Yacht charter in Preveza
Preveza is a strategic location for a yacht charter in the Ionian Sea. From here you can rent a catamaran and visit Corfu or navigate down to Zakynthos. Even the seventh Ionian island of Kithira, located south of the Peloponnese peninsula, can be reached on a cruise. Preveza is a region steeped in history, where the ancient naval battle of Actium took place. The city and its surroundings are worth a stop before or after the cruise. You can experience the history of the area first hand. In addition, there is the wonderful natural paradise of the Amvrakikos Gulf.
The arrival is possible in the season between May and October from some German cities and Vienna by charter plane. The airport Aktio is located on the peninsula Actium, from where you can reach the marina by cab in a few minutes. Alternatively, scheduled flights to Athens are possible, from where there are regular connections to Preveza. By car, take one of the ferryboats that run from various Italian ports to Igoumenitsa in northern Greece. From here it is about 85 kilometers to the yacht charter in Preveza.
The area of Preveza
The marina of Preveza is located on the western side of the entrance to the Ambracian Gulf. Navigation in the port does not pose any major problems for sailors. However, it is important to stay inside the buoys because it quickly becomes shallow outside the fairway. At the harbor there is everything you need for a cruise. The main season for sailing in the Ionian Sea is between June and September. October is also warm, but then the wind increases and it rains more often.
In summer the Maestro blows evenly with wind force three to four. Therefore, the area is ideal for families who want to rent a sailboat and discover Greece. The temperatures do not fall below 18 °C even at night during the main season. The water is pleasantly warm with 21 to 25 °C. In May the nights are quite fresh, but the weather is very stable, as in summer. The probability of storms in summer is less than one percent.
Preveza and the Gulf of Amvrakikos
Preveza does not only offer the possibility to get to know the islands in the Ionian Sea. A cruise in the Ambracian Gulf is also recommended. The city is beautifully situated on the western shore of the secondary sea and is closely connected with the Battle of Actium. In 31 BC, the Roman emperor Augustus defeated the Egyptian queen Cleopatra here. In memory of his victory, Augustus built the city of Nicopolis, the ruins of which lie six kilometers north of Preveza. About 27 kilometers before the city is the archaeological site of Kassopi, the capital of ancient Kassopaia. A few steps outside the city stand the remains of the temple of Aphrodite.
The Gulf of Amvrakikos is a branch of the Ionian Sea and one of the largest wetlands in the country. From Preveza you can rent a catamaran and discover Greece's unique fauna. These include one of the few intact dolphin populations in the Mediterranean and hawksbill turtles. It is also home to 291 species of birds, many of which are endangered, including one of Europe's largest colonies of silver pelicans. Water buffalo graze on the shore. Families in particular should plan a day for this natural spectacle. The gulf is shielded from the swell of the open sea and has an average tide of just five centimeters (Ionian Sea 20 to 30 centimeters).
The northern islands of the Ionian Sea
If you rent a sailing yacht and sail north along Greece's west coast, you will first reach Antipaxos. It is a small island that offers two beautiful anchorages for swimming in the north with Voutoumi and Mesovrika Beach. The pure, turquoise blue water invites you to snorkel. Otherwise, the lush nature invites you to hike. Everywhere dreamy bays invite for a swim.
Afterwards, the marina in Gaios on the island of Paxos is worth a stop. It is well protected in a strait between Paxos and the island of Agios Nikolaos. The lively town offers nice nightlife. Interesting is a hike to the south coast to the Tripitos arch. The natural rock arch can also be explored by sailboat. In the north, Lakka is a large, popular bay, which is accordingly frequented in the summer. There are some nice beaches and around the marina some taverns. To the northwest rises an impressive cliff with several sea caves, including Ypapanti's Cave and further south the Blue Caves. They can be explored by swimming or by rubber dinghy.
The last stop of a yacht charter from Preveza is Corfu with its island capital of the same name. A walk through the old town and a visit to the two Venetian fortresses should not be missed. The island offers numerous beautiful beaches and bays as well as attractive hiking areas. Sights include the "mouse island" of Pondikonisi, which is home to an almost 1,000-year-old Byzantine chapel. If time permits, it is worth visiting the Diapontic Islands off Corfu's coast. They are less touristy and promise a few quiet hours in romantic bays.
Yacht charter from Preveza to the south
Another option is to rent a boat in Preveza and visit Ionian Islands in the south. Just beyond the narrow entrance to the Gulf of Amvrakikos lies the island of Lefkas. It has romantic bays, impressive cliffs and lush vegetation. On shore excursions you will discover the historic old town in the north and dreamy white villages in the island's interior. On Ithaca, a hike to the Katharo Monastery is worthwhile, from where there is a fantastic view.
The island of Kefalonia is the largest island off the west coast of Greece. It is popular with sailors especially because of its beautiful bays as well as sea caves. In the island capital of Zakynthos offers a varied nightlife. Worth seeing are the Blue Caves and the National Marine Park in the south. Snorkelers and divers can observe sea turtles here with a little luck. On the way there you will pass Shipwreck Bay on the west coast.
Take advantage of a yacht charter from Preveza for eventful days on the Ionian Sea and let us advise you.
