Ionian Catamaran Charter
History and culture collide at the original Mediterranean cruising ground.
Our favourite place to nurture new sailors and families, the Ionian islands are blessed with light and consistent winds in the main summer sailing season. Several great fleet operators and some of the best boats in the Med guarantee a wonderful holiday exploring Meganisi, Ithaca, Kefalonia and more.
There's a famous saying that you can set your watch to the wind in the Ionian, so reliable is the afternoon thermal breeze.
A long history has shaped these culturally diverse islands, with sprinkles of architectures from various eras of rule: from Corfu's French and Venetian alleyways, to Paxos' Italianate harbours and ancient Greek archaeological sights on Ithaca.
Each of the major Ionian islands is ideal for exploration, with vineyards, pine forests and breathtaking beaches cradled by lush white mountains, as well as castles on Kefalonia, a marine park full of turtles on Zante and colourful harbours and divine wild anchorages spread across the archipelago.
Charter a catamaran in the Ionians for an island-hopping cruise across some of Greece's most stunningly eclectic islands.
Yachts to Charter in the Ionian
Luxury Catamaran Charter the Ionians
A luxury Catamaran charter along the various indented coasts of the Ionians is an opportunity for indulgence. Choose a luxurious Lagoon 50 catamaran for extravagant and well-appointed large cabins spread across two hulls, affording matchless privacy and comfort. Large open-plan living spaces and convivial deck spaces provide more than enough space for larger groups hoping to indulge in onboard dinners, while additional crew cabins allow you to take along a skipper and a chef without impacting your requirements for privacy. Add the all-encompassing views of the cinematic Greek scenery and a cache of extras like a tender, water makers and a BBQ, and you have all the ingredients necessary for an unforgettable catamaran holiday in the Ionians.
For sailors hoping to explore the various coves, wild beaches and islets, a catamaran's low draft, which makes sailing and anchoring into shallow waters much easier (and more possible), is ideal. Sail into the dreamy castaway charms of Navagio on Zakynthos (only accessible by the water) to see the distinctive shipwreck atop its golden sands, or choose the lush indentations at Porto Timoni on Corfu, which forms a striking double bay with twin beaches protected by high cliffs that make reaching it by foot a problem for many, but not for those who sail. Stick around until sunset and the crowds disappear to a dribble, making the bay an enviable spot for an anchorage.
Choose a bareboat catamaran charter to sail a chic Sunreef 60 into ports across the Ionians, helming the boat as you sail into cosmopolitan Corfu or delightful Sami Town on Kefalonia. A luxurious cocktail of head-turning style and advanced capability make sailing a Sunreef 60 a pleasure, while the freedom of a bareboat charter -- allowing you absolute privacy and the ability to fine-tune your sailing itinerary on your own terms -- is ideal for those sailors, for who complete autonomy is essential.
Explore the Ionian on a Catamaran
Where to sail in the Ionian Sea
Begin in Corfu’s Venetian-flavoured Old Town, scaling to the top of the New Venetian Fortress for panoramic views across the horizon, and then stroll the attractive Campiello neighbourhood to see the Palace of St Michael and St George and the Maitland Rotunda. Sip a coffee in the French-style Liston Arcade and indulge in a spot of people-watching before boarding your luxury catamaran in the sail-stitched marina.
Sail north to see the impressive Mount Pantokrator, and hike to the top through scented pines and ancient olive trees for panoramas over the island and perhaps spot a cove or secret beach.
Next, sail to Lake Korission, a beautifully unique inky-blue lake separated from the Ionian Sea by Halikounas beach, a thin slither of sand that forms a natural, but slim barrier of dunes and wetlands constantly carved and recarved by the endless machinations of the Mediterranean.
Make a stop at the small village of Petriti, a petit fishing community with a handful of seafood restaurants and a good bit of shelter, ideal for a summer anchorage.
Sail south of Corfu to the candy-floss-coloured port at Gaios on Paxos to see some of the Ionian's most beguiling leftovers from Venetian times. Low-rise houses coloured in pinks, greens and reds peer over the fishing boats in the harbour, housing lively tavernas, bars and boutiques, each with languid sea views.
From here, it's a short hop from Paxos to Antipaxos, where a verdant topography of vineyards and olive groves, thinning as they approach salty white beaches, waits for the pull of your anchor against the seabed. Quench your need for a swim at the beautiful Voutoumi Beach, an arc of powdery white coast backed by an undulation of mountains, and then sail to the protected anchorage at Rodovani where two natural beaches are cut into sublime white cliffs lush with various flora.
Swim off the back of your catamaran while your onboard chef crafts an Ionian dinner (tip: visit the markets at Gaios Square on Paxos to stock up), and eat on deck with exquisite sunset views of the bay.
Ideal sailing conditions and slightly more moderate temperatures (in the high 20s in summer) than mainland Greece combine to make the Ionian Islands one of the Mediterranean's most popular spots for a catamaran charter.
Sail closer to spectacular beaches and float into charming coves sheltered by towering cliffs, or anchor in an Ionian harbour to indulge in excellent nightlife and exquisite Greek cuisine.
