Embarking on a yachting adventure in the Ionian Sea is an exhilarating experience that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical attractions, and the thrill of navigating through challenging passages. This article outlines a sailing route from Corfu, Greece to the Ionian islands, passing through Paxos, Lefkada, Meganisi, and Ithaca.
The route spans 188 nautical miles and is suitable for yachtsmen with some experience, as it includes sections with difficult navigation and rather long passages.
Setting Sail from Corfu
The journey begins at Corfu International Airport, from where the yachtsmen set off to Gouvia Marina, the largest marina on the islands of Corfu.
All charter companies providing yachts for rent are based in this marina, which offers a plethora of services, including a pool.
From the marina, it’s a half-hour bus ride to the old town of Corfu, a city rich in attractions worth seeing, such as the Old Fortress, the Cathedral of Saint Spyridon, the Cathedral of Panagia Spiliotissa, the Church of Panagia Mandrakin, the Temple of Artemis, the Byzantine Museum, and the Museum of Banknotes.
The Journey Begins: Corfu to Sivota
The first crossing of the journey starts at the yacht marina of Gouvia on the island of Corfu and ends at one of the anchorages of the small archipelago of Sivota.
The passage is 24 nautical miles long, and the yacht’s path passes through the sea of Corfu, moving from northwest to southeast.
The Sivota Islands or the port of Murtos are ideal for the first day of a yacht trip, offering a variety of mooring options and clear water for swimming.
Sivota to Preveza
The next leg of the journey is from Sivota to Preveza, a passage that requires careful navigation due to the channel between the mainland and Lefkada.
The destination for the night is chosen to be as close as possible to the entrance to this channel, allowing for the passage of dangerous areas in the morning.
The city yacht marina Preveza is located in the northern part of the harbor and offers a range of amenities, including showers, toilets, a mini market, a playground, a cafe, a bar, a restaurant, car rental, and laundry facilities.
Preveza to Meganisi Island
The transition from Preveza to Meganisi Island is quite short, covering 18 nautical miles. The first half of the yacht’s journey lies through the channel between the island of Lefkada and the mainland, which is quite challenging from a navigational point of view due to its narrow channels surrounded by shoals.
Meganisi to Ithaca
The passage from Meganisi to Ithaca is 22 nautical miles long, passing through the so-called Inner Sea.
The main harbor of Ithaca, Vathy, is popular with yachtsmen traveling on chartered yachts, as it provides a range of mooring options, as well as good anchorage near the city.
Ithaca to Paxos
The longest leg of the journey is from Ithaca to Paxos, spanning 64 nautical miles.
With prevailing northwesterly winds, this will mostly be a tack, so it’s advisable to leave at dawn. The final destination is the Port of Lakka in the north of the island of Paxos, a small port on the northern tip of the island with a pier for yachts and anchorage.
The bay is protected from all winds, except for strong north and northeast winds, which can bring an unpleasant wave into the bay.
Depths at the entrance of the yacht to the bay are mainly from 6.0 to 8.0 m, and in the places of anchorage of yachts 3.0 – 6.0 meters. Anchorages are possible throughout the bay.
Paxos to Corfu
The final leg of the journey is from Paxos back to Corfu, a crossing of 30 nautical miles. Tacking is expected under prevailing northwesterly winds, so it’s better to leave early in order to arrive at the marina before dark. There are no navigation problems along the way.
This yachting route is designed for those who love to sail a lot, while spending little time on the shore. However, it can easily be turned into a leisurely two-week itinerary, allowing more time for sightseeing of the Ionian Islands and relaxation.
Sailing from Corfu, Greece to the Ionian islands is an adventure that combines the thrill of navigation, the beauty of the Ionian Sea, and the rich history and culture of the Greek islands. Whether you’re an experienced yachtsman or a beginner, this route offers a unique opportunity to explore the Ionian islands and experience the joy of sailing.
Remember, every yachting journey requires careful planning and preparation. Always check the weather conditions, understand the navigation challenges of your route, and ensure your yacht is well-equipped and ready for the journey. Happy sailing, captains!
