Sailing the Ionian Islands: Complete Guide to Greece’s Best Cruising Ground

Warm, stable summer weather; striking pine-clad islands; and picturesque port villages and legendary sailing culture. It’s little wonder the Ionian has exploded in popularity as one of the Mediterranean’s premier sailing destinations.

Cruising the Ionian Islands has undoubtedly been one of the highlights of our time sailing in the Mediterranean. Over the last four years, we’ve spent months island-hopping along Greece’s western coastline and still feel like we’ve only scratched the surface of what the Ionian offers sailors.

Along the way, we’ve uncovered hidden gems, learned the quirks of the local conditions, and collected practical insights to help you plan your own Ionian adventure.

The Ionian Sea

The Ionian Sea is part of the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Adriatic Sea, between Greece, Albania, and Italy.

For sailors, the real draw is Greece’s Ionian Islands — a chain of lush, mountainous islands scattered along the country’s western coast. These are the waters most visitors come to explore.

Our Experience Sailing the Ionian

Sailing the Ionian is characterised by impossibly blue water, sheltered bays, soaring cliffs, green forests, and (mostly) gentle, predictable conditions.

Days are spent anchored in secluded coves, swimming off pebble beaches, or feasting on fresh seafood and roasted feta at waterfront tavernas.

The sailing tradition here runs deep — from Homer’s Odysseus to today’s friendly, if a little shouty, harbor masters ready to catch your lines.

Summer brings ideal winds, but also high heat and busy quays packed with charter flotillas.

Here’s everything you need to know before setting sail in the Ionian.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

• Understand the winds – The Ionian boasts the predictable Maistro wind in summer, ideal for sailing. However, less friendly winds exist. Knowing local wind patterns helps plan daily routes.
• Master med-mooring with anchor at the quay – Stern-to mooring is common on busy docks, but unlike other parts of the Med with “lazy lines,” the Ionian often requires setting an anchor to secure the bow. Brush up on this skill beforehand.
• Conserve anchorage space with lines ashore – Space is tight in Ionian anchorages during summer. Anchor with lines ashore to secure the stern to a point onshore, preventing swing and conserving space. It’s a crucial technique to learn, and well worth drilling or at least briefing your crew ahead of time.
• Use Taverna Moorings & Town Quays – Many waterfront tavernas and town quays offer secure, cheap or free moorings. It’s one of the joys of sailing the Ionian: tie up just steps from dinner, skip the marina fees, and enjoy the local atmosphere.
• Sail in shoulder season – Swap the frantic high season for a tranquil, affordable experience in late May, early June, late September, or early October.
• Explore the mainland – Beyond the famous Ionian Islands, the mainland offers hidden gems worth visiting. Check out some of our must-see mainland destinations.
• Practice patience – Due to high demand, bookings at restaurants, marinas, finding space in anchorages, getting parts, or organizing boat repairs in the Ionian can sometimes be challenging, especially in summer. Plan ahead, be ready for DIY fixes, and anticipate delays.
• Plan for extreme heat – Greece is extremely hot in summer. Equip your boat with fans, wind catchers, A/C, or whatever else you need to stay cool. Have an exit strategy, as temperatures can become unbearable… living through back-to-back heatwaves in Corfu on the boat was a truly testing experience.

Why Choose the Ionian for Sailing

The Ionian Sea combines gentle sailing conditions, rich history, and incredible scenery, making it one of the most rewarding cruising grounds in the world. Here’s what makes it special:

Warm Welcome – Greek hospitality shines in the harbors, where locals greet sailors like family, making the Ionian a truly relaxing and straightforward sailing destination.

Easy, Predictable Sailing – The Maistro breeze and sheltered waters make the Ionian ideal for beginners and relaxing for experienced sailors.

History & Mythology – From Odysseus’ Ithaca to Venetian fortresses, every island is steeped in stories.

Food & Culture – Each island has its own specialties, from Corfu’s pastitsada to Zakynthos’ mandolato, shaped by Italian and French influences.

Natural Beauty – Lush green hills, dramatic cliffs, and turquoise anchorages rival anywhere in Greece and the Mediterranean.

Affordable Cruising – Mooring fees, tavernas, and day-to-day costs are lower than many other Mediterranean destinations, making the Ionian one of the best-value sailing regions. Read our complete Greece cruising budget here.

Planning Your Ionian Trip

Proper planning is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable sailing trip across the Ionian Sea. Here’s how to get started:

Best Times to Sail

The ideal months for sailing in the Ionian Sea are from late April to early October, with peak conditions in late May, early June, and later in September when the weather is warm and the tourist crowds are thinned out.

July and August offer warm waters, stable weather, and livelier island atmospheres, but also extreme heat and busy ports and anchorages that can become stressful in strong weather.

Our favorite time to sail the Ionian is in the shoulder season, in late May and early June, and again in late September. The weather is still relatively stable, the water is warm, and, best of all, there are fewer crowds.

Ionian Itinerary Planning

Having a planned itinerary can help manage time and expectations; however, it’s important to stay flexible (always have some backup ports penciled in in case the wind is too much, too little, or the crew just aren’t feeling it.

Give yourself more time than you think you need. You can always extend your itinerary, but if you’re madly motoring from one destination to the next, you will miss out.

Consider the length of your trip, your crew’s interests, and key attractions. Balance sailing times with exploration and relaxation to make the most of your visit to the Ionian Islands.

Keep in mind that winds can be light during the warmer months, especially in the mornings, making mornings the best for exploring and afternoons best for sailing.

On the other hand, trying to find space in popular anchorages or port towns can be more challenging later in the day, so getting in early can sometimes make sense.

Provisioning and Supplies

Plan for provisions accordingly. While many islands have shops where you can stock up on supplies, it’s a good idea to start with sufficient basics and specialty items that might not be readily available.

When possible, plan to provision at larger supermarkets rather than marina convenience stores, which often charge a premium.

What to Pack

Packing for the Mediterranean is about comfort in the heat and protection in the water. Bring:

• Camera/GoPro – to capture turquoise coves and dramatic cliffs.
• Fans or wind scoops – for keeping cool on board.
• Water shoes – essential for rocky shores and sea urchins when taking lines ashore.
• Sun protection – sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and after-sun lotion.
• Bug spray – mosquitoes are common in some anchorages.

Where to Sail in the Ionian

The Ionian Islands offer a diverse range of experiences, each with its own unique personality. Here’s a guide to some of the top destinations across the northern and southern Ionian Islands, as well as a few mainland gems:

Northern Ionian

• Corfu – UNESCO-listed Old Town, Venetian fortresses, and lush anchorages. Highlights: Kassiopi, Paleokastritsa, Agni Beach.
• Paxos & Antipaxos – Pebble beaches, olive groves, and turquoise coves. Busy in summer, but worth it.
• Ereikoussa & Mathraki – Quiet, off-the-beaten-track stops with simple harbors and unspoiled beaches.

Southern Ionian

• Lefkada – Connected to the mainland, famous for beaches like Porto Katsiki. Bustling ports: Nidri, Vasiliki, Sivota.
• Kefalonia – Stunning white-sand beaches, mountains, and charming Fiskardo. Don’t miss Myrtos Beach or Melissani Cave.
• Ithaca – Mythical home of Odysseus, with peaceful villages like Kioni and busy towns like Vathy and Frikes.
• Zakynthos – Dramatic cliffs, Shipwreck Beach, Blue Caves, and nesting loggerhead turtles.

Mainland Gems

Sivota & Two Rocks Bay – Sheltered anchorages, turquoise water, and a ramshackle beach bar.

Parga – Colorful harbor town with castle views and a lively promenade.

Preveza – Historic port, gateway to Nikopolis, and great dining.

Ionian Sailing Map

This map includes some of our favorite spots in the Ionian.

Navigational Tips for Sailing the Ionian

Navigating the Ionian Sea is generally straightforward, thanks to its typically calm waters and straightforward sailing routes. However, like any sailing adventure, it comes with its own challenges.

Features of the Ionian

Much of the sea between the Ionian islands and Greece’s mainland is generally well-protected. The tall islands offer a range of anchorages, ports, and marinas where you can seek protection in all weather.

Winds in the Ionian

The Ionian is known for its gentle, predictable summer breeze — the Maistro, a northwesterly that fills in around midday and dies away by evening. It makes for relaxed, easy sailing, especially compared to the stronger Meltemi winds of the Aegean.

That said, conditions aren’t always calm. Spring can bring hazy Sirocco winds from the Sahara, katabatic gusts occasionally funnel down from the mountains, and storms are possible outside the summer months. Always check forecasts and have a backup plan for shelter.

Sources for local weather:

• Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS / EMY)
• Marinas and harbours will usually publish local weather info
• Apps – e.g. Windy

Route Planning

Minimal tides and deep waters simplify navigation. That said, sailors should always refer to current nautical charts and instruments when navigating.

Although the Ionian Sea is relatively straightforward to navigate, it’s a good idea to plan your routes in advance. Consider distances between stops, fuel availability, and potential weather changes. GPS and electronic nautical charts are essential tools, and having physical maps as backups is highly recommended.

We use Navionics for our electronic charts.

Community-based apps like Navily and No Foreign Land, as well as online regional sailing groups (such as Med Sailing on Facebook) are great places to get up to date localised info.

Mooring and Anchoring

Anchoring is generally uncomplicated, although in some deep, rocky bays, a lot of anchor chain may be required. The biggest challenge when it comes to anchoring is often the busy summer crowds, which can pose an issue or even a danger in popular anchorages.

Familiarize yourself with the anchoring spots and mooring laws of each island (Charts, Navionics, Navily and local Pilot Guide Books are some good places to look for this info). Always check the holding ground and depth before anchoring to ensure safety.

Don’t anchor too close to other boats, and when possible, check with anchored boats to determine where their anchor lies before dropping your own to avoid the dreaded anchor salad. Make sure you know how and when to use a line ashore in busy anchorages.

Make sure you understand how to set an anchor properly, with enough scope, and dive on to check if unsure. Strange to write but we have seen more than our fair share of unmanned charter boats dragging around in the Ionian, because anchors have not been properly set or checked.

Some popular marinas may require advanced booking, especially during peak tourist season. Familiarize yourself with med-mooring techniques, as essentially all marinas and public moorings in the Ionian will require you to med-moor using lazy lines or with your anchor.

Avoiding Hazards

The Ionian is generally safe and well-charted, with few reefs or shoals. Use charts and a depth sounder as standard practice, and you’ll have little trouble.

Respect Marine Life

Zakynthos and its surrounding waters are home to endangered loggerhead turtles. Give them space, avoid anchoring near nesting beaches, and follow local guidelines to help protect them.

Regulations & Etiquette

Before setting sail, make sure you have the basics: a valid skipper’s license such as an ICC (or equivalent), proof of boat insurance, and the Greek cruising tax (eTEPAI). Charter companies usually handle paperwork for you, but private boats need to carry these documents onboard. Stick to speed limits near the coast, respect no-go zones, and follow local discharge regulations. Using recycling facilities and buying local produce helps keep the Ionian pristine.

Safety

Weather in the Ionian is usually mild but can change quickly. Check forecasts regularly (we use the Windy app) and have a backup plan for shelter. For emergencies, monitor VHF channel 16 or call the Greek Coast Guard on 108. Be mindful of jellyfish and partticularly sea urchins in shallow waters — water shoes are a must for swimming lines to shore.

Sailing the Ionian Itineraries

Crafting the perfect itinerary is essential for maximizing your experience while sailing the Ionian Sea.

Your personal itinerary will be largely determined by your preferences for a sailing holiday. Are you planning long sailing days and covering many miles or do you (and your crew) prefer a more leisurely pace? Is your perfect evening spent in a secluded anchorage or at a waterfront taverna in a bustling port town?

Whether you have a week, two weeks, or more, here are some suggested itineraries to consider:

Suggested Itineraries

1 Week: Southern Ionian Highlights
Begin in Lefkada and sail south. Stop at Meganisi for quiet bays, Ithaca for myth and charm, Kefalonia for colorful Fiskardo, and Kastos or Kalamos for laid-back nights at anchor. This loop keeps passages short while hitting the region’s best-loved islands.

2 Weeks: North & South Ionian
With more time, you can add Corfu, Paxos, and Antipaxos in the north, plus mainland gems like Two Rocks Bay or Sivota. Heading south, include Zakynthos for Shipwreck Beach and the Blue Caves before looping back to Lefkada.

Tips for Planning

• Keep plans flexible to accommodate wind, crowds, or crew energy levels.
• Distances are short so that you can mix sailing days with plenty of time ashore.
• Arriving early at popular ports helps secure space.
• We recommend planning a couple of days off the boat to rent a car and explore the island interiors and enjoy some of the experiences the islands offer.

Chartering or Buying a Boat in the Ionian

Most visitors charter a yacht for their Ionian adventure. Options include:

• Bareboat – freedom if you have the experience and a skipper’s license.
• Skippered or crewed – ideal if you want local knowledge or a more relaxed holiday.
• Flotilla – a social way to sail with support, perfect for beginners.

Monohulls offer a traditional sailing experience, while catamarans provide extra space and stability (but usually cost more to rent).

When choosing a charter company, reputation and customer service matter just as much as price — check reviews, forums, and personal recommendations to avoid headaches. Booking early usually secures better rates and a wider choice of boats.

If you’re planning to sail the Mediterranean long-term, buying a boat can be more economical. The Ionian has an active market with plenty of choices — but budget for maintenance, mooring, and insurance. (We’ll share more about buying in the Med in a dedicated guide.)

Get more information on buying a boat in the Mediterranean in our dedicated guide.

Documentation & Formalities

If you’re chartering, the company will usually handle paperwork, but at least one skipper must hold a valid license (ICC or equivalent).

Private boats need insurance documents and proof of payment of the Greek cruising tax (eTEPAI). Check-in and check-out with the Port Authority is only required if you’re arriving from outside Greece.

Living the Sailor’s Life in the Ionian

Life in the Ionian quickly falls into a rhythm: leisurely morning swims, afternoon sails on the Maistro breeze, and evenings tied up at a taverna quay. Days are filled with swims, hikes, and explorations ashore — balanced with plenty of time to relax under the stars, chat with fellow sailors, and sharing stories over plates of grilled fish and cold wine.

Sailing the Ionian has been one of the highlights of our time in the Mediterranean. Gentle breezes, stunning anchorages, welcoming ports, and a culture rooted in seafaring make it a sailor’s paradise — one we’ll keep coming back to.

Planning your own trip? You might also like:

• What to Pack for Sailing the Mediterranean
• Greece or Croatia?
• The Cost of Sailing in Greece
• 8 of the Best Hidden Gems and Underrated Ionian Islands
• A Guide to Sailing in the Mediterranean

Do you have a question about sailing the Ionian Islands? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!