Explore one of the most outstanding archipelagos in Greece on a 7-night Ionian Islands motor yacht charter itinerary, and you can delve into a fascinating world that beautifully combines history and culture with resplendent wilderness. Sail an "off the textbook" yacht charter route and take in the delights of this lesser-known yet most enchanting destination, where big crowds and mega beach-clubs are replaced with dramatic coastlines, breathtaking beaches, quaint traditional villages, astonishing food and a wealth of ancient ruins and gorgeous architecture. 

Distinct in every way imaginable, Greece’s Ionian Islands have been heavily influenced by Italian, French and British colonial rule so you’ll encounter a vibe, and a world, that sets itself apart from the rest of the country. For returning Greece yacht charter guests, this is a huge part of the appeal – Ionian Islands motor yacht charters offer all the things we love most about sailing in Greece with an added spice that’s impossible to find anywhere else.

Here’s what a weeklong Ionian Island motor yacht charter itinerary will offer:

• Day 1 Corfu

  Corfu may be the second-largest of the Ionians but it is undoubtedly the most known and best-connected of the lot. It also boasts a superb historic old town you’ll want time to explore so do arrive a few days before the start of your Ionian Island motor yacht charter to discover it at leisure. The town center is framed by a Venetian fortress at either end, connected via a maze of cobbled streets replete with gorgeous boutiques and souvenir shops, lovely cafés and an array of stunning architectural gems. Today, you’ll set foot aboard your luxury motor yacht and will have time to meet the captain and crew who’ll look after you for the coming week

• Day 2 Paxos and Antipaxos

  The half-moon bay of Paxos is one of the calmest and most inviting on the Ionians and if you’re ever going to run into a decent yachting crowd, you’ll surely find it here. The two ‘axos’ boast a crazy number of sea caves you can reach by motor yacht and the sheer concentration of remote coves and white-pebbled beaches means finding a private nook is too easy. Don’t forget to hop ashore though! The charming villages of both islands are delightful to visit and setting off for a drive inland will also gift you the chance to explore the wilds of the Ionians.

• Day 3 Lefkada

  As you approach Lefkada from the sea and cast your eyes on the high white cliffs crushing into sapphire seas, you’ll start to wonder how on earth the Ionians can keep getting even more magnificent as the days pass. Lefkada is a real gem and is also a bit of an attention hog. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece are to be found here, alongside impressive archaeological ruins and Byzantine-era churches that make for iconic photography. The shallow coastline allows the sparkling white sand to shine through, creating the kind of turquoise bays no Instagram filter could ever recreate. A handful of traditional villages and a main town that offers fabulous dining and a splash of nightlife make for fabulous on-shore explorations.

• Day 4 Meganisi

  One larger and two smaller islets make up Meganisi, one of the least-known yet most beautiful destinations you could include on your Ionian Islands motor yacht charter itinerary. Meganisi is one of the biggest surprises for first-time yachties in this corner of Greece. The island is too small and undeveloped to ever be ‘famous’ yet is so strikingly idyllic one is left wondering how this doesn’t make travel brochure covers every single year. But trust it soon will. The Greek islands of postcards, Meganisi is all about captivating bays, emerald seas and colorful seaside houses. This is, without a doubt, one of Greece’s most hidden of secrets. Revered for years as an exclusive yachting anchorage, this speck of emerald wilderness has recently been discovered, however, and is facing the very real threat of encroaching mass tourism, thanks primarily to its proximity to Lefkada. Our tip? Sail here before that happens.

• Day 5 Ithaka

  The undisputed crowd-favorite of Ionian motor yacht charter crews, Ithaka shows off its distinct lack of sandy shores as if to prove a point. Without long stretches of sandy beaches, major tourism is kept at bay with minimal fuss. Yet Ithaka’s rocky coastline is superb nonetheless and given the island is home to some to of the most prized historical sites in all of Greece, discerning visitors still head here, sand or no sand. Follow in the steps of Odysseus, the hero in Homer’s legendary poem, and we bet Ithaca will cement a spot in your heart the same way it’s held a special place in Greek mythology since 800 BC.

• Day 6 Kefalonia

  Kefalonia’s main town and (nearly) all the island’s villages will appear to be infinitely more modern than any other you’ll see on your Ionian Island motor yacht charter itinerary and that’s because all had to be rebuilt after a catastrophic earthquake which struck the island in 1953. Ironically, however, Kefalonia’s crown jewels – her magnificent sunken caves and lakes – were also created by colossal earthquakes, some dating back hundreds of years. Explore the coast and head inland to visit the most famous caves of all (Melissani and Drogarati) and pop into distinctive Fiskardo, the only traditional village miraculously spared in 1953.

• Day 7 Zakynthos

  If you’re starting to crave impossibly long stretches of white sandy beaches, it’ll be Zakynthos to hear your call on the last day of your trip. Renowned all over the world (even by those who don’t know its name) Zakynthos is the crown jewel of the Ionians, revered for its blue grottos, breathtaking white cliffs and jaw-dropping beaches. It’s also renowned for being wonderfully eclectic: plenty of trendy bars attract night owls and party goers and just as many quiet coves are magnets for families and honeymooners instead. The surfing and watersport scene are epic here but, next beach down, you’ll find an exclusive pocket of unspoiled coastal wilderness you can have all to yourself. 

  A most unforgettable end to your Ionian Islands motor yacht charter itinerary.

• Day 8 ZakynthosPiraeus

  Disembarkation

  Remember, this is only one of many Greek Island yacht charter itineraries available. Let us help you design one that is ideally suited to you.

  Another popular one is to start in Athens, traverse the magnificent Corinth Canal, and then lieisurely cruise the Ioanian.