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The sheltered Ionian on the west coast of Greece is ideal for a relaxed sailing holiday, so popular with families and less experienced crews.

Gentle afternoon breezes make the Ionian one of the safest areas in the world for a relaxed sailing holiday and yet there is plenty to do and see. The scenery is beautiful and there are numerous secure anchorages, picturesque harbours and lively towns.

A sailing holiday is the perfect way to discover the beautiful unspoilt Ionian islands, nestling in clear blue seas, hillsides clad in olive and cypress. Being skipper of your own charter yacht gives you total freedom to explore. There's always time to anchor in a secluded bay for a swim off your yacht, enjoy a walk to a market or cliff-top view, or simply relax. Once you’ve moored up in a picturesque fishing harbour for the evening, step ashore for dinner at a waterfront taverna.

This sailing holiday is perfect for families with children. There's so much going on afloat and ashore - it's such an adventure and no time to get bored! It’s fun to swim ashore for an ice cream at the beach bar, take a trip in the dinghy to explore some caves or eat a picnic on a secluded beach.

Ionian Yacht Charter

  • Overview
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    Nidri, Lefkas

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    Lefkas Town

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    Spartochori

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    Lefkas

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    Sailing holidays in the Ionian

    • Great choice of flights from the UK
    • A family run fleet in Palairos or a huge range of yachts from Lefkas
    • Line of sight sailing
    • Level 1 sailing
    • Average summer temperatures of 26-30 degrees
    • Average winds force 2-5
    • Great for families and less experienced sailors
    • Flotilla option
  • 1 Wk Itinerary

    Suggested 1 week sailing itinerary from Palairos

    DAY 1 : Palairos

    A charming Greek harbour with a choice of restaurants and a nearby beach. The superb setting, with views across to Meganissi and Scorpio, will soon put you in the holiday mood!

    DAY 2 : Sivota, Lefkas (16nm)

    Enjoy a sail across to Sivota on the east coast of Levkas. This unspoilt fishing village is surrounded by hillsides covered in olive and cypress trees. The shops, cafes and tavernas on the waterfront cater for visiting yachts.

    DAY 3 : Fiskardo, Cephalonia (11nm)

    On the way you pass a choice of bays on Meganisi for a lunchtime anchorage. Fiskardo on the northern tip of Cephalonia is one of the prettiest waterfronts in the Ionian and offers a safe and picturesque harbour. Enjoy cocktails and ice creams on the harbourside and watch the yachts mooring up.

    DAY 4 : Vathi, Ithaca (16nm)

    Ithaca is reputedly the island home of Odysseus and the east coast offers numerous bays and anchorages. Vathi has good shopping and numerous tavernas in the town.

    DAY 5 : Port Kalamos (20nm)

    Walk up to the traditional village above the harbour for fresh bread in the morning and a stunning view.

    DAY 6 : Spartochori, Meganissi (15nm)

    Sail to Spartohori on Meganissi, just opposite Scorpios island, with fabulous view from the town up the hill.

    DAY 7 : Palairos (15nm)

    Stop for a last lunchtime swim in your favourite bay on Meganissi.

    Ionian 1 week sailing holiday itinerary

  • 2 Wk Itinerary

    Suggested 2 week sailing itinerary from Lefkas

    DAY 1 : Lefkas Marina

    The marina is in the centre of Lefkas town. Restaurants and small supermarkets are within walking distance.

    DAY 2 : Sivota, Lefkas (15nm)

    Head south through the Lefkas canal. Sivota has a very pretty waterfront with shops and tavernas.

    DAY 3 : Fiskardo, Cephalonia (19nm)

    Fiskardo offers a safe and picturesque harbour on the island of Cephalonia.

    DAY 4 : Ay. Eufimia, Cephalonia (15nm)

    Attractive harbour and convenient for visiting Lake Melissani and the underground caves of Drogarati.

    DAY 5 : Poros, Cephalonia (13nm)

    Small harbour on the southeast corner of Cephalonia.

    DAY 6 : Zakinthos (22nm)

    Port Zakynthos was rebuilt in 1953 following an earthquake but retains its Venetian charm.

    DAY 7 : Poros (22nm)

    Stop off at Ay. Nikolaos on the north of Zakynthos for a lunchtime swim.

    DAY 8 : Vathi, Ithaca (20nm)

    Ithaca, reputedly the home of Odysseus, has numerous bays and anchorages on the east coast. The main harbour at Vathi has good shopping for provisions and numerous tavernas in the town.

    DAY 9 : Kioni (14nm)

    Kioni is one of the prettiest harbours in the Ionian. Sip an aperitif in one of the waterfront tavernas and watch the harbour activity.

    DAY 10 : Kalamos (20nm)

    Kalamos offers remote anchorages and spectacular scenery. Limited shops and restaurants in Port Kalamos, although the walk up to the village centre is worthwhile.

    DAY 11 : Spartokhori, (Meganisi) (9nm)

    Choice of bays on the north side of Meganisi for a lunchtime anchorage. Overnight at Spartakhori. The view from the village at the top of the hill is worth the walk!

    DAY 12 : Nidri (5nm)

    Nidri is fast becoming the sailing/watersports centre for Lefkas and has good shopping for provisions and many waterfront tavernas.

    DAY 13 : Lefkas (10nm)

    Shopping for souvenirs in Nidri before heading back up the canal to Lefkas marina.

    DAY 14 : Lefkas Marina.

    Ionian 2 week sailing holiday itinerary

  • Sailing Conditions

    Sailing conditions in the Ionian

    Weather conditions in the Ionian are very favourable for a relaxed sailing holiday. There are good sailing breezes from late morning through the afternoon, with winds from the northwest Force 2-5 subsiding around sunset. The winds tend to be stronger at the start and end of the season. Summer temperatures reach 26-29ºC

    We have rated this destination a 'Level 1' (levels info) and you will need an ICC qualification for bareboat charters in the Ionian.

    For those wanting more support or who are looking for more of a social holiday then why not take a look at our Ionian flotilla holidays

    You can see a full list of the bases we offer in Greece along with the level ratings here so that you can find the most suitable destination for you. If you are at all unsure about a destination then please get in touch and our sales team will be more than happy to make their recommendations for you.


  • Getting There

    Getting There

    Flights to Preveza

    For yacht charters from Palairos or Lefkas, the nearest airport is Preveza. Thomson have flights on Sundays from Gatwick and Manchester. Easyjet also fly from Gatwick to Preveza on Sundays and Wednesdays as well as on Fridays from mid June.

    Transfers

    The transfer time from Preveza airport to both Palairos and Lefkas is around 30 minutes. 

  • Sailing Journal

    Sailing Journal

    South Ionian, Sun Odyssey 440

    Supplied by Louise, Nautilus Yachting

    This year, it was time to return to where we first fell in love with sailing, the beautiful South Ionian where our passion for charter holidays started!

    To take advantage of cheaper and quieter mid-week flights, we decided to head out to Greece a couple of days ahead of our charter to explore the wonderful beaches on the northwest coast of Lefkas. Car hire at Preveza Airport was easy and the driving is straightforward so don’t be put off! Three nights at Villa Elia - a really friendly apartment-based property. Extending our stay and having time to settle into holiday mode before setting sail was a welcome change.

    Kathisma is one of the most stunning beaches on Lefkas, there are many bars and restaurants nearby with facilities and good parking. If you get tired of sunbathing with cold beers delivered to your umbrella while looking out at the turquoise waters, you can look up and watch the paragliders swooping down from the cliffs above.

    Day 1

    Day 1 - D-Marin to Sivota, Lefkas (16nm)

    On embarkation day, having the car meant we were able to provision well in the huge supermarket close to D-Marin. We unloaded our goodies onto our Sun Odyssey 440 for the week. A quick car drop-off combined with paid early embarkation meant we could get away ahead of the rest marina!

    After a refreshing swim stop, at the first of many delightful spots in this area, our first night we spent moored in the colourful fishing village of Sivota. On the southern end of Lefkas island this bustling seaside town has a good choice of bars and restaurants with something to suit every budget. A delicious selection of tasty Greek treats to start followed by fish and a lovely evening getting to know our skipper.

    Sivota has long been a port of call on our South Ionian flotilla and it is not hard to see why it is so popular with Nautilus clients, a charming place for a stroll after breakfast.

    Day 2

    Day 2 - Sivota to Assos, Kefalonia (18nm)

    Today, our Skipper Alun; a very experienced professional supplied by Kiriacoulis, announced that today we would be heading away from the hoi polloi to somewhere special - we were definitely up for that!

    Around midday we anchored for a swim and a delicious lunch of Greek goodies at the divine Porto Katsiki (Goat Port). At the very tail end of Lekfas, it is said to be so named as it could only be reached by goats and sailors.

    With perfect afternoon winds we sailed into Assos in the northwest of Kefalonia. What a sight to behold, a picture-perfect bay of crystal-clear water and the stunning village comprising of Venetian villas in an array of pastel colours. More swimming, and it would be rude not to have cocktail and watch the sun go down before heading off to dinner on the quayside.

    There are only 10 moorings available in the bay so we were lucky to find space courtesy of our skipper’s local knowledge. We enjoyed Assos town very much, but it was a rocky night with masts knocking together in the early hours. Luckily Alun was able to take control and help instruct our neighbours on what to do. The west coast of Kefalonia is definitely not for the faint of heart!

    Day 3

    Day 3 - Assos to Fiskardo / Foki Bay, Kefalonia (10nm)

    There is an hiking track rising above Assos town leading to the Venetian Castle affording the most beautiful views across the bay. It is a challenging walk but definitely worth the effort.

    Today we enjoyed revisiting one of the star attractions from our flotilla days. Fiskardo is a gem of a town packed full of sparkling stores to tempt the shoppers amongst you. Treat yourself to a special provisioning stop with delicious breads and pastries from the excellent bakeries.

    Alun suggested heading to a quieter anchorage round the corner at Foki Bay, a short hop but a perfect recommendation. We found a shady cool spot to moor up amongst the olive trees with lovely relaxing afternoon swimming and a trip to the sole taverna for a sundowner.

    We cooked onboard this evening with a few fully-crewed catamarans as neighbours. We recognised a few Nautilus clients enjoying their multiple courses created by private chefs, and the absolute luxury of dining under the stars in this peaceful bay.

    Day 4

    Day 4 - Foki Bay to “Big” Vathi, Ithaka (16nm)

    The next morning, we head to Afales beach under the chalky white cliffs and the very best snorkeling. Great sailing and good winds, but not without drama - mobile phone overboard! Note to self - buy a buoyant accessory for mobile next year!

    We are in need of some housekeeping by this point; to refill our water tanks and stock up on provisioning so we chose to spend this evening in Vathi. The largest town on Ithaka island, often referred to as “Big Vathi” to avoid being confused with “Little Vathi” located on Meganisi island. This is the only place we paid mooring fees during the week, only €6 for a prime spot on the quayside.

    As the principal town of Ithaka is a ‘working’ town and is a touch commercial. There are a lot of restaurants around the harbour but going just a couple of streets back from the waterfront and we found a little gem which had a nice vibe and an abundance of food.

    Day 5

    Day 5 - Big Vathi to Kalamos (19nm)

    Time is starting to fly by now but there still time to drop anchor for a lunch stop at one of the South Ionian’s most desirable spots – Atokos island with its single residence where you have the chance to swim ashore and ring the bell in the deserted chapel!

    Another swim stop at Kastos island before heading to Kalamos town. A meal at George's Taverna a real Mamma Mia! Experience, from the warm welcome and assistance in mooring to the traditional fayre at his restaurant. Check patterned tablecloths adorn busy tables right on the water’s edge with excellent food and buzzing service whilst watching the glorious sunset.

    Our lovely Ionian flotilla was in town tonight and it was good to catch up with such a happy, fulfilled, bunch of sailors swapping their stories over sundowners. Good times!

    Day 6

    Day 6 - Kalamos to Porto Atheni, Meganisi (11nm)

    Today there are good sailing winds so everyone is getting a chance to take the helm.

    We take a stop at Port Atheni and enjoy a chance encounter with the legend that is Bobby ‘Dazzler’ our first ever skipper. A good friend to Nautilus and Odysseus Yachting having accompanied many of our happy clients. There are lots of laughs catching up and not merely a few beers at Taverna Niagas.

    Many private yacht owners moored here appreciate its simplicity, small shop, excellent bakery, and a couple of good tavernas. We really enjoyed the contrast of this unspoilt, unpretentious little village.

    Day 7

    Day 7 - Varko Bay (5nm) to D-Marin Lefkas (9nm)

    Today there are good sailing winds so everyone is getting a chance to take the helm.

    Our last day! We head to the bay of Varko, a fabulous open anchorage with a stunning beach and surrounded by lavender fields full of goats. A new beach club has popped up since our last visit but with great chillout music playing it feels very chic and unique! There are also lots of larger yachts and catamarans with European families enjoying play time in the warm clear waters, but in a flash it is time to head back to Lefkas!

    What a joy it has been to be back here in the South Ionian sea and making more memories. About as close to the perfect Greek Island hopping adventure as you can get. We are all still smitten with this corner of the world!

"Another brilliant week in Greece. Nikos was fabulous as always - good boat, good weather, couldn’t have asked for anything more. Thanks for making these trips so enjoyable."

Ionian 2019 - N.T.

Ionian Yacht Charter prices

Fleet 1 2023 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

Yacht details 01 Jan-22 Apr23 Apr-20 May21 May-24 Jun25 Jun-22 Jul23 Jul-19 Aug20 Aug-16 Sep17-30 Sep01-14 Oct15 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Bavaria 30 Cruiser2006219811438173320382371203817331438981
Bavaria 322004219811438173320382371203817331438981
Bavaria 33200621108616191924221025712210192416191086

Fleet 1 2023 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

Yacht details 01 Jan-22 Apr23 Apr-20 May21 May-24 Jun25 Jun-22 Jul23 Jul-19 Aug20 Aug-16 Sep17-30 Sep01-14 Oct15 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Sun Odyssey 349201731145721622562301034863010256221621457
Oceanis 37200831141921052495281032382810249521051419
Bavaria 37 Cruiser200731133319812390270530952705239019811333

Fleet 2 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

Yacht details 01 Jan-22 Apr22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Sun Odyssey 349201831157120002429285532572855242920001571

Fleet 3 2023 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

Yacht details 22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Hanse 34520133118102476266733332667247618101476

Fleet 1 2023 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

Yacht details 01 Jan-22 Apr23 Apr-20 May21 May-24 Jun25 Jun-22 Jul23 Jul-19 Aug20 Aug-16 Sep17-30 Sep01-14 Oct15 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Bavaria 39 Cruiser200732152421812638304835243048263821811524
Sun Odyssey 419201732206730673724441049524410372430672067
Oceanis 41.1202032223833624038473352384733403833622238
Bavaria C42202332238135814467518156195181446735812381
Oceanis 43 - 3 cab.201133178126383486407645624076348626381781

Fleet 2 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

Yacht details 01 Jan-22 Apr22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Sun Odyssey 410202032244831143781445350764453378131142448
Sun Odyssey 410202232264833714086481054864810378133712648
Sun Odyssey 410202332264833714086481054864810408633712648

Fleet 3 2023 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

Yacht details 22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Hanse 34520133118102476266733332667247618101476

Fleet 1 2023 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

Yacht details 01 Jan-22 Apr23 Apr-20 May21 May-24 Jun25 Jun-22 Jul23 Jul-19 Aug20 Aug-16 Sep17-30 Sep01-14 Oct15 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Sun Odyssey 449201942259037144686541059055410468637142590
Oceanis 45 - 4 cab.201242227634294210480053904800421034292276
Bavaria 46 Cruiser200642182926573219385742863857321926571829
Sun Odyssey 479 - 4 cab.201644285740005029570561905705502940002857

Fleet 2 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

Yacht details 01 Jan-22 Apr22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Sun Odyssey 519 - 5 cabs201953388649436000706380487063600049433886
Sun Odyssey 440201942282936004371513958575139437136002829
Sun Odyssey 490 4 cabins202044358145525524650374106503552445523581
Jeanneau 54202164 (3 +1 WC in forepeak cabin )477160767381867898958678738160764771
Sun Odyssey 440201942282936004371513958575143513936002829

Fleet 3 2023 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

Yacht details 22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Hanse 34520133118102476266733332667247618101476

Fleet 2 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

Yacht details 01 Jan-22 Apr22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Lagoon 450F201944 (+ 1 in the bow)5371683882959763117149763829568385371
Lagoon 46202144 (+ 1 WC in the portside bow)554370488562100701208610070856270485543
Lagoon 42 (4 dbl / 1 single )202144 (+1 in the starboard side bow)451457436971820198388201697157434514
Lagoon 40202344 (+ 1 wc in the starboard bow)435255436733792195057921673355434352

Fleet 3 2023 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week

Yacht details 22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Lagoon 400 S2 A/C & GEN201665 4+142385333657177626571533342383571
Lagoon 42 A/C & GEN - WM202055 (4+1)590572388619103338619723859054524
Excess 1120216243335381604873336048538143333619
Lagoon 46 A/C & GEN & WM202165 (4+1)71438714103811242910381871471435476
Bali 4.120196450956190766793817667619050954095
Isla 40 A/C & GEN & WM20225451906286776294767762628651903667
Lagoon 450 Fly A/C & GEN.201965 (4+1)652482389667116199667823865245095
Lagoon 42 A/C & GEN.202065 (4+1)590572388619103338619723859054524

Fleet 1 - Yachts from Palairos

Included:

FREE outboard on yachts 39'+. Autopilots on yachts 36'+

Extras payable on embarkation:

Yacht security:

  • Yachts up to 41': £1900 refundable deposit
  • Yachts 42' and over & catamarans: £2800 refundable deposit

End cleaning:

  • Yachts up to 37' £80. Yachts 38-42' £100. Yachts 43'+ £130
  • Fuel used (fill up on return)

Optional extras (i.e Outboard, SUP's etc) available on request.

SKIPPER: GBP1100/week + food and drink + own cabin

Prices may be subject to change.

Sailing Qualifications

To skipper a bareboat charter or flotilla yacht, you need to hold a practical sailing certificate equivalent to RYA Day Skipper Practical qualification or RYA International Certificate of Competence (ICC). For charters in Greece, you must now have the ICC certificate. You must also be assisted by at least one competent crew member over the age of 18.

The port authorities in Greece are now insisting on one of the following practical certificates: RYA ICC (International Certificate of Competence), RYA Coastal, RYA Yachtmaster, ASA IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) or the IYT (International Yacht Training) Passport. If you hold an RYA Day Skipper or ASA104 it will no longer be accepted and you need to obtain either an ICC or IPC from the corresponding issuing body (RYA or ASA). If your RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster or ASA105/106 certificate is more than 12 years old and does not have a photo ID, then we would also strongly advise applying for an ICC or IPC. If you are a member of the RYA or ASA, you may qualify for a discount or free certificate, otherwise, you will have to pay. The approximate cost is £50. Please use this link - RYA application for the ICC or ASA application for the IPC.

For charters in Croatia, Malta and the Canaries, at least one member of the crew or the skipper will also need a VHF licence.

RYA qualifications can be obtained by RYA sailing schools in the UK or alternatively choose from one of our overseas centres in Gibraltar, Greece or Turkey.

For Seychelles, the local authorities require an ICC for the skipper of a bareboat or flotilla yacht charter.

For Caribbean and Tropical charters, formal qualifications are not compulsory, however, you should be Day Skipper standard and be assisted by at least one competent crew. A brief sailing resume should be provided to outline your experience.

If you don't hold the relevant qualifications then why not add a skipper?

Sailing Levels

Level 1

Winds force 2-3 (4-11 Knots)combined with generally shorter distances. Good for beginner or intermediate sailors. Line-of-sight navigation but basic knowledge of charts and ability to plot your position required.

Level 2

Winds force 3-5 (7-21 Knots) with approximately 15-20nm per day. Intermediate experience required. Predominately line of sight navigation but an understanding of how to sail in open water.

Level 3

Winds force 4-6 (11-27 Knots) with mileage of approximately 20nm+ per day. Ideal for experienced skippers looking to venture out to new destinations. Day skipper standard but with experienced crew would be recommended.