The South Ionian is an area of beautiful islands and anchorages; the islands having a steep spectacular landscape that provide both shelter and lively catabatic breezes in the late afternoon.

This cruise route - starting and finishing in the pretty fishing village of Sivota - offers shortish days of 10 to 15 miles sailing from village to village or island to island, a fascinating selection of local tavernas and plenty of time to explore.

You'll be visiting all the favourite spots such as Kefalonia's picturesque Fiskardo where Tassos, Rowena, Alexi and Anna in the Captains' Cabin will ply you with their ice cold draught beer. Somehow the anchor seems to dig itself in a bit deeper after everyone has sampled Fiskardo's legendary hospitality!

Kioni and Frikes on the east coast of Ithaca Island are small, pleasant villages in which you can relax. Even Port Vathi, which is the main town on the island, has become a popular stop. Of course, Ithaca is the legendary home of Homer's Odysseus and a source of much Greek mythological yarn-spinning.

Another new development in the shape of a new marina (the only one in the South Ionian) in Lefkas town is perhaps worth a visit. Lefkas town itself has not yet seriously succumbed to western influences. Nearby Nidri has become a bit touristy, but younger members of your crew will really enjoy this buzzy town!

Another highlight of this route is picturesque Spartahori village perched on a cliff edge at the northern end of the island of Meganissi. Steve's Taverna, at the end of the bay with a beach on either side, has "lazy lines" for your comfort and convenience. This is an idyllic spot for swimming and it is well worth walking up to the unspoilt village at the top of the hill for the view and a cold beer at Lakis!

You may also spend a night moored to the new quay at Port Atheni. The taverna near the harbour may even entertain you with some Greek dancing and they'll be looking for some volunteers! Two other favourite stops in the south ionian are Kastos and Kalamos. These are typical idyllic Greek islands which have both had work done on their harbours recently and welcome visitors.

The Dragonera Islands can be reached by keener sailors - you'll find bays here that seldom see yachts as there are no facilities but the privacy is great. Prising our flotillas back out of village harbours once they have settled can sometimes prove difficult for our lead crews but there's always another beautiful spot just around the next headland!