Sail Ionian Islands.

The Ionian is the gentle end of Greek sailing. Where the Cyclades hand you the meltemi and 30 nautical mile crossings, here the islands sit close together and the water between them stays flat most mornings. You can sail from a bay you slept in to a taverna quay in time for lunch, and still have the afternoon for a swim.

The islands are green — pine and olive down to the shoreline, not the bare rock of the Aegean. The channels are protected, the anchorages are frequent, and you're rarely more than a couple of hours from shelter. We've sailed here every season for years, and it remains the ground we point first-time charterers and families towards without hesitation.

Most charters run out of Lefkas (Lefkada), reached by road bridge from the mainland, with a cluster of bases at D-Marin, the main port, Nydri, Nikiana, Lygia, Sivota and Vliho. From here the classic loop takes in Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Ithaca and Kefalonia — all within short daily hops.

The northern bases at Corfu (Gouvia and Benitses) and Preveza open up the stretch towards Paxos, Antipaxos and the mainland coast, with Palairos and Mytikas giving quieter starts. Further south, Zakynthos, Pylos and Kefalonia's Sami suit those wanting to explore the lower Ionian.

Sivota on Lefkada is a near-landlocked horseshoe bay lined with tavernas. Fiskardo on Kefalonia is the postcard harbour — beautiful and busy, so arrive early. Kioni and Frikes on Ithaca are smaller and calmer. Abelike and Port Atheni on Meganisi are our go-to overnight anchorages when we want quiet.

The season runs roughly May to October. July and August are hot and busy; the harbours fill by late afternoon and you'll want to be tied up early. June and September are the sweet spot — warm water, lighter crowds, reliable sailing.

The Ionian's summer wind is the maïstro, a north-westerly sea breeze that builds through the afternoon, typically Force 3 to 5, and dies at dusk. Mornings are usually calm — good for motoring to the next bay or an easy sail if there's a leftover breeze. This predictable, moderate pattern is exactly why the Ionian is forgiving. Spring and autumn can bring more variable weather and the occasional southerly, so watch the forecast at the shoulders of the season.

The Ionian fleet here is overwhelmingly bareboat — monohulls and catamarans in the 35 to 50ft range, suited to couples, families and groups. If you hold the right certification and want the freedom to plan your own days, this is the ground to do it on: the short hops and generous shelter make it low-stress.

A smaller number of crewed yachts are available for those who'd rather not skipper, or who want local knowledge aboard. Skippered and flotilla options can also be arranged. Tell us your group size, experience and preferred base and we'll match the boat to it. Crew details on request via WhatsApp.

Bareboat weekly rates depend on boat size, age and season. A mid-size monohull in the shoulder season sits at the lower end; a newer catamaran in peak August sits well above it. Rather than quote a figure that goes stale, we give a firm price on request once we know your dates and boat.

Budget beyond the charter fee for: fuel (the Ionian's short hops keep this modest), a security deposit or damage waiver, end cleaning, and optional extras like SUPs or a skipper. Marina and harbour fees in the Ionian are generally low compared with the western Med — many quays and bays are free or charge a small mooring fee. Eating ashore is reasonable by Greek-island standards. Price on request for a full breakdown against your itinerary.

Day 1 — Board at Lefkas, provision, and make the short hop to Nidri or Tranquil Bay to settle in.

Day 2 — Cross to Meganisi. Anchor in Abelike or Port Atheni, swim, walk up to Spartochori for dinner overlooking the channel.

Day 3 — Sail south to Kastos or Kalamos — quieter islands, good tavernas, few crowds. Kalamos harbour has a well-known welcome from the taverna dinghy.

Day 4 — Down to Ithaca. Kioni or Frikes for the night; both small, both worth the early arrival.

Day 5 — Kefalonia. Fiskardo if you want the postcard, Agia Efimia or Sami for something calmer. Get in before mid-afternoon in high season.

Day 6 — Work back north, perhaps via Sivota on Lefkada — the horseshoe bay with tavernas around the water.

Day 7 — Short leg back to Vasiliki or Lefkas, ready to hand the boat back the following morning.

This is a relaxed loop with plenty of swim stops. Fitter crews can push further to Paxos in the north or Zakynthos in the south.