CORFU-PAXOS, ANTIPAXOS-SIVOTA, ASOS-ZAKYNTHOS KEFALONIA-ITHAKA, ATOKO-KASTOS, MEGANISI-MEGANISI, NIDRI-LEYKADA

First Day:

Early in the afternoon you will reach Corfu, one of the most beautiful and important

IONIAN ISLANDS
Suggested Cruisers & Maps

7 DAYS CRUISE IN THE IONIAN
CORFU-PAXOS, ANTIPAXOS-SIVOTA, ASOS-ZAKYNTHOS KEFALONIA-ITHAKA, ATOKO-KASTOS, MEGANISI-MEGANISI, NIDRI-LEYKADA

First Day:

Early in the afternoon you will reach Corfu, one of the most beautiful and important

islands of the Ionian group. Noted for its elegant Venetian architecture, the island's cosmopolitan atmosphere includes British and French influences with neoclassical buildings and cafes, a replica of the rue de Rivoli in Paris, a cosmopolitan meeting place.

A luxuriantly green island (as all the islands of the Ionian), with trees reaching the waterfront on all of its coasts, Corfu offers a sophisticated setting with a casino, luxury hotels, chic restaurants, palaces, mansions and villas.

On your first day, you will drop anchor in the beautiful Gaios Bay of Paxos Island. As you approach the port, the view from the bay is very impressive. You will enjoy a memorable meal in one of the pleasant tavernas in the main village.

Second Day:

You will anchor in the bay of Antipaxos, an island south of Paxos. Only 100 people inhabit the island and most of the population lives in Agrapidia.

The island makes an excellent, potent wine. In general, Antipaxos has little tourism. In summer, though, thousands of visitors from Paxos crowd its sandy beaches.

You can also visit the island of Mourtos, southwest of Corfu. In the afternoon, you will reach Sivota where you can swim and relax in a tranquil, wooded setting.

Third Day:

You will arrive at Kefallonia in the mainland, Assos, is an unspoiled village on the west coast of the island. Across the isthmus from Assos, ruins of a Venetian fortress, built in 1595, dominate the peninsula. The fortress was occupied by the Venetians, French and Russians in the 19th century. South of Assos, Myrtos Bay is a lovely cove offering excellent swimming and the most beautiful beach on the island.

In the evening you will reach the island of Zakynthos, an attractive, green island with mountain villages, monasteries, fertile plains and beautiful views.

Zakynthos is famous for its blue caves on the northern tip of the island and for the Mediterranean green, loggerhead turtle, "caretta-caretta".

Fourth Day:

Going back north to Kefallonia in the morning, you will spend some leisure time in a bay on the east side of the island in the Ithaca channel. For lunch you may visit Fiscardo, a beautiful village which was left intact after the earthquake of 1953. A cluster of 18th century Venetian homes painted in pastel surrounds the harbour. This is a safe port and a very popular berth for yachts. Despite the crowds and gift shops, Fiskardo retains its charm.

In the afternoon you will arrive at Ithaca, which is reputed to be the home of Odysseus. From Port Vathi, the main harbour, you may hire a taxi and visit Stavros at the site of Odysseus's palace on a hill known as Pilikata.

Fifth Day:

Already you have reached the fifth day of your tour. This day is especially created for relaxing, sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. It is a day to enjoy on the deserted island of Atoko. In the evening you will arrive at Kastos, a beautiful and tranquil setting with fantastic sunsets.

Sixth Day:

After a tour around Scorpios, a private island which belongs to the Onasis family, you will arrive at Meganissi, a paradise for yachts where pine trees shade the shore.

It is difficult to choose where to anchor for the night. If you prefer, you can anchor in port Atheni, known for its variety of sea food; or anchor in Vathi, the main harbor.

You can also visit the cave where during World War II, Greek submarines hid from the enemy.

Seventh Day:

In the morning you will reach Nidri, the main resort on the east coast of Lefkada. On the way you have splendid views of nearby smaller islands.

In the evening, you will anchor at Vasiliki bay in Lefkada. In the heat of summer this is a paradise with green, shady groves and trickling fresh water.

This is the closest secure anchorage to the white cliffs of Sappho's leap. Here, also, is the site of the temple of Apollo where, in antiquity, pan-Hellenic games were held in honor of this important god.

You can finish your cruise with a swim at Port Vathi-Vali, a guite and enjoyable spot between the island and the mainland.