Explore the North Ionian
We have been sailing in the north Ionian Islands for over 40 years and it remains one of our favourite destinations. With its light winds and crystal clear waters it is an ideal place to introduce family and friends to sailing. The North Ionian offers a mixture of island hopping and mainland coastal sailing.
Whether you are grabbing a week away, or have two weeks to meander and explore, our guides below will give you a good idea of the best places to visit. Explore everywhere, from the clear waters of Corfu to Kefalonia, and all the islands in between! Our one week guide to sailing from Corfu, takes you to all our favourite places in the North Ionian islands, making the most of Paxos and Anti-Paxos Islands. Our two week guide gives you an overview of a relaxed week sailing around Paxos as well as the coast of Corfu. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, a two week holiday gives you time for a foray into the south Ionian Islands.
What’s the weather like?
The Ionian Islands are known for their gorgeous warm summers. You can expect temperatures of around 30°C during July/August with it dropping to around 23°C in May and October. At the beginning and end of the season, the weather can be slightly more changeable, meaning that good wind is more common.
In terms of wind, the Ionian is widely regarded as on of the least challenging sailing areas in the whole of the Mediterranean. A normal day will be flat calm in the morning, with the prevailing wind (a friendly NW 3-4) picking up at around 2 or 3pm. This means relaxing mornings and lazy lunch stops anchored in a bay until the wind picks up. Great for anyone looking to really relax!
Expect mooring fees in most places except for bay stops. Prices vary depending on the type of harbour or marina you’re visiting and size of your yacht.
Days 1 – 2, Arriving in Corfu & exploring the island
Once you have arrived at the base in Gouvia and done your check in with the local charter company you are free to explore Corfu. The town is around a 15 minute taxi or 20 minute bus ride away from Gouvia Marina. It is the largest town out of all the Ionian Islands and was built between two fortresses which are still there today. There’s a great choice of restaurants, whether searching for a Gyros, Kleftiko or maybe some Greek meze dishes; you will find it there in the hidden streets. A popular place to tie up for the night in Corfu town is the Yacht Club at the Citadel, a beautiful setting where you walk through the Citadel and into the town. There will be mooring fees here but we can assure you it is worth every penny!
Corfu Town is a great place to explore for your first day sailing as it is only a few miles down the coast. If you fancy exploring further afield and getting away from it all why not head down to Petriti? Petriti is a charming village on the east coast of Corfu island. The village is a popular fishing area and if you get up early enough you will see all the boats returning to harbour with their fresh fish on board. In recent years the village has gained lots of popularity and now offers many more restaurants and cafes, although the village still retains its old charm and unique character.
Corfu Island Corfu Town Petriti Fishing Village
Days 3 – 6, Island Hopping down to Paxos & Anti-Paxos
For the next few days you will enjoy the beauty of the Ionian, sailing from island to island surrounded by stunning views.
From Corfu you can sail south for 10 miles until you find Paxos. Paxos Island is our highlight of the north Ionian. It is a picturesque little island with coastline covered in dense vegetation which makes for many a picture postcard scene. There are four small ports on the island; Lakka, Gaios, Longos and Mongonisi. All are great places to stay overnight.
The west coastline is also dotted with hide-a-way caves, mesmerising arches and shear drop cliffs. The west coast is very exposed to the prevailing north west wind and so offers a great days sailing!
A short sail east from Paxos will take you over to the Greek mainland. Parga is a stop not to be missed. Anchor in the the bay of Valtos Beach and either take a ferry boat or have a wander into town. Plataria, Mourtos and Sayiadha are briliant small harbours to visit as you travel up the coastline back towards Corfu. These west facing harbours all have incredible sunsets!
Plataria Parga Paxos Sayiadha Mongonisi Lakka
Days 7 – 8, Exploring northern Corfu
As you head back to Corfu why not stop off in Agios Stephanos or Kassiopi on the north of Corfu Island. These are both gorgeous spots for lunch or an overnight stop before returning to Gouvia Marina on your final full day.
Agios Stephanos is a small resort and one of the first fishing villages on Corfu Island. The beach resort is a stunning picturesque place with sloping hills and olive groves. The beach itself runs for over a mile and offers shallow clear blue waters that are safe for children.
Finally it’s time to conclude your island hopping adventure, making your way back to Gouvia Marina for your last night, before checking out the next day.
Corfu Island Kassiopi Agios Stephanos
Days 1 – 3, Arriving in Corfu & exploring the island
Once you have arrived at the base in Gouvia and done your check in with the local charter company you are free to explore Corfu. The town is around a 15 minute taxi or 20 minute bus ride away from Gouvia Marina. It is the largest town out of all the Ionian Islands and was built between two fortresses which are still there today. There’s a great choice of restaurants, whether searching for a Gyros, Kleftiko or maybe some Italian; you will find it there in the hidden streets.
Corfu Town is a great place to explore for your first day sailing as it is only a few miles down the coast. If you fancy exploring further afield and getting away from it all why not head down to Petriti? Petriti is a charming village on the east coast of Corfu island. The village is a popular fishing area and if you get up early enough you will see all the boats returning to harbour with their fresh fish on board. In recent years the village has gained lots of popularity and now offers many more restaurants and cafes, although the village still retains its old charm and unique character. An alternative easy first day is a hop across to the mainland village of Sayaidha.
Corfu Island Sayiadha Petriti
Days 4 – 7, Pottering from Paxos to Parga
There are a number of beautiful stops on the mainland, with stunning scenery and great swimming spots. We recommend overnight stops in Plataria and Sivota Mourtos from which the sunsets are stunning. A swim stop in the archipelago of islands just outside Mourtos is a must!
Head further south and stop off in Two Rock Bay on your way to stunning Parga. You might like a two day stop here as there is lots going on between Valtos Beach and the buzzing town. It is home to an ancient citadel, some lovely restaurants and amazing views. We highly recommend unwinding over a cocktail or two at Sugar Bar on the promenade, watching the world go by, before heading into the back streets for dinner at Castello’s Restaurant. This family run restaurant never ceases to impress with it’s sunken wine cellar, garden and incredible food.
Plataria Sivota Mourtos Parga Ligia Two Rock Bay
Days 8 – 12, Zig Zagging Across The Ionian
Exploring the islands of Paxos and Anti-Paxos is a must! There are four main ports on Paxos Island; Lakka, Longos, Gaios and Mongonisi. Anchor in the crystal clear waters of Lakka Bay for a swim before heading over to the town quay in the evening. If you fancy being spoilt a short (10 minute) taxi ride up to the sunset bar and restaurant, on the cliffs looking over the west coast, is a must! Spend your days enjoying the gin clear water in Emerald Bay on Anti-Paxos or enjoying a racey sail down the west coast of the island.
Sailing north up the mainland coast will take you past some craggy coastlines surrounded by mountains and clear blue waters.
Sayiadha is only 5 miles North from Plataria. A tiny Greek village which is one of the less visited Ionian harbours however you may find a few flotillas here. The village has a couple of restaurants and shops for basic provisions but not much else. For those who like their exercise you can visit the old town which is about an hour and a half’s walk up hill.
From here sail across to Corfu and stop off in Agios Stephanos and Kassiopi for your last few days.
Kassiopi Agios Stephanos
Days 13 – 15, Exploring Corfu
After exploring the Northern ports in Corfu it’s time to head South and end your trip in Corfu. Give yourself a couple of days in Corfu Town so you can really explore everything the gorgeous place has to offer.
The town is the largest out of all the Ionian Islands and was built between two fortresses which are still there today. There’s a great choice of restaurants, whether searching for a Gyros, Kleftiko or maybe some Italian; you will find it there in the hidden streets.
Corfu Island
Days 1 – 2, Arriving in Corfu
Upon your arrival you will be met by the charter company who will handle your check-in. Once all the paperwork has been completed you will be shown to your boat and after a quick briefing you’re free to relax! Gouvia is a great place to start your holiday with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops. If you fancy it, Corfu Old Town is a short bus ride away and here you can see the town’s Venetian roots.
On your first days sailing to Petriti is a nice warm up sail from Gouvia. This village has lots of old charm mixed with new restaurants and even a magnificent church set high up in the hillside in the old town of Korakades.
Corfu Island Petriti
Days 3 – 6, Amble down to Lefkas Town
From Petriti a nice sail south is the island of Paxos. This beautiful island is picture perfect and you can choose to stay in Lakka, a charmingly small village, or the tradtional town of Gaios, both great places to spend the night.
If you get to Paxos then you’ve got to stop in Anti-Paxos, home to ‘Emerald Bay’ which doesn’t need an explanation really! There are also some very pretty sandy beaches – Voutoumi is one of our favourites.
From Anti-Paxos you could head back to the mainland for the night, staying in Ligia. This small harbour has one cafe and one taverna both serving great greek food. The beaches nearby can get some big waves, perfect for surfers!
After you’ve surfed it up in Ligia, keep sailing south to Lefkas Town. Around a 20 mile sail, Lekfas won’t dissappoint. A hive of activity from bars and restaurants to the old town you’re sure to find something here for everyone.
Paxos Anti-Paxos Ligia
Days 7 – 11, Lazying around Lefkas Island
Continue your exploration of Lefkas and sail down to Nidri. This is a lively town with a wide variety of restaurants and bars at your disposal so, if you want to party until the small hours then you’ll be spoilt for choice!
After Nidri a nice short hop is down to Sivota on the southern tip of Lefkas. This is a pretty bay with a charming handful of tavernas to choose from, and if you fancy a swim, anchor off in the outer bay before mooring up for the night.
From Sivota island hop over to Kalamos. This mountainous island is unique with its landscape and from the port you can see some truly sensational sunsets against the mountain back drop.
From the little island of Kalamos it’s just a short sail over to Kastos. This island is completely unspoilt and so peaceful, with two harbours to choose from and several tavernas to keep you entertained.
Nidri Kastos Island Sivota Kalamos
Days 12 – 13, Sailing up the coastline towards Corfu
From the southern Ionian islands why not make your way back to Corfu by sailing along the coastline, stopping off in places like Preveza and Parga. Parga has a great history to it with all the battles that have been fought there and some great ways to explore the fortress that still stands.
After you’ve soaked up all the history Parga has to offer, keep sailing north up to Mourtos or Plataria. Sivota Mourtos is well sheltered due to its surrounding islands and has some lovely bars and restaurants on the waterfront. Plataria is known for its great sunsets, there’s lots of shops and there town is a lively place to explore.
Parga Plataria
Days 14 – 15, Returning to Corfu
If you’ve got time for one last stop before heading back to Corfu then why not sail to Sayiadha. This is a lesser known town and is a perfect stop to get away from it all. If you fancy a walk, the old town which was abandoned in the 1940’s is over an hours stroll away but is a great place to explore.
On your last day it’s time to get back to Gouvia on Corfu Island. There’s plenty of bars and restaurants here and even Kontokali old village if you want to explore. Most charter companies like you to be back in the marina between 4-6pm giving you one last evening to enjoy yourselves before heading home the following day.
