- Ionian Itineraries 2012

Ionian Itineraries 2012

You're spoilt for choice! We offer a selection of cruises in the Ionian islands , so you can decide which one is right for you. You might want to sail around the tip of Odysseus' kingdom of Ithaca, where faithful Penelope waited for our hero's return from the siege of Troy. Or you might decide to hop from island to mainland Greece to sample the delights of both. But whatever you decide, you'll know that next year you can come back for more.

We are giving you hereunder our new North/South Paxos Itinerary which gives you the possibility to sail one week North visiting Paxos and the main land, and one week South.

Itinerary 1 (one or 2 weeks)

PALAIROS-PALAIROS (North/South Paxos)

2012 dates: 19 May | 2, 16 Jun | 30, 14, 28 Jul | 11, 25 Aug | 8, 22 Sep

Week one

Day 1. Embark at Palairos. You join your flotilla in our beautifully located Palairos base, just a short drive from Preveza

airport. The superb setting, with views across to Meganisi and Scorpio (the island originally owned by the Onassis family), will soon put you in the holiday mood! And there’s time for a stroll around the Village after settling in on your yacht.

Day 2. Lefkas Town (11nm) The day starts with motoring north through the Lefkas Canal. An overnight stay in Lefkas Town gives a good chance to enjoy a typical Greek town with its evening promenade in the little alleys and interesting back streets.

Day 3. Gaios, Paxos (30nm) Today we sail north to Paxos. We stop off at Antipaxos where the waters of Emerald Bay truly live up to their name where you can enjoy excellent swimming. Gaios on the southern tip of Paxos, is a popular harbour that spreads along the waterfront, with a great choice of bars and restaurants. The setting is spectacular with a large wooded island which protects the anchorage.

Day 4. Lakka, Paxos (8nm) We can return to the beautiful anchorages of Antipaxos for swim and lunch. In the afternoon we sail north past the dramatic cliffs along the east coast of Paxos to Lakka, a popular anchorage in an almost landlocked bay, surrounded by pine and olive groves. The tavernas and bars along the quayside provide a lively evening.

Day 5. Parga (18nm) This attractive harbour on the mainland is dominated by the 'Kasteli' fortress. This historic and picturesque town is now a well established resort with plenty of tavernas, bars nd shops.

Day 6. 2 Rock Bay - Tonight we have our beach BBQ in this quiet and good sheltered anchorage.

Day 7. Spartohori, Meganisi (35nm). Early start for our sail south. A lovely downwind run through the Lefkas Canal to Spartohori on Meganissi. Spartohori is a great setting for an evening, watching an amazing sunset over the top of the village.

Week two

Day 8. Palairos/Free Sailing

Day 9. We meet up at Port Kastos (13nm) at the unspoilt island of Kastos, a well protected bay with sandy beaches.

Day 10. Kioni, Ithaca (13nm). We head over to Kioni on Ithaka. The village is an exceptional beauty: amidst a setting of olive groves,

interrupted by the odd tall cypresses, an amphitheatre of lovely houses built around the steep slopes of the bay with its amazing

deep blue waters. fter an enjoyable sail, you will relax moored to the jetty, only a few steps away from the taverna.

Day 11. Fiskardo, Cephalonia (10nm). We cross the channel over to Fiskardo on Kefalonia. This beautiful old fishing harbour is considered the pearl of the Ionian Islands. You’ll find a wide choice of stylish and sophisticated shops, cafes and a variety of tavernas and restaurants.

Day 12. Sivota, Lefkas (12nm). Enjoy a sail across to Sivota on Levkas, a beautifully located unspoiled fishing village, which has managed to keep its Greek character despite the intensive tourism. Here you’re spoiled for choice as there is a variety of shops, cafes and tavernas, catering for every desire! While sipping your ouzo on deck, you will be amazed by the beauty of this wonderful bay, surrounded by impressive mountains covered by olive and cypress trees.

Day 13. Port Athene, Meganisi (8nm). An idyllic anchorage in a sheltered position at the end of an inlet with a few water front tavernas. Enjoy Greek dancing in this traditional village.

Day 14. Return to Palairos (9nm). There is always a good wind as everyone gets involved with the race back to Palairos. Sadness at your holiday ending is tempered though by a farewell evening with your fellow crews.