Share site

Ionian sailing area / West Greece / Lefkas

Short Overview Ionian Sea

The Ionian Sea is an ideal area for sailing the first time. Best season is from June to September.

  • Light wind area
  • Easy navigation
  • Modest Infrastructure
  • Mediterranean climate
  • Family friendly
Boats in Ionian Sea
Marinas nearby
  • Preveza Marina
  • Nydri Marina
  • Vounaki Marina
  • Marina Yachting Siracusa
  • Reggio Calabria Harbour

The Ionian Sea is a part of the Mediterranean. It opens in the south Mediterranean and closes with the Strait of Otranto on the Adriatic Sea to the north. In the southeast it is connected to the Aegean Sea, and to the west by the Strait of Messina to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The boundaries of the Ionian Sea are in the west by the Salento peninsula, and on the east coast of Sicily, Calabria and Basilicata. In the east the sea borders on southwestern Albania and western Greece with the Peloponnese peninsula. The Ionian islands are the largest islands of the Ionian Sea. They are scattered off the Greek west coast and extend from Albania in the north to the Peloponnese in the south. The main islands are Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Kythira. Kefalonia is the largest and most populated island. Other island groups are the Cheradi Islands in the Gulf of Taranto, the rocky islands of the Alkyonides in the Corinthian Gulf and the Sicilian Cyclops. In the Southwest of the Peloponnese you find the Calypso Deep in the Ionian Basin. This deep sea is 5267m below sea level and is the lowest point of the European Mediterranean.

Image Gallery Ionian Sea

Although the yacht charter infrastructure is not superb, the Ionian Sea is one of the most popular Greek sailing areas. There are relatively few marinas that are generally not particularly well equipped. Some of the best starting points for Yachtcharter in the Ionian Sea are the ports of Corfu, Lefkada and Preveza. You can also start from Paxos, Nydri, Patras, Paleros, Cephalonia or Zante. The Ionian Sea is one of the calm wind areas in the Mediterranean. In the sailing season it is mainly dominated by thermal winds. The wind comes mostly from the northwest and has a thickness of 2 - 5 Bft. In October, more sophisticated winds and squalls can occur. Nevertheless, the frequency of storms is less than 1% and sailing conditions are generally very convenient and predictable. Tides have little effect and are within a range of 30 - 60 cm. There are no significant trends to note. Between the islands and the mainland coast, it can be calm and relaxing sailing as the waters are protected. The sailing area is easy to ride and ideal for less experienced yacht charter crews. In the summer months there are very light winds, which are perfect for beginners.

Route Suggestion

Rent or charter a boat and cruise around the Greek islands in the Ionian Sea. Visit some of the best islands in Greece. When you sail around islands such as Meganisi, Kalamos and Ithaki, you will find unspoiled beaches and picturesque towns and villages. Begin your trip at Nydri, Lefkada... see our full sailing itinerary

Marinas, harbors and cities in the Ionian sailing area
Javascript is required to view this map.
Airports nearby Ionian Sea
  • Aktion National airport (Preveza) to Vounaki: 30,4 km, 32 minutes
  • Aktion National airport (Preveza) to Vonitsa harbor: 13,5 km, 15 minutes
  • Aktion National airport (Preveza) to Lefkas: 20,2 km, 21 minutes
  • Aktion National airport (Preveza) to Lefkas harbor: 36,8 km, 1 hour and 4 minutes
  • Aktion National airport (Preveza) to Palairos: 30,4 km, 34 minutes
  • Aktion National airport (Preveza) to Preveza: 4,8 km, 9 minutes
  • Korfu airport to Gouvia harbor: 9,7 km, 17 minutes
Javascript is required to view this map.
Climate & Weather

As in the rest of Greece, the Ionian Sea has a pleasant Mediterranean climate. The summer is long and warm with little rainfall. By May the weather is very stable and the sailing season begins in April and continues until late October. In August the water is a pleasant 24 °C. The daily temperatures in the summer months range from 24 to 31 °C and it is always sunny. Most rainfall occurs in Corfu, making the vegetation much denser there than on the other islands.