Southern Ionian
Known for having calm and predictable sailing conditions and sheltered anchorages, the Southern-Ionian is an ideal destination for family yacht charters and newly qualified skippers. Lefkas is perfectly located at the heart of this Greek region, with Preveza airport nearby and ideal sailing distances to Kefalonia and Ithaka. You can also sail to Zakynthos if you are happy to sail slightly further each day, or book a two-week charter.
Sailing in the Ionian will give you the chance to absorb Greek cuisine and culture as well as explore many beautiful Greek islands and islets, for which the region is famous. Contact The Big Sail for your quote for the perfect family sailing holiday or group yacht charter.
SAMPLE ITINERARYGET A QUOTE
LEFKAS
Day 1
Saturday
Arrival & check-in, Lefkas Marina, Lefkas
Also known as Lefkada, Lefkas is a typical, friendly Greek town with a good offering of bars and restaurants, and plenty of places for provisioning your yacht. It is fairly busy, especially in peak season, but it is a good place to start a sailing holiday from, due to it’s proximity to the airport and the provisioning options. If you book an early check-in or if the yacht is ready earlier than planned then you could set-sail to nearby Nikiana (on Lefkas island) for a smaller, quieter overnight stop in a small fishing village.
MEGANISSI
Day 2
Sunday
Spartohori, Meganissi
Tie up in Splilla bay, then visit the beautiful village of Spartohori perched high above the bay via a 10 minute walk up a road or steps. Spartohori has stunning views across the Ionian and you can even see the mountains on the mainland. When you’re mooring up, help will be on hand from local taverna owners (although you are then usually obliged to visit their restaurant or bar!) and there are lazy-lines here, so no need to anchor. The area boasts good traditional food & wine in numerous local tavernas.
ITHAKA
Day 3
Monday
Kioni, Ithaka
An Ionian yacht charter wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the home of Odysseus himself – Ithaca. We recommend visiting Kioni, a small picturesque village with traditional waterfront tavernas and impressive architecture. You can anchor by one of the beaches to the south side of the bay, or moor up on the town quay, stern-to with an anchor down & walk directly from your yacht into town.
KEFALONIA
Day 4
Tuesday
Agia Efimia, Kefalonia
Effimia is one of the most picturesque villages on Kefalonia, and once was the main port town on the island until an earthquake in 1953, when the the nearby port of Sami was developed to replace the port of Effimia. You will find numerous bars and tavernas here, and if you walk further north you will find more tavernas and some great views too! A lot of investment has been made to improve the quay here, so moorings are better than most and there are water and electricity points all along the quay.
FISKARDO
Day 5
Wednesday
Fiskardo, Kefalonia
Fiskardo is a bustling, cosmopolitan harbour – and arguably one of the most picturesque spots in the whole Ionian sea! Coming from the south (Effimmia) you can stop in many bays and inlets for lunch, swimming & snorkelling before heading to Fiskardo for the evening. Fiskardo offers a wide selection of cafes, restaurants, tavernas and also has plenty of cash points & shops, plus there are showers in the port and a good ferry service if you have anyone joining late or departing early from your charter. There are also some caves nearby just to the south, which you can explore on your dinghy. Fiscardo can be very busy in high season, so we recommend arriving not long after lunch-time to ensure you get a mooring.
SIVOTA
Day 6
Thursday
Sivota, Lefkas
Not to be confused with Sivota Mourtos in the Northern Ionian, Sivota bay is a sheltered and pretty anchorage in a large natural bay, with a relaxed atmosphere. Stavros taverna has it’s own pontoon if you want to eat at their restaurant – which is one of the best in the bay both for their food and the view from the upper terrace. There are some gift shops ashore, but the overall atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back.
LEFKAS
Day 7
Friday
Return to Lefkas
Take your time and stop off at a couple of bays and anchorages on the Lefkas coast as you make your way North to Lefkas marina. Your yacht needs to be returned by 5pm but before that you have the full day to explore and make the most of your final day in the Ionian. Lefkas has plenty of restaurants and cafes for an evening meal, and there are also lots of arts and cultural festivals throughout the summer, which are interesting to see if your trip coincides with one!
Check-out is at 9am Saturday morning – depart Lefkas or begin your next adventure.
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- Yachts available to meet every budget, and any group size.
- No experience required – we’ll provide a skipper if you don’t have sailing certification.
- We’ll create a tailor-made itinerary for your group including restaurant recommendations and anchorage tips.