Gulet rental in Ionian Islands

Gulet Rental in the Ionian Islands

Located west of mainland Greece, the Ionian Islands are a group of islands found in the Ionian Sea. These Greek islands are the perfect place for a gulet rental! Not only will you be able to sail around, with or without a skipper, at your own pace, but everyone on board will be able to have the space and amenities to do whatever they want. For those who enjoy being adventurous and active, it is possible to add water toys, like a jet ski, and fishing gear to your boat rental with Nautal.

Travel with a group of friends or family and discover the extraordinary coastlines and beaches of the Ionian islands such as Corfu and Lefkas.

Where to sail in the Ionian Islands?

Spread out along the west coast of Greece, the Ionian Islands are located in a region of Greece that is optimal for gulet cruises and yacht charters thanks to its gentle winds (“Maistros” winds) that blow in from the North West, compared to other regions. In general, Greece is considered to be a sailing paradise for all kinds of sailors, from beginners to the most experienced.

One of the biggest perks of going on a private charter is that not only are you free to choose where you go and how long you stay in each location, but you’ll also be able to discover virgin bays and hidden gems that are only accessible by boat.

With so many places to go, planning cruise itineraries in Greece can sometimes feel a little bit overwhelming. To help you get started on planning yours, here are a few of our favorite places to sail to in Greece.

• With a captain or a group of experienced sailors by your side, sail to the Dodecanese Islands; a group of 150+ islands off the coast of Turkey’s Anatolia. While here, you could even turn your experience into a gulet charter in Turkey and Greece!
• While so close to Turkey, go on a Blue Cruise, and sail along the Turkish Riviera before making your way back to the Greek islands.
• Back in Greece, make sure to visit the island of Corfu, known for being one the of loveliest Greek islands. In Corfu, you can visit the Museum of Asian Art and explore the many shops and boutiques in town. There is also a 14th-century fortress, the Palaio Frourio, with a nearby lighthouse where you can view the fortress and sea in all their glory.
• Just off the southern coast of Corfu are the islands of Paxi and Antipaxi, two of the smallest islands in the Ionian Sea. These two islands are notorious for their beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water.

With your gulet yacht rental, you’ll be able to access as many beaches as your heart desires. Beaches like Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia are breathtaking, yet not as accessible by road. In Lefkas, Porto Katsiki Beach is a dream and in Corfu, there are plenty of beaches for spending the day in the sun, such as Ipsos Beach, Arillas Beach, and Barbati Beach.

How much does it cost to rent a gulet?

The cost of a gulet rental in Greece depends on several different factors. Some of these factors include the size and model of the boat, the duration of the rental, the size of the traveling party, and whether or not you choose to add other amenities. Add-ons such as paddleboards, BBQ grills, fishing gear, and water sports equipment can come at an extra cost.

If you wish to hire a skipper for your luxury gulet charter, this may also come at an extra cost. To get a full overview of the rental price, make to get in contact with the boat owner.

The harbors in the Ionian Islands

The comfort a gulet provides makes it difficult to imagine disembarking it. However, the Greek beaches and islands are irresistible and you are sure to be more than eager to lay on the white sand beaches and explore the islands on foot. Finding a marina or harbor around the Ionian Islands that is big and safe enough to dock your gulet may sometimes be a bit time-consuming. To save and avoid unnecessary stress, we highly recommend scouting out a few harbors and marinas before setting off on your charter.

You will find the following harbors and marinas that are accessible and safe for all levels of boaters:

• Port of Astakos
• Sant Nicolas Port
• Argostoli
• Kassiopi
• Benitses

Renting a gulet with a skipper

With Nautal, it’s possible to rent a gulet in the Ionian Islands with a skipper. A skippered gulet charter is perfect for people who want to relax during their nautical adventure, without having to worry about the technicalities of sailing the boat. The captains on our platform are local experts who know the area like the back of their hand! Let them show you all the top anchorages, secret beaches, secluded bays, and coves, and give you recommendations on the best restaurants and bars.

When is the best time to go?

The best time to visit the Greek Ionian islands is late April to June, September, and early October. During these months you’ll be able to avoid the extreme temperatures as well as the huge crowds. The months of November through March, mark the rainy season in Greece and most notably on the Ionian Islands.

The wind in summer tends to pick up from June and blows until September, though not as forcefully as in the Cyclades. The wind force ranges from 2 to 5 and blows in a northwest-to-west north-westerly direction.