A yacht 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 yacht 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 yacht 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%.
You can't beat a monohull charter from The North Ionian for an authentic sailing experience and connection with the wind and water. Whether you're looking for a bareboat, skippered or fully crewed charter where you can sit back and relax, we've got all the bases covered.
Discover natural beauty in diverse cruising grounds, and soak up the local atmosphere in a wide variety of anchorages. We‘ll handpick a selection of yachts to suit your needs, so you can start planning a journey to remember.
A catamaran charter from The 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.
These two or three-masted boats are the perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional charm, and make a fantastic platform for exploring The North Ionian and beyond.
Gulets will typically have a professional chef on board who can accommodate dietary preferences while providing exceptional dining.
Sailing on a Gulet is a unique and memorable experience in itself. The feeling of connection with the sea and exploring exciting new locations, all while being superbly looked after by your crew makes for a very special holiday indeed.
For luxury and comfort on the water, a motor yacht charter from The North Ionian is hard to beat with many offering a range of activities from water sports to spa treatments to enhance your experience.
Depending on the individual yacht's amenities, you can try out jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks and more. The power of most motor yachts also means you can cover more ground and explore a greater variety of locations. This combination of luxury, freedom and relaxation is what motor yacht charters are all about.
A luxury yacht charter from The North Ionian is the epitome of opulence and comfort. Our boats have beautifully designed interiors and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a supremely relaxing and luxurious experience.
Customise your itinerary according to the destinations, activities, and experiences you desire; your crew will be on hand to ensure a fully tailored and unique trip. Whether you're looking for gourmet meals prepared by a private chef, wildlife spotting around remote islands, glamorous nightlife, or swimming in secluded coves, contact one of our experts today to create a unique and unforgettable trip.
See coastlines and islands from vantage points inaccessible to land-based travellers.
On a yacht charter, you have the freedom to plan your own itinerary and visit multiple destinations, with the journeys between them being part of the fun.
A yacht charter allows you to experience the sea, wind, and sky up close, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life native to your cruising area.
Enjoy activities like snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding with equipment readily available and often supplied with your charter boat.
If you're looking for a total break from your everyday routine, a sailing holiday provides a truly different experience. Being rocked gently by the waves while surrounded by stunning nature is guaranteed to lower your stress levels.
On a yacht charter, you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.
The weather doesn’t always do what you want, but with a boat you can easily adjust your plans based on weather, preferences, or unexpected discoveries.
The rhythmic motion of waves and the peaceful marine environment are the perfect tonic for getting away from it all.
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 yacht 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 yacht 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 yacht 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 yacht, 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 yacht 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.