THE IONIAN
The Ionian Sea boasts ideal wind and sailing conditions, a myriad of anchorages, quiet fishing villages and lively resorts all dotted among lush green islands. These ideal sailing conditions combined with wonderful cuisine and culture make the Ionian a superb holiday choice.

THE SPORADES
Known by the Greeks as “the green islands,” the waters around the Sporades in the Gulf of Volvos tend to be sheltered with idyllic sailing conditions and many protected spots to anchor safely for the night. The Sporades lie in the shimmering waters off the eastern coast of Greece where you can unwind and enjoy fine sandy beaches, pine perfumed hillsides, ancient ruins and abundant sea life.

THE IONIAN CRUISING NOTE
New holiday adventures await around Corfu where our latest base is ideal for exploring the open seas of the windier northern Ionian. From our 90 berth base at Vounaki in the central Ionian, you can head north or south
enjoying sheltered sailing between the islands. The Corfu base at modern Gouvia Marina is next to the bay of Ay Stefanos or Kasiopi Town with its charming little harbour. There is a lively town nearby and Corfu - the greenest island in Greece - has enough to keep you here for your whole holiday, should you choose.
Enjoy a sheltered seven mile sail to Paxos. Its tiny sister island is surrounded by crystal clear waters lapping onto lovely sandy shores.

Then it’s open coastal cruising to Levkas – a popular, lively and windy island. On the southern end lies the sheltered bay of Sivota with several waterside bars and tavernas. Meganissi has a magnificent inlet at Port
Athene, perfect for snorkelling and is also a great overnight stop. The village of Spartahori is a must see. Walk up the hill to the whitewashed town for a warm local welcome and an incredible view out over the Ionian.
Steeped in legend, Odysseus’s island of Ithaca offers beautiful bays and stunning anchorages. Visit Agios Euphemia in the south with its taverna dotted waterfront and the underground caves of Lake Melissani.

THE SPORADES CRUISING NOTE
The Sporades, meaning ‘scattered’ in Greek, are islands that spread out to the east from the sheltered Gulf of Volos. New for 2006, you can cruise from Skiathos around the more remote islands for a sense of discovery and achievement that’s hard to find anywhere else. The winds can be strong here but there are many perfect spots to anchor for the night. Sailing away from the mainland, whitewashed houses line the steep slopes of the picture postcard harbour of Skiathos town. A hive of activity in the main holiday season, tavernas, restaurants and busy bars rub shoulders with shops and nightclubs in the bustling narrow streets.

Away from the main town, Skiathos is a wooded, green island with around 70 sandy inlets and some of the best beaches in the Aegean. The pine shaded Koukounaries is favoured by locals as the best beach around. Watch for dolphins as you cruise across to the fertile island of Skopelos. Densely wooded and famous for its citrus fruit, olives and wine, this charming place has flower filled cobblestone streets and courtyards leading
down to the shore. For some serious mileage and more adventurous cruising, head as far as Pelagos, Skantzoura and Yioura. Uninhabited except for the wild goats, this is
as remote as it gets.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
2 people on board with sailing experience are required . The skipper must have sailed this size yacht before for at least 5 days or more, and have good navigation skills and must know how to anchor the yacht. The 2nd adult must have sailing knowledge and they need to know what to do in an emergency man over board

BASES
Sporades - Milina and Leda | Ionian - Vounaki and Galini

YOUR SAILING CHOICES

• Bareboat Yacht Charter
• Flotilla
• Skippered Yacht Charter
• Club Bareboat
• Club Flotilla
• Share a Yacht

WATER SPORTS BEACH RESORTS

• Vounaki
• Galini
• Leda

WIND AND SAILING CONDITIONS
IONIAN : Prevailing winds in the south of the Ionian Sea blow from the northwest at 5 to 15 knots, occasionally up to 20 knots.The Northern Ionian can be slightly more demanding but is made easier by line of sight navigation.

SPORADES : Trade winds blow mainly from the northeast between 10 to 20 knots, with a tendency to be stronger in July and August.

HOW TO GET THERE
IONIAN
Fly to Prevaza – Vounaki 30 minutes
Fly to Cephalonia – Agiou Euphemia or Fiskardo 1 hour

SPORADES
Fly to Volos Airport – Milina 2 hours or Skiathos 3 hours 30 minutes

LANGUAGE
Greek

CURRENCY
European Dollar

SEASON
May to October

RECOMMENDED READING
Greek Waters Pilot by Rod Heikell | Ionian by Rod Heikell