Ionian Islands - Bases Corfu & Lefkas

Situated along the west coast of Greece , these islands are closely bound by culture, color and melody. Through the passing of time, they were conquered by the Venetians, the French and the British. Because of this, and as they are quite near to neighboring Italy, there is an apparent western influence on their lifestyle.

K e r k y r a (Corfu)

The most famous of the Ionian islands, Corfu acts like a magnet drawing thousands of visitors all year round. With a coastline of 135 miles, where one comes upon some of the most famous bays in Greece, like Paleokastritsa, Dasia, Sidari and others ,beautiful forests, olive groves and picturesque towns with unusual architecture, Corfu offers a variety to suit all tastes. The town of Kerkyra itself is one of Europe's showcases, with a definite influence from 17th century Venice and 19th century England, seen today by the many public buildings gracing the town. Corfu became a Corinthian colony in the 8th century BC and rose to be an important commercial center. In 295 BC she vowed obedience to the Roman Empire, followed by the Byzantine Empire. In 1267 AD and till the end of the 18th century she was under Venetian rule and from 1799 the British were in occupation of the island. In 1864 Corfu joined the new Greek State. It is one of the best organized islands regarding tourism, and you will have a chance to enjoy beautiful restaurants and tavernas, bars, discos, fantastic hotel resorts, museums, cultural events and sports. Don't forget to visit the famous palace of queen Elisabeth of Austria (Empress Sissy)known as the Achilion, because of the beautiful statue of Achilles "Achilleas Thniskon" (Achilles dying), which has now been turned into a museum and a casino. Corfu (Gouvia marina) is the main base for bareboat chartering in the area.

P a x i

Thirty miles south of Corfu, the little islands of Paxi and Antipaxi are picturesque and worth cruising. Dazzling blue bays with pine trees sweeping down to the sea's edge, famous sea caves and above all serene surroundings will surely make your day. Mountainous and green, full of olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees with a steep west coast and gentle sandy bays to the east, Lefkas is very close to the mainland. Among many interesting sights would be a cruise around the little island of Skorpios belonging to the family of the late Greek shipping magnet Onassis. From Lefkas you can visit Meganisi with the famous cave, Atoko island further south (moor at "one-house" bay) and an assortment of little uninhabited islands close to the mainland coast.

I t h a k i (Ithaka)

The land of Ulysses, an ideal place for calm holidays away from the crowds. Ithaka is mountainous and green with small secluded beaches. Its history lost in the beginning of time , reaches out through ruins found around the island. Sailors tip: Spend an evening moored at Kioni or Frikes. These little fishing ports make all the difference!

Z a k y n t h o s (Zante)

"The flower of the East" is a beautiful green island with golden bays and crystal waters, tame mountains ideal for climbing and a very active cultural life. Zakynthos is the home of the Mediterranean sea turtle "carreta-carreta" a protected species. Don't forget to visit the sea caves to the North, (they resemble the famous Blue Grotto of Capri), and a sailing trip to the west side of the island will bring you to an enormous beach with a shipwreck embedded in the sand.

L e f k a s

Lefkada is a mountainous island, covered with dense vegetation. It is said that once upon a time Lefkada was united with mainland Greece. These days to get to Lefkada you don't need to take a boat. Instead you can go by car or bus, quickly, crossing over a narrow channel which separates the island from the mainland. Lefkada is also named the capital of the island, a picturesque town built on a natural harbour, where is located our base. She is composed with multicoloured wooden houses. Twelve nautical miles southeast from Lefkada you can find Meganissi, an small island with three villages, sea caves, clean waters and wonderful beaches.

C e p h a l o n i a

The continuous interchanging landscape characterizes this island. With calm bays and at the same time unreachable sea rocks, serene valleys leaning against great mountains, some green, some barren, the earth full of strange wildflowers, and underneath, waters flowing upwards - a geological phenomenon studied widely. Her customs and traditional fiestas have remained unchanged throughout the ages. Starting from the largest towns, one can cruise round this big island and visit archaeological sites, enjoy crystal clear waters in secluded bays or cosmopolitan beaches alike.

K i t h i r a

Although this island belongs to the Ionian group, geographically it lies 12 miles from the SE coast of the Peloponnese. Washed by the waves and the breeze of three seas, the Ionian, the Cretan and the Aegean sea, the island has strong signs of abandonment, as most of the young have left to seek a new life elsewhere. In Kithira you have a chance to enjoy the natural life and her many beauties will surely compensate you for the long voyage needed to get there.