SPRING-SUMMER 2011I sea&iI59harbour is a magnet for superyachts, yet even in high seasonit never feels crowded. You'll find plenty of restaurants here,including the quintessentially Greek Nicholas Taverna, andTassia, which serves traditional Ionian dishes including spicybeef or veal sofrito, spicy fish bourdetto and, closer to home,a Cephalonian meat pie. Next cruise south to Myrtos beach, with its white and azurewaters and sheer cliffs making it one of the most photographedbeaches in the world - particularly as it is one of the island'sbeaches that appeared in the film Captain Corelli's Mandolin.Geologists among your party will be keen to visit the Drogaratiand Melissani caves. The latter date back more than 30,000years and some of the existing stalactites have been classed asbeing around 20,000 years old. Watch the subterranean laketransform into a stunning myriad of colours as the sun strikesthrough the small opening in the cave's roof. Finally, sail to the furthest island in the Ionian chain,Zakinthos. Rich with vineyards, orchards, olive groves, beachesand azure waters, the island is known as the 'Flower of theLevant' by the Venetians, who ruled here for almost 350 years.Relax in the therapeutic sulphur springs around Keri beforestrolling along theshorefront of Zakinthos Town at sunset. naboardashoreBEYOND THE IONIAN.If you've already cruised the Ionian, rest assured there are countless other islands to explore.The most popular group is the Cyclades, made up of 39 islands that form a circle aroundthe sacred island of Delos. Abounding with an astonishing wealth of historical sites andlegacies, gleaming white villages and blue church domes stacked above the sea, the chainlends Greece its most potent charm. The lesser-known Saronic islands, meanwhile, are the closest group to Athens and are,in the main, a laid-back affair, while the Sporades, to the northeast, are mostly uninhabitedand are blessed with numerous deserted beaches. The rocky Dodecanese islands are closerto the coastline of Turkey, and therefore best combined with a Turkish itinerary.Seafront towns offer a host of tavernas and seafood restaurantsDivide your time between exploring ashore and setting sail across open seasMyrtos beach on Cephalonia isjust one of the secluded covesthat dot the Ionian landscapePhotography: www.visitgreece.gr