Nick Braun
Join NOLS in the iconic sailing destination of the Ionian Sea in Greece! Enjoy the comforts of a live aboard a cruising yacht while being challenged at sea and developing your sailing skills along the way.
Photo Credit: Nick Braun
The Ionian Sea is an elongated bay of the Mediterranean, south of the Adriatic Sea. It is bound by Southern Italy including Calabria, Sicily, and the Salento peninsula to the west, southern Albania to the north, and the west coast of Greece. All major islands in the sea belong to Greece.
The islands are rich in history, culturally diverse, offer tremendous geologic formations and stunning coastlines to explore. During this trip, you can enjoy Greek island culture, Mediterranean cuisine, ancient history, incredible coastal landscapes, and modern sailboat cruising aboard a 42’ sailing yacht.
Photo Credit: Nick Braun
Our trip begins in Vliho Bay on the island of Lefkas with an orientation and introduction to our sailboat. New sailors are certainly welcome on this trip, and a small instructor to participant ratio allows for ample coaching and working with instructors one on one.
Over the trip, there will be opportunities for short and long distance passages, sailing skill development, coastal exploration, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in beautiful anchorages! With ample time underway, we head north into the Northern Ionian sea with our sights set on reaching Corfu. The northern region lends itself to longer passages and good navigational challenges.
Photo Credit: Nick Braun
Next, heading south into the Southern Ionian we will find a mix of quaint seaside villages and stunning remote anchorages. There will be time to explore ashore, taking swim and lunch breaks at midday anchorage stops, and exploring caves while making shorter passages.
We will sleep aboard the boat each night. Below deck, comfortable double berth cabins accommodate two to a room, and a main living space (called “the saloon”) makes for a pleasant space to cook and relax.
Photo Credit: Nick Braun
Meals are a group affair. We will cook and eat together before getting setting off in the morning and after anchoring for the evening. Lunch will often be prepared and eaten while underway or perhaps during daytime exploration. We’ll also enjoy the occasional happy hour once we anchor or dock for the night. From time to time, we will also delve into the wonderful Mediterranean cuisine at various local cafes, tavernas, and restaurants along the way!
Photo Credit: Nick Braun
It’s time to pack your bags, board the boat, and set sail throughout the Greek Isles of the Ionian Sea!
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