The Ionian in a Week: Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia & Ithaca

If the Cyclades are Greece for keen sailors, the Ionian is Greece for everyone else. Green islands, sheltered water, short hops between harbours, a gentle afternoon breeze and — crucially — no meltemi. It is the country's easiest, most family-friendly cruising ground, and a week here is about swimming, tavernas and a slow, unhurried rhythm.

Day 1 — Board at Lefkada or Preveza

Lefkada is the classic base, reached by a road causeway from Preveza airport — no ferry needed. Board in the afternoon and make a short first hop to a calm bay.

Day 2 — Meganisi

A little island of hidden inlets across from Nidri, with tavernas that take your lines and cook you dinner. The classic first-night Ionian anchorage.

Day 3 — Fiskardo, Kefalonia

The prettiest harbour in the Ionian — Venetian houses in pastel around a quay of yachts, the one village the 1953 earthquake spared. Book a berth or anchor just outside.

Day 4 — Ithaca

Odysseus's island. A horseshoe harbour ringed by ruined windmills at Kioni, the deep sheltered bay of Vathy. Quiet, green and mythic — a gentle day.

Day 5 — Sivota, Lefkada

A completely enclosed, fjord-like bay lined with fish tavernas — one of the safest and most sociable overnights in the Ionian, and a flotilla favourite for good reason.

Day 6 — Antipaxos and Paxos

Two beaches of Caribbean-clear water off tiny Antipaxos for a midday swim, then north to Lakka on Paxos — a near-circular bay ringed by olive hills.

Day 7 — Disembark

Back to base Saturday morning. With a spare day from Lefkada, the dramatic west-coast beaches of Porto Katsiki and Egremni are worth a land excursion.

Practical notes

• Why it suits families. Light morning winds, a gentle afternoon breeze, short distances and always a sheltered option. See the best time to sail Greece.
• Taverna quays. Many Ionian bays let you moor for free or the price of dinner — a defining pleasure of the region.
• Ready to plan? Browse Ionian charters, or see what a Greece charter costs.