SARANDA - CRUISING THE IONIAN ISLANDS

The Ionian islands are covered in lush olive groves and boast long stretches of golden beach

The Ionian island chain runs along the west coast of mainland Greece and comprises some of Greece’s most famous island destinations, such as Corfu and Paxos. With influences from British, French and Italian cultures, the islands are a melting pot of architecture and culinary delights.

SARANDA TO CORFU

DAY 1

Embark in Saranda, Albania, and cruise towards Corfu.
Corfu has a long history and is rich in traditions with many wonderful sights. Conquerors of the island have come and gone throughout the centuries, including the British and Italians, leaving an evident mark on the local culture.
The Old Town is a gem for sightseeing, with two Venetian fortresses, noble mansions, interesting museums, Spianada Square and Liston Street - a wonderful paved street that is a copy of Rue de Rivoli in Paris.

SARANDA - CRUISING THE IONIAN ISLANDS - SARANDA TO CORFU - Luxury Charter Itinerary | C&N

PAXOS

DAY 2

Paxos is famous for its multitude of secluded bays.
The western coast of the island is largely uninhabited and has dramatic limestone cliffs that offer stunning views from the top. The cliffs drop onto bleached white shingle beaches, creating large caves reaching down to the crystal blue waters.
Paxos’capital town of Gaios is located around the natural harbour, where most cultural and trade activities on the island take place.
The village displays picturesque 19th century buildings that stretch back from the port along narrow alleys.
The village is surrounded by a stunning landscape of lush green olive groves.

PAXOS TO MEGANISI

DAY 3

Meganisi is a small island with lush greenery and turquoise waters. The island lies to the east-southeast of Lefkada and has plenty to offer, with lots of sandy beaches to bask on, sleepy whitewashed villages such as Katomeri or Spartochori to explore, and lots of good walking paths in the centre of the island.
The island has a plethora of marine caves, the most well known being that of Papanikolis, a striking natural cavern on the southwestern part of the island, thirty meters deep, with a sandy beach inside it.
The lack of mass tourism on the island makes Meganisi a top destination for those who love seclusion.

KEFALONIA

DAY 4

Discover Fiscardo, a picturesque and beautiful Greek harbour village on the northern tip of Kefalonia,
the largest of the seven Ionian islands. Of the approximate 365 villages on this large and diverse island, Fiscardo is unique in that it was left virtually undamaged during the great earthquake of 1953, which ruined most of the historic buildings on Kefalonia.
Walkers and nature lovers will find a beautiful landscape with interesting trails to follow.
In addition to the famous Myrtos beach, Kefalonia boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.
In the south of the island, the beaches are generally sandy, whilst towards the north, the beaches and coves are of the pebbly variety.

ITHAKI

DAY 5

The landscape of Ithaki is a paradise, with lush greenery, small villages scattered around and secluded coves with turquoise water. Swimming and walking are the most popular activities on this island.
Vathy is the capital and has been the main harbour of Ithaki since the 16th century.
This picturesque village, the largest on the island, is built in an amphitheatrical manner around a deep and sheltered bay with a narrow entrance.
Take a refreshing swim in the shallow crystalline waters of Filiatro, the closest beach to Vathy.
Trees that come down to the seashore offer natural shade and an inviting atmosphere.

SARANDA - CRUISING THE IONIAN ISLANDS - ITHAKI - Luxury Charter Itinerary | C&N

LEFKADA

DAY 6

Lefkada is a mountainous island, covered with dense vegetation to the east and south.
Its eastern coast slopes gently down to the sea, which is sheltered from the wind and dotted with thickly wooded islets.
The most famous of these are Skorpios, Madouri and Sparti.
In contrast, the western coast is steep, with a few stunted pine trees and lined with spectacular stretches of endless golden beach.
Lefkada rewards visitors with seaside villages, such as Nidri and Agios Nikitas, and boasts natural beauties, such as the Dimosari waterfalls.

ANTIPAXOS

DAY 7

Anti Paxos is the smallest of the Ionian islands and lies one mile south of Paxos.
The islet is covered with vineyards that belong to the residents and produce a rich red wine with a delicious flavour.
There are numerous beautiful beaches offering excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities, as well as some secluded coves.
One of the island’s attractions is simply its size; it is so tiny (10km long and 4km wide) that you can easily walk from one side to the other. At the same time, it is so thick with grapevines and olive trees that the whole place is like one big garden.

SIVOTA

DAY 8

Cruise to the picturesque seaside village of Sivota.
Nestled in an enchanting bay amidst verdant hills and lush green forests, Sivota hosts some gorgeous beaches with amazing waters and white sand, which are famous for their breathtaking beauty and the wild background.
Disembarkation in Saranda.