Sailing the Ionian Sea, Greece

The Ionian Sea is a fanning bay of the Mediterranean, marked by the sole of Italy’s boot and the western coasts of Albania and Greece. Hugging the Greek shores, the Ionian Islands, including Corfu, were once called the Heptanesus, or the “Seven Islands.” As a key passageway to the Adriatic, these fabled waters have witnessed imperial and royal navies intent on conquest; Rome, Byzantium, Venice, France and Great Britain all sent fleets here in the name of gods, kings, and emperors. One goddess conquered the sea on her own: After being turned into a white heifer by her lover Zeus, Io swam across the sea to Egypt, where the god promised to return her to human form. Locals may tell you these glimmering waters were named for her—or perhaps for Ionius, son of Adrias, who gave the sea to the north its name. One thing is certain: These azure waters kiss some of Europe’s most beautiful and beloved shores.