Corfu, Greece

Sailing in the Ionians is a delight. The daily northwesterly maestro breezes gently build through the day and subside, leaving comfortable evenings after a pleasant sail. Destinations are close, with line-of-sight navigation and easily visible hazards in the clear, deep waters. Many anchorages require stern-to-anchoring against the shore, and marinas often necessitate Mediterranean mooring.

Spend some time exploring the town of Corfu. The Old Town, with its charming maze of ancient streets filled with shops and restaurants nestled among neoclassical architecture, is a must-visit. Around the island, you’ll find plenty of beaches, historic attractions, and tavernas. Exploring the coast and stopping at various spots like Petriti Bay at the island’s south end is highly recommended.

From Corfu, you can island-hop along the Ionian Sea. Visit beautiful islands like Paxos, Lefkada, Zakynthos, and Ithaki. Along the coast, gems like Parga offer fantastic beaches and excellent restaurants. Don’t miss the Cave of Aphrodite.

This region is steeped in ancient history, predating even Odysseus’ legendary journey. While seismic activity has left many ruins, there are still intact forts, walls, monasteries, and churches dating back centuries on almost every island and town.

The Ionian islands are fertile and rich, offering local food and drink specialities that are not to be missed. The Venetian influence is evident in everything from the architecture to the cuisine. Sample the cheese in Kefalonia, the salami in Lefkada, or the smoked and cured pork on Corfu. The foods are seasonal and fresh, and some of the best flavours can be found in small, out-of-the-way places that make their products from locally sourced ingredients.

Corfu is easily accessible from all over Europe, with direct flights from nearly every major city. Travelers from North America will need to connect or take a local airline.