Corfu - Lefkas - Ithaka (14 Days)
Day 1
Corfu (Gouvia Marina) - Paxos (Gaios Harbor)
Day 2
Paxos - Antipaxos
Day 3
Antipaxos - Lefkas
Day 4
Lefkas - Meganisi
Day 5
Meganisi - Kefalonia
Day 6
Kefalonia - Ithaka (Frikes Harbor)
Day 7
Ithaka - Lefkas (Nidri Port)
Day 8
Lefkas - Parga
Day 9
Parga - Sivota
Day 10
Sivota - Sagiada
Day 11
Sagiada - Ereikoussa
Day 12
Ereikoussa - Kassiopi
Day 13
Kassiopi - Corfu (Gouvia Marina)
Day 14
Corfu - Check-out
Detailed Itinerary by days
Day 1Corfu (Gouvia Marina) - Paxos (Gaios Harbor)
Start your trip in Gouvia Marina and sail south to Paxos, an island with blue bays and olive groves. Dock in Gaios, a picture-perfect harbor with sky-blue fishing boats and houses that look like they belong in Venice. You can swim in the Blue Caves near Lakka and then eat ladotyri cheese that has been soaked in olive oil from the area. Tip: Anchor early, because Gaios's small harbor fills up fast!
Day 2Paxos - Antipaxos
A short sail to Antipaxos, which is known as the Caribbean of the Ionian. You can drop anchor at Voutoumi Bay, which has sugar-white sand and clear water that are perfect for swimming around. You can snorkel in seagrass fields or drink Verdea wine at a vineyard on a hillside. You should try the lobster spaghetti at the island's only taverna; it's worth every bite.
Day 3Antipaxos - Lefkas
Long sail (40nm) across the open Ionian to get to Lefkas. The trip can be broken up with a swim at Kastos or Kalamos. Dock in Nidri, which is the busy center of Lefkas, and relax at a taverna on the water with sofrito (garlicky chicken). Hint: Check the wind. Meltemi can make waves in the afternoon.
Day 4Lefkas - Meganisi
Go to Meganisi, Lefkas's crazy little sister. Check out Spartochori, where fishing boats bob under the rocks, and snorkel in Papanikolis Cave, which was used by submarines during WWII as a hideout. At a bay taverna for dinner, I had grilled octopus while the sky turned peach and gold at sunset.
Day 5Meganisi - Kefalonia
Sail south to Kefalonia, the land of the famous crescent from Myrtos Beach. Dock in Assos, a pastel village under Venetian palace, or Fiskardo, where yachts mix with cypress trees. Have to-do: The subterranean lake of Swim Melissani Cave is illuminated like liquid gold by sunlight.
Day 6Kefalonia - Ithaka (Frikes Harbor)
Anchoring at Frikes, a postcard port where tavernas offer robola wine and octopus stifado, channel Odysseus to Ithaka. Dive into the sparkling waves at Dexa Bay or climb to the Cave of the Nymphs. Local secret: Fresh seafood from Frikes tastes better than Instagram images from Mykonos.
Day 7Ithaka - Lefkas (Nidri Port)
Go back to Nidri, Lefkas's lively heart. Sail the Meganisi Channel or hike to Nidri Waterfalls, pausing at Skorpios Island (Onassis' former getaway) for a swim worthy of billionaires. Tonight at a harborside mezedopoleio is Ouzo and live music.
Day 8Lefkas - Parga
Sail north to Parga, a mainland treasure where Venetian castle-style candy-colored homes rise. The golden arc of Swim Valtos Beach should be savored at a seaside table over saganaki prawns. Advice: Sunset from the remnants of the castle is simply wonderful.
Day 9Parga - Sivota
Glide south toward Sivota, a horseshoe bay surrounded by cypress trees. Snorkel the electric waters of the Blue Lagoon, then dock for a spicy fish stew called bouchet. Mastiha drinks under a star-dusted sky at nightcap.
Day 10Sivota - Sagiada
Cruise to the peaceful fishing community of Sagiada close to Albania. Lunch is grilled sardines at a dockside ouzeri; wander peaceful neighborhoods where time flows with the tides. Dawn in Kalamas River Delta is a hidden gem—flamingos wade in the golden light.
Day 11Sagiada - Ereikoussa
See Ereikoussa, the best-kept secret of the Diapontia Islands. Kayak to Othonoi, fabled Calypso's abode, from the unspoiled beaches of Swim Braghini. Dinner will be Bianco, garlicky fish stew under a star canopy.
Day 12Ereikoussa - Kassiopi
Sail to the northern treasure of Corfu, Kassiopi. Discover the remains of Byzantine castles then explore the pebbled coves of Bataria Beach. Feast: Pastitsada cinnamon-laced in a taverna with ancient plane trees shading it.
Day 13Kassiopi - Corfu (Gouvia Marina)
Last cruise down the rocky coast of Corfu. For a final swim, stop at Paleokastritsa, where Odysseus purportedly shipwrecked. Dock in Gouvia and toast your voyage with kumquat liqueur amid Venetian arcades of Corfu Town.
Day 14Corfu - Check-out
Last morning, cappuccino at Café Liston, where Ionian appeal meets Habsburg grace. Search the Old Town for olive wood crafts; finally, disembark with hair stained with salt and a heart full of island brightness.
