The Ionian Sea is celebrated as one of the world’s premier sailing destinations, renowned for the breathtaking beauty of its islands, crystal-clear blue waters, and gentle summer winds.
The northwest winds, known locally as “maistro,” offer far more favorable sailing conditions than the more intense “meltemi” winds found in the Aegean Sea.
The Ionian Sea includes over twenty beautiful Greek islands in total. The largest ones are seven and they are called the Eptanese, or Eptanesa (etymology in Greek: The Seven Islands). These are Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zante and Kythera.
Apart from the big seven islands, the Ionian Sea includes many smaller islands. The most well-known are Kalamos, Kastos, Meganisi, and Skorpios, the island that Aristotle Onassis bought and spent his summers with Jackie Kennedy- Onassis.
The Ionian islands offer a variety of activities, from historical sightseeing and ancient site exploration to delightful dining experiences in local taverns and restaurants. For those seeking vibrant nightlife, the islands present diverse options to suit all tastes.
Discover more about the enchanting and Ionian Sea by joining one of our learn to sail vacations or flotillas.
Also, consider joining our American Sailing online class hosted by Captain Dimitris Bampakos, the founder and owner of Fair Winds Sailing Greece. In this session, you’ll gain insights into sailing and bareboat chartering in Greek waters, providing a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know for an unforgettable sailing experience.
