Sailing in the Ionian Islands is a magical experience, rising out of sparkling blue water and surrounded by tiny, colourful villages nestled on hillsides covered in olive and cypress trees. As you sail through the Ionian Islands, women in traditional costume sit in their gardens shaded by vines and apricot trees, chatting while creating delicate lacework. Meanwhile, a gnarled fisherman in his picturesque boat greets you with a warm “Yassou,” helps tie up your yacht, and offers the best of his catch for your supper—mullet, lobster, swordfish, or octopus.

These islands are quite different from those of the Aegean. To start with, high rainfall in the winter ensures that the hills remain green and fresh all year round. The winds are pleasant and very “friendly” thus making your sailing exceptionally enjoyable.

The whole area simply oozes historic atmosphere. It’s the setting of Homer’s Iliad, while numerous forts and other ruins bear witness to centuries of domination by Venice. Indeed, many of the olive trees date back to Venetian times, when they were widely planted to enable the islanders to pay taxes to their overlords in the form of olive oil.