The Ionian Sea, in contrast to the Aegean offers the most serene sailing in Greece, with tranquil anchorages in bays surrounded by pine and olive trees and limpid waters edged by lush green vegetation. The NW wind, the Maistro, starts blowing around noon, fades away by sunset, and its force is always moderate.
The Ionian islands may be reached from Italy by ferry which calls in at the ports of Corfu and Patras, or by plane from Athens. There are direct flights from several European cities to Corfu, Cefallonia, and Lefkas.
The most popular destinations are Corfu, Paxoi, Syvota, Parga, Fiscardo in Cefallonia, Kioni and Vathi in Ithaca and Zakynthos with its magical caves.