Ideal Ionian One-Way Yacht Charter: Corfu to Zakynthos in 8 Days

If you’ve got one week in the Ionian and want to see the best of it by yacht, this is the route that gets it right.

It’s a one-way itinerary from Corfu to Zakynthos — around 160 nautical miles — designed specifically for crewed charters. It runs the full length of the island chain without doubling back, hitting major names like Paxos, Lefkada, and Kefalonia, but also quieter, off-track stops like Antipaxos, Ithaca, and Assos. Every leg is there for a reason: good cruising distances, solid anchorages, and a meaningful experience ashore.

The Ionian is made for this kind of trip — calmer seas, shorter hops, less wind stress than the Cyclades. It’s greener, slower, and in many ways more rewarding.

Arriving in Corfu

Corfu is the main charter hub of the Ionian — easy to fly into, well-connected, and a great place to start. The airport is just minutes from the marina, and most crews can arrange a seamless pickup.

If guests arrive early, it’s worth exploring Corfu Town. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with Venetian architecture, narrow alleys, and laid-back cafés that make for a relaxed first stroll. No need to overdo it, just a light wander and a good dinner before boarding.

ionian yacht itinerary corfu — Porto Timoni, Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece

Day 1 – Corfu to Paxos

Depart Corfu and cruise to Paxos. The first swim stop is Lakka Bay — calm, wide, and protected, ideal for jumping straight off the yacht. Even with breeze outside, the water here stays flat.

If conditions allow, the crew can take you by tender to the Blue Caves and Ortholithos sea stack on the west coast — dramatic limestone formations and brilliant light, only accessible by sea.

Stay overnight in Lakka for a quiet evening, or continue to Gaios for more dining and atmosphere. For dinner in Gaios, we recommend Carnayo, a standout choice for elevated Greek food.

Beautiful view of the blue cave of Paxos island. The purest water with an amazing turquoise hue. Corfu, Greece.

Day 2 – Paxos to Antipaxos

Antipaxos is uninhabited, undeveloped, and unforgettable. It’s just 4 nautical miles from Paxos, but once you round the corner into Voutoumi Bay, the water turns a different shade — bright, pale blue over white sand. It’s shallow enough to anchor close in with good holding, and most day boats leave by 5 pm.

The best swim is along the rocky edge past the beach, where you’ll find caves, snorkelling channels, and total quiet. There are two simple tavernas ashore — Spiros and Bella Vista, and if the sea is calm, it’s worth tendering around the headland for sunset drinks with no one else in sight. If the forecast is stable, overnighting here is a highlight of the week.

Day 3 – Antipaxos to Lefkada

This is the longest cruise of the week, but smooth and rewarding. If timing and weather align, we recommend stopping at Porto Katsiki or Egremni Beach on Lefkada’s west coast — steep cliffs and intense blue water make it a signature Ionian swim stop.

In Lefkada town, you’ll find a real Greek island atmosphere, not just a tourist front. Dock at the marina for easy access to restaurants, shops, and reprovisioning. For dinner, we recommend Thymari — it’s worth a reservation.

Alternatively, we recommend overnighting at Tranquil Bay just south — calm, quiet, and close enough to tender in.

Porto Katsiki, Lefkada, Ionian Islands, Greece

Day 4 – Lefkada to Meganisi, then to Sivota

This is a short cruise with lots to do. Meganisi offers green hills and hidden coves perfect for a relaxed swim. We recommend visiting Papanikolis Cave by tender: a massive sea cave with a WWII story behind it, ideal for photos and a short excursion.

For lunch, the crew can arrange a stop at Spilia / Porto Spilia, a yacht-friendly taverna with easy docking and good service.

End the day in Sivota, a charming port lined with tavernas. We recommend 12 Gods for a well-run waterfront dinner (reserve in high season).

Day 5 – Sivota to Ithaca (Vathy)

Start the day with a swim stop at Gidaki Beach, a top spot that feels exclusive thanks to boat-only access. For a second swim, Filiatro Beach near Vathy offers clear, calm water close to port.

Dock in Vathy, Ithaca’s main harbour. It’s laid-back and authentic, with cafés, small shops, and a casual, local vibe. For a cultural option, the Archaeological Museum is small but informative.

For dinner ashore, we recommend keeping it simple and seafood-focused. A classic harbour fish taverna is the way to go.

Day 6 – Ithaca to Kefalonia (Assos or Fiskardo)

Today is about dramatic scenery. Choose between:

Assos: quiet, photogenic, and framed by cliffs. We recommend walking up to the Venetian Castle for views.
Fiskardo: polished, busy, and full of charm. Lively waterfront, shops, and upscale tavernas.

For dinner in Fiskardo, we recommend Tassia — it’s the go-to reservation spot. Assos is more low-key, ideal if guests want a slower evening.

Day 7 – Kefalonia to Poros

Cruise along Kefalonia’s coast to Myrtos Beach, one of Greece’s most photographed spots. The water is shockingly blue, and the cliffs make it feel remote. We recommend a quick swim-and-photo stop here.

Continue to Poros, a quieter port with a relaxed local vibe. The waterfront is simple but pleasant, with enough tavernas for an easy night ashore. Let the crew handle the evening comforts.

Turquoise water at Fiskardo, with colorful houses on the shore and blue sky. Sailboat on the horizon. — Fiskardo, Kefalonia

Day 8 – Poros to Zakynthos

End the trip with high-impact scenery. Early in the day, we recommend visiting the Blue Caves off Cape Skinari by tender — brilliant blue reflections make for great swimming and photos.

Pass Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) for a photo stop from the water. Due to changing access rules, we recommend not planning a beach landing.

Finish in Zakynthos Town. For a final dinner, we recommend Yard of Taste — modern Greek cuisine in a relaxed setting, and a strong note to end the week.