Sheltered water, predictable wind and a harbour around every corner: why so many sailors start in the Ionian Sea.
If you are planning your first charter, where you sail matters as much as what you sail. The Ionian Sea, off the west coast of Greece, is where many sailors take their first week on a yacht, and for good reasons.
Sheltered water
The islands of Lefkas, Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Ithaca and Kefalonia form a protected inland sea. There is little of the open-water swell you find in more exposed areas, so passages are comfortable even for crew members who have never been on a boat.
Predictable wind
Summer days follow a simple rhythm: little wind in the morning, a steady north-westerly breeze in the afternoon, and calm again by evening. You can motor or swim in the morning, sail in the afternoon and arrive in harbour before the wind drops.
Short distances
Most stops are only a few hours apart, often within sight of each other. Navigation is mostly by eye, which makes it easy to learn and hard to get lost.
Plenty of places to stop
Village harbours, quiet bays and waterfront tavernas are never far away. If the weather changes or the crew gets tired, there is always a sheltered alternative nearby.
Bareboat or with a skipper?
To charter a boat on your own (bareboat) you need a recognised sailing licence, and usually a second crew member with some experience. If nobody on board has one, you can hire a skipper for the week: you still sail, learn and relax, while someone who knows the area takes responsibility for the boat. On HollaSea you can find both the boat and the skipper.
When to go
The sailing season runs roughly from May to October. Early and late season are quieter and cooler; July and August are the hottest and busiest months, when harbours fill up early in the afternoon.
