The mythological charm of Ionian Greece has always enchanted sailors: over 120 islands of which 20 circa inhabited. Ionian islands are characterized by ideal weather, With constant and punctual thermal breezes. A unique and unforgettable experience that of sailing Driven by the wind Maestrale, among colorful and fragrant Mediterranean landscapes on the routes run by Ulysses and the island of Itaca, between bays and reefs of crystalline waters, among dolphins joining the bow, among temples and fishing villages to enjoy the typical cuisine, fresh fish and the warm hospitality of the Greeks.
IONIAN ARCHIPELAGO ON BOARD OF BAVARIA 42
Ionian archipelago, the only one not in the Aegean sea, is made of 7 main islands, that are Corfú (also called Kérkyra), Paxí, Kefaloniá, Zákynthos (Zacinto),Itháki (Itaca), Lefkáda and Kythira, which stretch along the western coast of Greece and recall in many respects the nearby Italy. Except for small Meganíssi, all these islands have already been 'discovered' by tourists, but like all others in Greece, they pay back those who want to go inside with the delights of their intact villages.
Corfù, with its enchanting landscape of beautiful wild flowers and the slender cypresses that sprout on glittering olive groves, is considered by many travelers as the most beautiful island of Greece.
All places to be tasted: a photo, a sight to the landscape, a dip in the sea, a moment of rest, of admiration and reflection in front of nature that here has painted one of its most beautiful paintings... Are absolutely obligatory also for the most distracted tourists. And you can't leave them without knowing the myths, history and culture that permeate them: Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Turks, French, and English: Each of these people has left its mark on the islands and has left with some regrets: To exchange some words with the locals, who also speak a bit of Italian and english, will surely give more intensity and pleasure to our trip on these islands.
Mountainous and green, with lush Mediterranean vegetation, steep shores and bays set in a blue and quiet sea, these islands enjoy particularly favorable climatic conditions for sailing from June to September. The wind usually blows from the northwest with an intensity that rarely exceeds 18 knots. With the nightfall as an enchanting, the wind calms down so it is possible to enjoy so quiet evenings at anchor or anchored in front of one of the picturesque villages of the archipelago. The proposed south navigation, allows you to go straight all the way.
The trip was designed to allow a relatively quiet navigation: The wind Meltemi this season blows from the north and in this area it sneaks towards N.W. It is then shrunk. There are 3-4 hours of daily navigation, allowing you to combine relaxation, bathing and cultural trips.
CORFU’
The island can be considered as a pleasant transit point between Italy and Greece: besides the gentleness of landscapes and the rich vegetation, it preserves a special atmosphere, left by centuries of Venetian domination. The Greek spirit, however, is always present on this island, Known since ancient times as the mythical Land of the Feats, in which Ulysses found shelter. Corfu is an island with temperate reliefs that descend to the west coast by designing beautiful sandy bays. The central area is rich in Mediterranean vegetation, cypresses and olive trees, laurel and myrtle, lentiscus and citrus fruits, which grow luscious thanks to the sweet and temperate climate. The north is also very green and has a jagged coastline with numerous creeks, while the south is more flat and even. To be seen Spianada, large square used as a training camp from the Venetian army, the Old Citadel, Venetian fortress built on a peninsula in defense of the entrance to the harbor, Kanoni, a fascinating panoramic point from which you enjoy a fantastic view on two small islands: Vlacherna, Connected to the mainland by a narrow gangway leading to the monastery of Panaghia and Pontikonissi accessible thanks to the fishing boats, Dassia, Nissaki famous for its beach lapped by crystal clear waters and animated by bars frequented until late at night, Paleokastritsa one of the most interesting resorts on the island, A picturesque town on which there's a lovely beach. Other must see beaches are Barbati, Benitses, Glyfada...
PAXOS
From Mourtos route to Lakka, an enchanting bay on beautiful and mundane island of the Eptaneso: Paxos. Very small and greener, the island is walkable from one end to the other. The cultivation of olive trees and wineyards gives the impression of a cultivated garden. In Lakka it is very enjoyable to dab on a sand bottom that gives the most seductive blue. From here you reach Gaios, the capital, a quaint and pretty village with typical Eptanese houses and narrow lanes, Even though a bit crowded during summer. Berth is practically in the village square, animated in the evening: not to miss a souvlaki at Tagos Tavern, A peach smoothie in one of the many bars in the square or, to finish the evening, a drink at the Aquarius. Also enjoyable Loggos, reachable by motorboats or boat. A day in Andipaxi, an almost uninhabited island, There is only a small center with 120 inhabitants, has beautiful beaches and is almost completely covered by vineyards. Other spots are scheduled for the nearby islands of Panaghia, Aghios Nikolaaos, Monogonissi and Kaltsionissi.
PARGA-PREVEZA
It takes another 12 miles to reach the mooring at Parga, an interesting town on the coast, from the narrow cobbled streets leading to the imposing medieval castle. Interestingly popular architecture, with two and three-story houses, wooden balconies, roof tiles, beautiful churches, craft shops on the way of salt to access the castle, where there are also many kafenions, restaurants and taverns. Beautiful beaches visually enclosed by Nissaki Island. From here the cruise continues to Preveza (27 miles distant) convenient to do supplies, surrounded by finely sandy beaches and clear waters such as Kalamitsi, Pantokratoras, Alonaki.
PREVEZA – LEFKADA
Very close to the coastline, which is connected with a bridge, Lefkada is a mountainous island rich in vegetation, offering many landscapes. The west coast is high, rocky, harsh and uninhabited, much more interesting the south side, beyond the head Akrì Deukato, with the imposing cliff of the "Lefkada Jump" (72 mt.) And the beautiful bays of the villages of Vasiliki and Poros. But the real surprise is on the east side: The enchanting natural harbour of Nidri, bordered by an archipelago of islets decorated with cypresses and olive trees. From here you can trace the Vliho fjord, or wander among the small islands of the Onassis family, where the magnate Aristotle, Jakie Kennedy's second husband, was buried in 1976. Along our way to the south, we meet Meganisi, with marinas and some taverns and, just to the west, Kalamos and Kastos, which will be the target of some quiet stops. But now the bow goes to "rocky Itaca": who knows if at least Argo, old and trusted dog, will recognize us?
ITACA
When Itaca's profile is seen on the horizon, a turmoil takes us back to school time, a strange excitement pervade us and the myth materializes: Ulysses is there. You can finally touch the legend. Like all Ionians, Itaca is sweet, with small dark mountains, surrounded by a nervous sea and a never-stifling climate. But maybe not to break the legend we should never get there, leave the profile behind the stern and go on, or give up the childish fantasies and live it as beautiful as it is. There is no trace of either Argo or Proci, no monuments or false museums, but there is emotion in the air. As arriving in August in a desert fjord with transparent water. This is an island for those who can enjoy island laziness, the people still real and nice, but do not expect the white cube houses with blue windows, here the roofs are all red. The landing at Vathi, the capital, is pleasant. The town is located in one of the best spots on the island and is very "young: in fact, everything you see built is no more than 45 years old. An earthquake occurred in '53 destroyed everything. The village of Vathy extends around a square with two or three kilometers of winding streets. From Stavros, 17 km north, there are several interesting excursions: an archaeological site brought to light by British experts shows mythical finds. In twenty minutes you can climb the Pilikata hill, where mythology tells you, lived Ulysses. Two kilometers away there is Frikes, a former fishing village and further south we recommend a night berth in the bay of Kioni and a day between the pebble and silent sandy beaches.
CEFALONIA
From Itaca you continue towards the village of Fiskardo, the northernmost port of the island. The village maintains intact the traditional features; coming from the sea is the marina to accommodate sailors with restaurants, taverns, small typical shops. Its coastline is characterized by picturesque coves with golden sands or shiny pebbles and steep cliffs lined with crystal clear sea. In this beautiful landscape stands the vast gulf of Lividi, sheltered by winds, and small centers such as Sami, Assos, Aghia Esimia, Myrtos and Petanol. It is the artistic heritage of the island, where hundreds of different wild flowers can be seen and it is not difficult to come across specimens of seals or sea turtles laying their eggs in June along the southern beaches. It is worth the time to leave the sea for a while to enjoy the discovery of the inland: the Monastery of Sant'Andrea, with precious icons, the castle of S Giorgio built by the Venetians in 1504 and yet, the village of Katelio with golden sand and just beyond the village of Skala, where you can admire a Romanesque building, full of mosaics.
ZANTE
Very high cliffs and white sandy beaches where turtles hatch. Between cypresses, olive trees and wild hyacinths, that gave the name to this protected oasis, you can lose yourself while discovering the island. And again, the memories of school spring up: ”Never again will I behold the sacred shores where my early childhood found a nest, my Zacynthos...”. Immortalized by the poem of Ugo Foscolo, it is an impressive island with liquorice flavors and breathtaking views, with the rocks descending over the small bays from the sea so turquoise to look painted. Like Koroni, at Katastari, a small bay, because a hot spring flows under the water. The city of Zante or Cinto, rebuilt 40 years ago after an earthquake just as before, has a particular charm, even if it lacks the old and decadent smell of Venice that has undoubtedly marked the architecture of the place. The church of San Nicola al Molo is an exceptionally intact 17th century jewel. Nature's friends here can sit among the boughs surrounding Laganas beach and, quiet and silent, look at the caretaker Caretta Caretta's turtles who drag on the beach to deposit the eggs.
Greece is a paradise for the navigator, it is for history and it is for silence, light, pace of life as well as the Turkish coast. On a cruise you can't see and understand everything, it is best to tune in with the rhythm of the country leaving space for a Greek or Turkish coffee, an ouzo or to walk to a monastery; do a little less, but let the urge to come back.
From may to september. 1 or 2 weeks cruises. The mythological charm of Ionian Greece has always enchanted sailors: over 120 islands of which 20 circa inhabited. Ionian islands are characterized by ideal weather, With constant and punctual thermal breezes. A unique and unforgettable experience that of sailing Driven by the wind Maestrale, among colorful and fragrant Mediterranean landscapes on the routes run by Ulysses and the island of Itaca, between bays and reefs of crystalline waters, among dolphins joining the bow, among temples and fishing villages to enjoy the typical cuisine, fresh fish and the warm hospitality of the Greeks.
