The Ionian is where many sailors fall properly in love with the sea. Unlike the Aegean's ferocious meltemi, the prevailing summer wind here is the maestrale — a northwesterly that builds gently through the afternoon, typically 12 to 18 knots, and lies down by evening.
That rhythm suits day sailing beautifully: leave a harbour by nine, cover 25 to 40 nautical miles on a broad reach, and be anchored with a cold Mythos in hand before the light turns gold. Night passages are rarely necessary, and rarely missed.
The cruising ground runs roughly 100 miles south from Corfu to Zakynthos, with Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, and a scatter of smaller islets filling the middle. Lefkada's Meganisi anchorages — Vathi and Spilia in particular — are consistently lovely: clear water over white sand, good holding, and a taverna close enough to swim to. Porto Katsiki on Lefkada's western coast is spectacular from the water, though exposed to afternoon chop.
Corfu's old town rewards a night on the town quay if you can stomach the ferry wash; Fiskardo on Kefalonia is postcard-pretty but pricey and tight in high season.
Charter bases cluster around Lefkada marina and Gouvia on Corfu, with Nidri being the most common departure point for bareboat boats. Provisioning is straightforward at both — proper chandleries, decent supermarkets, and easy fuel. Greek waters technically require a transit log, though enforcement is relaxed; carrying your ship's papers and crew passports is enough for most encounters with port police.
The crowds and light winds of August make May, June, and September the months worth prioritising, particularly for sailors who prefer breathing room at anchor.