Hey all. We're starting to plan next summer's
vacation charter in
Greece, and I'd love some input from those that have chartered or cruised in the southern
Ionian (Lefkada, Ithaki, Kefalonia, Zakynthos) vs. Corfu vs. the Saronic Gulf.
We chartered in the southern
Ionian for a week through Dream Yacht
charter two years ago and had a wonderful time. It was a great mix of
remote beaches, small towns and larger towns. We would happily return there and do it again, but are open to alternatives. Of the three, this is the most difficult base to get to, with a looooong drive from Athens. I've been searching but do not see domestic flights from Athens to Preveza. I think only international and private flights go to Preveza.
I haven't chartered in the Saronic before but my
family is from the Peloponnese so I've been to Hydra, Spetses, Poros, Nafplion, and Epidavros before. They're fun places to visit but seem like they might be overly crowded and a bit hectic (at least the busier destinations of Hydra and Spetses). Also not as many nice sandy beaches there that I know of - mostly rocky shoreline. It's the easiest base for us to get to from Athens.
Corfu - never been to that part of
Greece but it looks like it could fit the bill nicely. Relatively easy to get to, with a short flight from Athens.
We'll be a group of 15 in two mono's, with ages ranging from 4 to 75

so we're looking for a nice mix of quiet towns, nice scenery and beaches, somewhat easy entry/exit
ports and short hops from stop to stop. Between these three destinations, which would you choose?
Thanks,
John