Myself and two friends will be taking a one week bareboat yacht charter in the Ionian see in October '02. I'm looking for ideas. We'll be island hoping but only have one week. Looking for quiet scnic places, good beaches reachable by yacht, and good tavernas for both lively and sedate night-life. Where have you been that you've enjoyed and why?

I would consider sailing aroung Kefallonia and Ithaki I was there 2 summers ago and had a great time the landscapes are beautiful and there is lots of beaches many accessible only by boat. I've been to Zante as well and enjoyed it but I think with one week I would just do those two as Kefallonia is very large.

The west coast of Paxos has lovely sea caves and remote coves<BR><BR>Kefallonia and western Ithaki are lovely but getting busier by the day (October should not be too bad) - my favourite stretch of coast is between Andisamos and Poros (Kef) because it is wild and only accessible by boat. There is a beach half way between them which is Robinson Crusoe stuff. If you go to Andisamos, take a short trip inland to Melisani lake cave - fantastic! Also you have to stop off at the picturesque village of Assos (visit the castle) on the west coast.<BR><BR>Talking of which there are the uninhabited isles of Kastos and Atokos which are great for that sort of adventure. Also Meganisi if you have time.<BR><BR>But in 1 week you will not be able to go far so I suggest concentrating on Kef and Ithaki.

Another vote for Paxos. Moor at the lovely village of Loggos (sometimes called Longos). Tiny place and impossibly picturesque. Really first class tavernas - but you have to pull your table and chairs out of the way to let the bus go by in the evening. Lots of fun. Also has an excellent bakery, and some supermarkets for stocking up.

Terry. Paxos sounds great. We're going with Sunsail from their Vounaki base. With only a week I'm not sure about heading north. It's about 35 NM from the north end of the Levkas canal and against the prevailing winds. Any words of wisdom? Also the Greek Waters pilot describes Longos as having no good berths. Did you spend the night? Any experiences you care to share would be appreciated. Thanks

Hi all--<BR><BR>I'm actually considering the same route for next summer....can you give me an idea of the cost for one week? many thanks!!<BR><BR>d.

Martin, I counted about a dozen yachts berthed in Loggos harbour one evening whilst we were there in July and that was just about as full as it could get, but there shouldn't be that many around in October. Some good phots of Paxos at http://dir.forthnet.gr/cgi-bin/click...isoi-paxoi.com