Overview
This itinerary takes you from the baroque splendor of Naples via the Amalfi Coast, across the heel of Italy, through the Strait of Messina, and across the Ionian Sea to Corfu.
Day by day (summary)
Days 1–3 — Amalfi Coast: Depart Salerno, sail to Positano, Amalfi, anchor off Capri. Days 4–5 — Calabria: Down the Italian toe — stop at Tropea, one of Italy's most beautiful cliff-top towns. Day 6 — Strait of Messina: Time the tidal stream carefully, go through at slack water. Days 7–8 — Crossing to Greece: Overnight or two-day passage across the Ionian Sea. Days 9–14 — Greek Ionian: Explore Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, and the southern Ionian at leisure.
Key passages
The Strait of Messina requires careful timing — tidal streams run at up to 3 knots. The Ionian crossing (60–80nm) is best made with a settled weather forecast; the Ionian Sea can produce short, steep seas in strong winds.