceptable for the brave sailor.

May is an excellent time to visit since the islands are still peaceful at this time and the wildflowers are in bloom. September is a beautiful month to visit Kefalonia because the leaves change color and they harvest the robola grapes.

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3. Conditions of the Wind Aboard a Yacht Charter in the Ionian

A Vacation Spot That Is Quiet, Safe, and Great for Sailing

The Ionian Islands have a Mediterranean climate, therefore the summers are very hot and lengthy. These islands are also famous for having ideal sailing conditions. The winds come from the north-west most of the time, and they are quite steady. This makes them perfect for sailors of all skills.

In a typical day, the winds will begin to pick up about midday and then gradually go down as the sun sets. You may spend the morning leisurely exploring until you discover the perfect spot for lunch, which you can combine with swimming or snorkeling, and then you can have a relaxing cruise to your destination for the evening.

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4. Yacht Charter in the Ionian Sea: North vs. South

In Either Case, You’re Going to Have a Wonderful Time.

You can sail either the north or the south route of the Ionian Islands depending on how much time you have, as most itineraries for the Ionian Islands are broken into these two sections. At the very least, one week should be allowed for each leg.

Because of the mild breezes, a higher number of anchorages, and shorter sailing distances between islands, a South Ionian Sailing Itinerary is frequently advised to novice sailors as well as families looking to have a sailing vacation together. This route begins in Lefkas and includes trips to Meganisi, Kefalonia, and Ithaca as possible stops along the way.

If you are an experienced sailor or if you are looking for a sailing itinerary with a bit more of a challenge, consider the North Ionian. The route is typically less congested, and there are greater stretches of water to look forward to sailing. You will have the opportunity to see Paxos, Parga, Sivota, and Preveza after departing from Corfu.

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5. Greek Island Itineraries

Spend some time investigating the many attractions that Greece has to offer.

If you have the time, the best way to experience island hopping in Greece is to combine a boat charter in the Ionian Sea with a trip to one of the other places we’ve mentioned around the country.

Ionian Sailing Itinerary
Itinerary for Sailing the Saronic Gulf
Itinerary for Sailing the Sporades Itinerary for Sailing the Cyclades
Itinerary for Sailing the Dodecanese Islands

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6. Must-See Attractions During Your Yacht Charter in the Ionian

There is something for everyone to enjoy on the Ionian Islands, which feature everything from sleepy harbor villages to vibrant capital cities.

The Ionian Sea is a destination that is convenient to visit due to the large number of islands that are located in close proximity to one another. You could truly select a place at random and you wouldn’t make a mistake, but the following are some of the top destinations that you ought to include on your Ionian yacht charter.

• Small villages with sandy sands and white stone cliffs surround Lefkas Town, which may be found on the island of Lefkas.
• Meganisi: Start the day in Katomeri with its picturesque streets, residences, and cafés, then snorkel over a sunken plane, and finish the day with views of the sunset from the peak of Spartochori.
• Fiskardo – We are going to go for a swim at Foki Beach and then have some delicious food.
  You might choose to go on a hike up a hillside to the ruins of an old monastery in
• Kalamos. Maintain a sharp lookout for dolphins in the water off the northern beach.
• Ithaca, the legendary home of the hero Odysseus from the Homeric epics, is today a peaceful island that is well-known for the museums that are devoted to its culture, archaeology, and mythology. In the historic harbor town of Kioni, take your time enjoying a leisurely meal.
• Corfu Town is the capital of the island, and it is known for its Venetian architecture and cobblestone walkways. It is also home to several high-end restaurants, museums, and nightlife hotspots.
• Sivota Mourtos recommends that visitors drop anchor in Sand Bar Bay, where they may spend the day participating in various watersports and the evening exploring the local party scene.
• In Preveza, the gulf offers a wonderful setting for sunbathing and swimming, and the ruins of Nikopolis are an excellent destination for those who are interested in learning more about the history of the ancient Greeks.
• Paxos, which was the site of numerous battles in the past, is now known for the visually beautiful blue dome and white walls of the Panagia monastery, which is a clear sign of peace over this little island.
• If you visit Milos Beach at the right time of year, you might be able to enjoy a day of windsurfing or kiteboarding.

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7. Can You Walk Me Through the Steps of a Yacht Charter?

More Convenient to Schedule than You Might Think (with Our Help, of Course).

The good news is that we take care of the majority of the difficult details for you if this is your first time arranging a yacht hire. You actually just need to tell us what you would want, and we will take care of all the necessary preparations after that.

When you charter a boat, the experience is comparable to renting a car in that it boils down to selecting the activity that best suits your needs. You have the option of choosing the boat’s size, age, and manufacturer on your own, or you can let us use our years of experience in the sea and in the yacht charter industry to steer you in the right direction.

Check out this comprehensive guide for further details on the various kinds of yacht charters and how they each operate, which can be found here.

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8. How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht in the Ionian Sea?

Yacht Charters Can Be Surprisingly Affordably Priced, Meaning They Aren’t Just for the Rich and Famous.

It is not a problem at all if this is your first time chartering a boat. It may appear to be a hard procedure, but in reality, all you need to do is choose what you absolutely require for your vacation and then add on any additional items that would be good to have.

Your initial fee is known as the bareboat charter cost, and this is the amount that you will pay for the charter before any additional expenses, both required and discretionary, are factored in. Things like insurance and crew should be taken into consideration, and the costs associated with these will change according on how much you want to include. For instance, you could believe that having a captain on board is necessary, but you would be content to forego having a cook or hostess on board.

An outboard engine and a safety net are two examples of such add-ons that are available for purchase and may make the sailing experience more enjoyable overall. Then there are the additional recreational activities, such as windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Check out our comprehensive guide for further information on the costs involved in chartering a yacht.

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9. When is the ideal time to make reservations for a yacht charter in the Ionian Sea?

When you are ready to begin planning, you may begin the inquiry process for your Ionian yacht charter right away. Our experienced consultants are here to walk you through the process, from calculating the prices to selecting the ideal boat and determining the optimal time to go in accordance with your trip plans.

After you have made your reservation, we will get back to you with suggestions on the most interesting places to go, routes you may take, and advice on how to make your sailing vacation the most memorable one ever.

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10. Ionian Yacht Charter-Related Questions That Are Frequently Asked

Where will I be able to get food and other necessities?

Your journey will most likely begin in one of the larger islands, such as Corfu or Lefkas, where you will have the opportunity to resupply at well-known grocery chains. On the route, you’ll pass by practically every island, each of which will have its own little market or kiosk where you can buy water, snacks, and many other refreshments.

What Should I Pack for a Yacht Charter in the Ionian Islands?

You should pack some warmer garments and wet-weather gear if you plan on going sailing in the colder months of April, May, September, or October. These are the months when temperatures are often lower. The summer months that are in between are significantly brighter and have a lower likelihood of rain, so you should bring sunscreen with you. Check out this page for our comprehensive packing recommendations.

Is it possible to book a one-way charter for me?

The Ionian Islands are almost perfectly designed for a one-way journey, and you might even find some operators offering a discount to help relocate their yachts from one base to another, especially at the beginning or end of the season when they are trying to get their yachts ready for the next season.

In order to hire a boat in the Ionian Sea, what prerequisites do I need to meet?

In order to comply with Greek maritime legislation, you will require one recognized sailing certificate (which can be held by your skipper), as well as one Signed Sailing Experience Declaration Form. If at all feasible, having two sailors who are certified in sailing on board will usually result in a week that is less tense and stressful. Check out this page for our comprehensive guide on sailing certifications.