Greece Sailing Adventure: Corfu to Kefalonia

Kalimera! Welcome to Greece.  Your sailing adventure begins on one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea – Corfu. If you arrive early, walk the winding streets to see the Venetian influences and gorgeous architecture of the town. Liston is one of the most popular pedestrian streets on the island and a perfect meeting place for tourists, right next to the famous Spaniada Square. Maybe stop for a Greek coffee and some people-watching among the great seaside atmosphere while you wait for your adventure to begin. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon to meet your group and trip leader. Head out for some food shopping after with your group for some supplies. Tonight, hit Corfu’s main town for a night out. Flanked by two imposing Venetian fortresses, Corfu’s town features winding medieval lanes, a French-style arcade and the grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George. Tonight, you’ll spend your first night on the sailing boat.

This morning, get an early start as you sail towards Paxos – the smallest of the Ionian islands, about seven nautical miles from south Corfu. Paxos is a unique blend of enchanting verdant landscapes set in an azure sea. Inhabited by some of the world’s most charming and hospitable people, and constantly bathed in European sunshine, this is a gorgeous place to explore. Along the way, take a short stop to swim in the glittering water. When you arrive in Gaios, the main port and the centre of island life, explore the village and coastline with your group. Tonight, why not head out for dinner at one of the many cosy spots to eat?

Make the most of the day by rising nice and early and enjoying breakfast on the boat. Stop for a morning swim near Paxos’ sister island Antipaxos. Two miles south, this small island is home to some of the finest beaches in the Ionian Sea with transparent ocean and white sands. Antipaxos doesn’t have its own permanent population, but there are many Paxiots who own vineyards and cottages here. After your swim sail south, passing through the north channel and docking in the beautiful marina of Lefkada. Featuring sheer cliffs and turquoise waters, this island’s busy streets are perfect for a wine and dine or night out on the town.

This morning, you’ll head to Skorpios – primarily known as the private island of the late Greek shipping billionaire Aristotle Onassis, bought in 1963 for numerous high-profile parties. This was also the site of Onassis’ wedding to the former United States First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968. Now, the island is owned by the Russian oligarch and art collector Dmitry Rybolovlev. Stop for a swim by the island before heading to the bays of Meganisi. This remote island is located between Lefkada and the Greek mainland. Untouched by mainstream tourism, it provides amazing crystalline waters and secluded coves that can only be reached by boat! Except for its two traditional villages and the small number of facilities they offer, the island is unspoiled. Take some time to explore the beautiful bays and then dock in the marina of the small fishing village of Vathi closeby.

Over the next two days, you’ll be exploring the beautiful islands of Atokos, Kastos, Kalamos and Ithaca at the group’s desired pace. Spend your days lounging on the boat’s deck, swimming in the glittering blue waters, eating out at local tavernas and watching sunset on the deck or the sands of a nearby beach.

Visit remote Atokos – one of the most secluded of the Echinades Islands. A pebbled beach and small flat hinterland make Atokos, now a private island owned by the shipowner family of Panayiotis Tsakos. The tiny islet is uninhabited except for a few goats that roam freely. On the island, there is the small chapel of St. John and the beach at One House Bay. Atokos is inside a Natura 2000 protected area, and as such, the waters and surrounding environment are nothing short of stunning.

Visit Kastos – where you’ll find peaceful beaches and a simple island lifestyle. Kastos is one of the smallest of the Ionian islands, with only a few hundred people living here, making it the perfect spot if you’re looking for some relaxation and peace.

Visit Ithaca – this beautiful island is famously the homeland of Odysseus (Ulysses), the hero of the Homeric poem Odyssey. Ithaca is where the faithful Penelope waits patiently for twenty years for her husband to return from the Trojan War. Surrounded by lush green vegetation, European architecture and the deep-blue sea, you’ll see why this place caused such inspiration.

This morning, enjoy breakfast on the boat and take a morning swim at Adri Bay in Ithaca. Then, head towards Fiskardo – with hills carpeted by cypress and olive trees, this fishing village is so beautiful that it was added to Project Natura 2000 for its protection. Declared as having ‘great natural beauty’, this harbour village has iconic Venetian architecture and is one of the only islands with its original buildings still standing. Lush, verdant hills surround a winding coast that stands on the northern tip of Kefalonia – the largest of the seven Ionian Islands. Enjoy a day exploring unforgettable beauty and history and top it all off with a farewell dinner on the seafront.

After breakfast this morning, disembark at Sami in Kefalonia and say goodbye to your skipper and fellow travellers. If you are flying out today, your trip leader can help you organise a taxi to the airport.