Undiscovered Ionian
Ah, the Ionian! Beloved of Brits since the time of Lord Byron. From the bustle of Fiscardo to the tranquility of Kastos, the Inland Sea is as familiar as the Solent to many sailors. And there lies the bane of the local charter skipper’s life! Returning guests at Sail Ionian, where I work as a charter skipper, are always asking for new ideas on where to go. Route plans can be challenging when a guest has sailed in the area every summer for the past ten years! However, if you’re willing to put in a little effort and sail a little further, then a raft of new options opens to you. Mainland Greece is an unexplored paradise compared with the Ionian islands circuit. Quiet harbours and amazing archaeological sites await, and I promise you won’t see a single flotilla.
The routes here vary in terms of difficulty and distance. They are primarily designed for the more experienced sailor, who has spent time in the Ionian before and is confident both stern-to mooring and long lining. Having said that, the first two routes are the easiest. They do not involve anything other than a long day’s sailing, being confident anchoring and leaving the boat. They could be added to a normal week in the Ionian. If you are chartering it is always a good idea to talk over routes like these with your company. At Sail Ionian we would discuss your experience, and would try to make sensible recommendations based on that.
A Diverting Stop on the Way to Corfu: Ammoudia & the Underworld!
Most yachts will aim to break the trip from Le›ada to Corfu by stopping on Paxos or at Parga. However, just south of Parga on the mainland lies the quiet, large bay of Ammoudia. The bay is home to a small
