We sailed in the North and South Ionian this October.
Despite a few days worrying about our Monarch flight out, when they went bust, Sailing Holidays soon sorted us a new flight, and we arrived in Nidri late on Sunday and were shown to our yacht, and then enjoyed a quick drink at the bar to get into holiday mood.
On Monday morning, we had our boat briefing and set off for Sivota. winds were light so we stopped in a bay for break, and Mary-Ann and Colin, friends from previous flotillas met us for a quick chat.
That evening we enjoyed a meal with the rest of the flotilla crews.
We made the most of light winds the next morning, but as i needed my first swim we motored to One House Bay on Atoko island.
The sea was blue, and warmish, and lots of fish for me to enjoy
Light winds took us to the nights port of Kioni, a pretty village we first visited in 2006.
Destination for Wednesday was Fiskardo, the setting for ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’.
It is a very pretty village, but maybe too popular with tourists. On the plus side, it had old Venetian lighthouse and other ruins in the hillside, and as we had to arrive early we had the chance for a walk around the hillside.
Next stop was Ay. Euphemia
The next day was a free sailing day, and despite the distance, and our yacht having a very poor engine/prop, we decided to head for Kalamos.
George, the owner of the taverna at the end of the harbour, helps everyone moor, and can always find more space. Luckily it wasn’t busy and we also had time for a stroll around town, which is so steep the locals drive golf buggies.
The next morning, as winds were light again, we headed over the hill to see the windmills, and for a swim.
This lighthouse would make a wonderful holiday let.
While there is an air of decay about the place it still charms us.
We even found a project for Jason on the end of the pier
After our stroll, we headed off for Little Vathi, but not before we were approached by ‘pirates’, OK, crew asking for our spare diesel for another yacht in our flot who had engine problems.
Little Vathi was our last harbour in the South Ionian, so the next morning we set off under sail for the Lefkas canal
This canal separates Kefkas Island from the mainland and runs between swamps.
There is a boat bridge at the top end that only opens for 10 minutes each hour, but good timing meant our 2 flotillas all safely got through and headed on to Prevesa.
This town is off the tourist trail, but is now loved by locals who promenade along the seafront in the evening. We enjoyed a pleasant meal in the Mermaid and Crepes in the Tram Cafe.
That brings us to the end of week one, and the start of our North Ionian sailing – be back soon
Shardlows Highs 