Embarking on a yacht charter allows you to navigate the stunning Ionian Islands at your own pace.
From Skorpios, the private island once owned by Aristotle Onassis, to the breathtaking beaches of Kefalonia and Ithaca, each island boasts its own unique allure. The mostly line of sight sailing means you can hop from one island to another, relishing the scenic beauty and tranquillity of the Ionian Sea, with its calm waters, consistent winds, and numerous sheltered anchorages, making it an ideal destination for yacht charters, regardless of your sailing experience.
The Southern Ionian Islands are a special place for a yacht charter due to their unique blend of natural beauty, ideal sailing conditions, and rich cultural heritage. From serene anchorages and pristine beaches to charming villages and fascinating historical sites, these Greek islands have something to offer everyone.
The Ionian Islands are renowned for their beautiful beaches, which range from long stretches of golden sand to secluded coves accessible only by boat; there's a beach to suit every taste.
The Ionian Islands have a rich culinary tradition, with local dishes that highlight the flavours of fresh seafood, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables. Indulge in traditional Greek cuisine at waterfront tavernas and sample the specialities of each island.
In the Ionian Islands, tranquillity can be found in the many secluded coves and islets of the region. If it's a getaway you're seeking, its easy to avoid the busier moorings and stick to a peaceful itinerary.
The Southern Ionian is renowned for dramatic landscapes of towering sea cliffs and gorgeous beaches like the famous Navagio ("Shipwreck") beach on Zakynthos. The region's unspoiled natural beauty is a feast for the senses.
With your own yacht, you can easily access secluded bays, remote anchorages, and off-the-beaten-path islands that few visitors see. Islands like Meganisi, Kalamos, and parts of Kefalonia offer an authentic taste of traditional Greek island life away from the crowds.
The languid rhythm and laidback atmosphere on these less-developed islands allow you to truly unwind and immerse yourself in the unhurried pace of Ionian living. Savour long meals and embrace the Greek philosophy of taking time to enjoy simple pleasures.
From Kefalonia's charming Venetian villages to Ithaca's links to Homer's Odyssey, the Ionian islands are brimming with historical sites and reminders of their strategic maritime importance over the centuries.
The Southern Ionian Islands are steeped in mythology and history, with connections to ancient legends and civilisations. Ithaca, famously known as the homeland of Homer's Odysseus, beckons travellers to explore its archaeological sites and mythological landmarks, such as the Cave of the Nymphs.
The sheltered southern Ionian offers excellent sailing conditions, with calm waters, consistent winds, and numerous sheltered anchorages. This makes it an ideal destination for yacht charters, regardless of your sailing experience.
Known for excellent windsurfing, Vasiliki Bay has crystal-clear waters and a picturesque bay surrounded by mountains, where you can explore the attractive village or just relax on the beach.
Kefalonia is famous for its rugged landscapes, stunning beaches, and charming villages. Visit the picturesque village of Fiskardo, explore the Melissani Cave, and relax on beautiful beaches like Myrtos and Xi.
This small fishing village on the southeastern coast of Lefkada offers a picturesque harbour and beautiful beaches. Explore the traditional whitewashed houses and enjoy seafood at local tavernas.
Once owned by the Onassis family, now the playground of a Russian oligarch, Skorpios is a private island accessible only by yacht and is a fantastic spot to anchor for lunch.
Nestled along the eastern coast of Ithaca, Kioni has to be one of the prettiest harbour towns in the Ionian. Verdant hills rise from the sheltered bay, with fantastic bars and restaurants dotted along the harbour and amongst the trees, looking out to the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
This stunning island, located just south of Lefkada, offers beautiful, secluded bays and picturesque villages. Visit the charming village of Vathi, enjoy swimming in stunning beaches like Spilia and Agios Ioannis, and explore the island's lush landscapes.
Located on the northern tip of the island of Kefalonia, it is a stunning harbour town known for its picturesque beauty. Lined with colourful Venetian-style buildings, the waterfront contrasts beautifully with the azure waters of the Ionian Sea.
Situated on the island of Zakynthos, the iconic Navagio Beach is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and the wreck of a smugglers' ship that washed ashore.
When embarking on a yacht charter from The South 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 | 15.1°C (59°F) | 12.7°C (55°F) | 7.1mm |  SSE |
| FEB | 13.4°C (56°F) | 11.0°C (52°F) | 0.5mm | SSW |
| MAR | 15.3°C (59°F) | 13.2°C (56°F) | 3.2mm | WSW |
| APR | 16.0°C (61°F) | 14.3°C (58°F) | 3.3mm | WSW |
| MAY | 19.7°C (67°F) | 17.7°C (64°F) | 2.6mm | SW |
| JUN | 23.8°C (75°F) | 21.6°C (71°F) | 0.8mm | WNW |
| JUL | 27.6°C (82°F) | 25.0°C (77°F) | 0.0mm | WNW |
| AUG | 27.6°C (82°F) | 25.2°C (77°F) | 0.3mm | WNW |
| SEP | 26.1°C (79°F) | 23.6°C (75°F) | 1.1mm | S |
| OCT | 24.2°C (76°F) | 21.9°C (71°F) | 1.9mm | WSW |
| NOV | 20.4°C (69°F) | 17.6°C (64°F) | 5.4mm | SW |
| DEC | 16.2°C (61°F) | 14.1°C (57°F) | 2.2mm | S |
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 South 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 South 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 South 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 South 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 South 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 South 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 South 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 South 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.
The typical starting point for a charter is Lefkada Island, home to some charming villages and towns.
Explore the narrow streets of Lefkas Town, which has Venetian-style architecture, a lively atmosphere and is the home to the main marina in the area. Down the coast is picturesque Sivota village, nestled in a natural bay surrounded by lush green hills, well worth a visit.
Sail south to Zakynthos and the world-famous Navagio or "Shipwreck" Beach, only accessible by boat. No Ionian yachting experience would be complete without dropping anchor at Meganisi and exploring its secluded coves and quaint fishing villages. Nearby are the tranquil islands of Kastos and Kalamos; the latter is in fact just one big, wooded mountain rising from the sea.
Another island not to be missed is Ithaca, the legendary homeland of Homer's Odysseus; it's a serene and charming island with a laid-back atmosphere. Explore the gorgeous villages of Vathy and Kioni, hike through lush olive groves, and immerse yourself in the island's rich history.
A yacht charter in the Southern Ionian Islands offers a captivating journey through serene waters, picturesque villages, and stunning landscapes with charming harbours all while sailing in ideal Mediterranean conditions.
When chartering a yacht from The South 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.