A catamaran charter in the Northern Ionian Islands offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and tranquil sailing grounds.
Yacht charters typically begin from the vibrant island of Corfu, whose iconic Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with Venetian architecture, winding alleyways, and elegant piazzas.
As you sail westward, the island of Paxos emerges with its dramatic limestone cliffs and patchwork of olive groves. The small village harbours of Lakka and Gaios ooze traditional Greek charm.
Neighbouring Antipaxos is a largely uninhabited natural reserve and the two pristine sandy beaches, Vrika and Voutoumi, are considered among the finest in the Ionian.
The Northern Ionian islands are a maritime paradise for those seeking an unforgettable catamaran charter, immersed in natural splendour, rich culture and warm Greek hospitality.
The small, less touristy islands offer an authentic taste of traditional Greek island life. You can mingle with locals in waterfront tavernas, experience the renowned Ionian hospitality, and immerse yourself in the relaxed pace of these charming island communities.
The Northern Ionian Islands boast some of the most gorgeous coastlines in Greece, with their azure waters and pristine beaches that beckon sailors to explore. From the secluded coves of Paxos and Antipaxos to the sandy shores of Corfu, each island offers its own take on paradise.
The islands of the Northern Ionian are dotted with pretty villages and picturesque harbour towns, where whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets create a picture-perfect setting. Explore the historic old town of Corfu, the romantic streets of Gaios or the attractive harbour at Lakka on Paxos.
The Northern Ionian Islands are steeped in history, with a rich cultural heritage shaped by centuries of influence from various civilisations. Explore ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and Venetian fortresses scattered throughout the islands, including the UNESCO-listed old town of Corfu.
With its gentle winds, calm waters, and protected anchorages, the Northern Ionian is a sailor's paradise. Whether you're an experienced skipper or a novice sailor, you'll find the conditions perfect for exploring the region's hidden coves, secluded bays, and picturesque harbours at your own pace.
The Northern Ionian is renowned for its stunning landscapes of rugged cliffs, hillsides blanketed in olive and cypress groves, and countless secluded coves with crystal-clear turquoise waters. Islands like Paxos, Antipaxos, and Ithaca remain relatively undeveloped, allowing you to savour their glorious natural environments.
Visit the imposing Achilleion Palace, built on Corfu for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria (also known as Sisi). Its famous for its stunning gardens, impressive neoclassical architecture and wonderful artworks.
Located on the outskirts of Corfu Town, Mon Repos was the summer residence, first of the British High Commissioner, then in 1864 passed to the Greek royal family. This neoclassical villa was the birthplace of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The villa and its beautiful surrounding gardens offer a glimpse into Corfu's British colonial past.
This picturesque monastery, dating back to the 13th century, is situated on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Paleokastritsa Bay. In addition to its historical and religious significance, the monastery offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea.
Perched on a hill in northwestern Corfu, Angelokastro is a medieval castle with a rich history. The castle offers panoramic countryside and sea views, making it a popular spot for photographers and history enthusiasts.
Located just south of Corfu, these pristine islands offer an authentic taste of Greek life. Explore the olive groves or visit the Blue Caves on Paxos, or relax on the pristine sandy beaches of Antipaxos.
When embarking on a catamaran charter from North Ionian, timing is everything.
For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, and September are genuinely the golden moments. During these periods, Greece unveils its charm without the peak season crowds.
The Greek islands also come alive during the summer with a vibrant atmosphere that bustles with life and is hard to beat.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 14.4°C (58°F) | 11.5°C (53°F) | 6.7mm |  SE |
| FEB | 13.6°C (57°F) | 9.8°C (50°F) | 0.9mm | SE |
| MAR | 15.6°C (60°F) | 12.4°C (54°F) | 3.5mm | SSW |
| APR | 16.9°C (62°F) | 13.4°C (56°F) | 3.1mm | SW |
| MAY | 21.4°C (71°F) | 17.2°C (63°F) | 3.5mm | S |
| JUN | 27.2°C (81°F) | 21.7°C (71°F) | 0.8mm | WSW |
| JUL | 32.0°C (90°F) | 24.9°C (77°F) | 0.2mm | W |
| AUG | 30.5°C (87°F) | 24.7°C (76°F) | 1.5mm | W |
| SEP | 27.6°C (82°F) | 22.8°C (73°F) | 1.8mm | SSW |
| OCT | 24.9°C (77°F) | 20.9°C (70°F) | 3.9mm | SW |
| NOV | 19.5°C (67°F) | 16.3°C (61°F) | 7.6mm | S |
| DEC | 15.7°C (60°F) | 13.0°C (55°F) | 1.7mm | SE |
The official language of Greece is Greek with English being widely understood in the tourist areas.
The official currency of Greece is the Euro.
Tipping is a common practice in Greece and very much appreciated for good service, typically you leave 10%.
A catamaran charter from North Ionian is all about comfort, luxury and convenience, with their twin hulls making them extremely stable. Expansive open decks allow for spacious seating, socialising and sunbathing, while below deck each hull typically contains its own cabins, complete with ensuite bathroom.
This layout is particularly good for couples or families travelling together as it offers more personal space. Our catamarans are available as either bareboat or skippered charters, with a host or hostess if needed, or fully crewed.
A power catamaran combines the stability and spaciousness of a sailing catamaran with the speed and convenience of a motorised yacht. The twin-hull design ensures a smooth ride even in choppy waters, while the absence of sails allowing for more expansive, unobstructed deck spaces perfect for lounging and entertaining.
One of the key advantages of a power catamaran is its ability to cover greater distances in less time, allowing you to explore more destinations during your charter. These vessels also have shallower drafts than a traditional sailing yacht, granting easier access to tucked away coves and beaches that larger yachts can't reach.
Available as bareboat for experienced boaters or with a skipper or professional crew, power catamaran charters offer the ultimate blend of luxury, performance, and versatility.
Luxury Catamarans have state-of-the-art amenities, spacious master suites, gourmet galleys, and cutting-edge entertainment systems. The expansive flybridge provides panoramic views and alfresco dining areas, perfect for sunset cocktails. The high-performance engines and double hulls ensure power and stability for seriously smooth sailing.
You’ll have a professional crew to cater to your every need from superb meals to water sports or trips ashore. Whether exploring tucked away lagoons or hosting a lavish on-board party, a luxury catamaran charter delivers an unforgettable five-star experience for the discerning traveller.
Catamarans have two hulls, making them more stable than a regular monohull boat, both while sailing and at anchor. So if you don't like heeling over while under sail, a catamaran is the ideal choice.
The split-hull design allows for better separation of living spaces, with cabins in each hull providing more privacy for guests. A perfect option for two families or larger groups.
Catamarans have a shallower draft (less boat below the water), allowing them to access shallow anchorages and get closer to beaches than a typical monohull.
With easy access from the rear deck to the water, swimming and water sports activities are a cinch - not to mention getting in and out of the tender to go ashore.
Catamarans sail differently from monohulls. They don't heel (tilt) as much, which can be more comfortable for some passengers but may provide less of a "sailing feel" for purists.
Catamarans often feature a raised helm station with excellent visibility, and many have a flybridge for additional outdoor living space.
Catamarans offer more living space both above and below deck due to their wide beam. This means they tend to have larger common areas and more spacious cabins.
A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore The North Ionian and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our fleet of yachts from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around The North Ionian and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
Crewed yacht charters from The North Ionian come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
Greece is one of the most popular charter destinations in the Mediterranean. Therefore, it is best to book your dream boat in advance, typically six months ahead, to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream catamaran via the the link, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the build your trip link to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
History enthusiasts will delight in the rich cultural heritage of the Northern Ionian Islands.
You'll find ancient ruins, Byzantine churches and Venetian fortresses scattered throughout the region. Explore the historic old town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its elegant mansions, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant markets.
Not to be missed also is Parga, on the mainland. This picturesque town is dominated by a Venetian castle perched on a hill, with stunning views over the Ionian Sea. In the town itself, the Church of Agia Eleni showcases beautiful examples of Orthodox iconography.
However, the real joy of a Northern Ionian catamaran charter is the stunning setting and feeling that you really can take things at your own pace. Combine short island hops with slightly longer passages, and mix up the tranquility of secluded bays with buzzing nightlife in Corfu town.
When chartering a catamaran from The North Ionian, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.
The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.
For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, and September are genuinely the golden months, but the summer months are also popular, though the anchorages are busier.
There are typically five main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Greece, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, Gulets and Luxury Yachts (including Superyachts)
Once you've found your perfect catamaran, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.
The typical times for a catamaran charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.