Sailing Holidays Greece

All about the Ionian

The coastline and islands of the Ionian have long been known for the stunning scenery, beautiful bays, pine-clad mountains and dramatic coastline. Sheltered towns and hidden coves make Greece a place of discovery.

There are four great flotillas which cover this varied sailing area. If you want to mix your holiday up a bit, there's also the option to stay and sail, with a week at a beachclub followed by a week on the high seas.

The south Ionian

If you're new to sailing or have only been sailing for a short while then a visit to the south Ionian is ideal. With steady breezes, shorter routes and sheltered waters, you’ll be able to totally immerse yourself in the scenery, the sun and the sailing experience. The distance between one port and the next is never more than a few miles giving you plenty of time to explore.

You can do a one or two week flotilla starting from our yacht marina at Vounaki Beachclub. The flotillas will enjoy plenty of island hopping; taking in many picturesque scenes; from the white washed houses of Vathi, to the island of Cephalonia - made famous by the book and subsequent film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and the picture perfect port of Frikes on the narrow island of Ithaka.

More on the south Ionian one week flotilla

The north Ionian

For all sailing abilities and those who fancy something a little more adventurous, the north Ionian with its steady breezes is packed with longer passages and plenty of open-water sailing.

The one week flotilla sailing in the north Ionian takes in Corfu, the second largest of the Ionian islands and one of the most well known, historic Corfu Town with its Venetian buildings is definitely worth a few hours of your time. You can also wine and dine in the lively village of Parga on the mainland, before heading to the Retreat Beachclub where the sail starts and ends. Why end it there? Book a second week and enjoy the picturesque south Ionian too!

More on the north Ionian one week flotilla

Flotilla holidays

Start your day looking forward to a new destination. Book a flotilla holiday and that’s what you can expect. You’ll be sailing with a bunch of other yachts, having lots of fun socialising with fellow sailors and the Neilson lead crew along the way.

Plan your day as you please from sea swimming to picnics and sightseeing, the lead crew is just a radio call away if you need them. Chose to sail in the north or south Ionian for one or two weeks - whatever you want, whenever you like.

More about our flotilla holidays

Flotilla Skipper holidays

If you're a complete beginner and think skippering your own yacht is pretty much out of reach, think again. With our skippered flotilla holidays (which are available from Vounaki Beachclub in Greece), you'll feel totally at home on your yacht and having fun in no time at all!

You'll be learning to sail with the help of your own personal skipper. You'll be surprised how easily and quickly it all falls into place and you can even pick up a qualification along the way, which is bound to come in handy, as you're bound to catch the sailing bug.

More about our flotilla skipper holidays

Stay and sail holidays

Why not add some time sailing the shores of the Ionian on a Neilson yacht to your next beachclub holiday? Come and join us on a stay and sail adventure.

You'll spend a week living it up at a beachclub, packing in the inclusive activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, cycling and tennis; relaxing by the pool, if you have kids, getting them off to kids' clubs and if you've never sailed before, preparing for week two with our four-day intro to yachtingsailing course.

Then it’s time to sail out to sea, joining the Neilson flotilla and immersing yourself in flotilla life for a second week of adventure.

More about our stay and sail holidays

Wind and weather

With wind force rarely above 3 throughout May and October, the Ionian is a great place for all levels of sailor. The wind generally comes from the north west, between force 1-3 in the morning, picking up to between force 2-4 in the afternoon.

They’ll be plenty of time to top up your tan on the deck with temperatures reaching up to 38 degrees in August and with very little rain.

Expect warm days and warm nights, allowing you to pack as much as you like into your day and look out for amazing sunsets - don't forget your camera!