book2sail-Kefalonia greece

One week sailing itinerary in south Ionian Islands

The South Ionian Islands are known for offering favourable sailing conditions, which makes it a firm favourite for sailing enthusiasts. Aside from moderate winds, the islands offer a wide range of cruising grounds and a multitude of picturesque sites. For this reason, to fully experience the islands, including the many hidden gems, sailing in the South Ionian Islands offers a unique perspective.

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With this in mind, here is a sailing itinerary to inspire an unforgettable encounter with some of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea.

Day 1 – Starting out in Lefkas

book2sail-lefkas greece

source: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty

You can start your journey on the island of Lefkas. Before you leave, you may want to spend a day at the beach at some of the most stunning beaches here. Most of the beach resorts are concentrated at Nidri on the eastern part of the island, and the beach at Vassiliki in the south is famous for windsurfing.

If you fancy a walk to the town, explore the narrow streets of the Lefkas Town where you will find beautiful Venetian churches, cafes, and tavernas. The main square is also worth a stop, where you will find several shops selling local handicraft.

Day 2 – Stopover in Antipaxos

book2sail-Antipaxos greece
fastest yachts

source: dreamingreece.com

After spending a day at Lefkas, you can sail towards the Paxoi Island. Crossing the Lefkas canal, head further north until you reach Antipaxos, a small island 29 miles away from Lefkas. Anchor your boat at the small port of the island and take a dip in the calm turquoise waters. Surrounded by a breathtaking landscape, this charming place is nothing short of bliss and a perfect way to unwind before you set sail again on the Ionian Sea.

Day 3 – Paxoi

book2sail-paxos greece 1

source: Pinterest

After lunch, sail further north to the island of Paxoi. You can moor your boat at Gaios, the main harbour of the island and experience what is a very picturesque, romantic, and somewhat sleepy island. Upon arrival, you are greeted by fjord-shaped beaches, green hills, and small bays and it is here, you can spend an entire day exploring the maze of alleyways in the charming port town of Gaios.  Furthermore, the following day, you can spend a day at one of the beautiful beaches on the island, many of which are only accessible by boat.

Day 4 – Kefalonia

book2sail-pessada beach

source: Vericoco-Retreat.com

On your fourth day, you can sail towards Kefalonia and anchor the boat at a well-known port called Fiscardo and upon arrival, take time to swim through the cove just above the port. Fiscardo is another picturesque port town in the Ionian Sea where you can spend a day exploring the plethora of shops in the port area. When evening comes, enjoy a meal and some drinks at the restaurants and bars near the port.

Day 5 & 6 – Ithaca

book2sail-ithaca greece

source: Ithaca | Greece for Visitors

The best way to spend the last two days of your sailing excursion is on the enchanting island of Ithaca. Simply put, this island charms visitors with a laidback vibe, lush greenery, and crystal clear water. Despite it being so small, the island has plenty to offer, and while you can swim at the idyllic beaches, the town is a great place to enjoy local cuisine and mingle with the friendly locals.

Day 7 – Return to Lefkas or an alternative port of your choice.

Are you planning a sailing itinerary in the South Ionian Islands? Please let us know in the comments below!

Frequently asked questions

  • 1
    What are some of the key preparations I should consider prior to my yacht charter?
    • Travel Documentation

      Always ensure you have some form of acceptable identification, in legible condition and valid.

      Medication

      Double check that both you and other individuals in your group remember to bring important medications that you are currently being prescribed, accounting for the amount of time you will be at sea.

      Money & Additional expenses

      It would be prudent to budget for slightly over what you anticipate spending. Charter related expenses will be made known, however you never know whether you will need something once travelling.

      Research

      Set aside some time look up the areas you intend on visiting, both whilst chartering (as part of your anticipated itinerary) and whilst travelling to the location at which you will begin your charter.

      Supplies

      As with any journey or holiday, ensure you have adequate toiletries, perhaps some favored foods and snacks.

      Clothing

      Bring the types of clothing that will, in your estimation, suit the weather conditions of the location in which you will be chartering. It may be handy to spend some time researching a few sailing blogs and weather forecasts.

      Equipment

      All necessary equipment should be found already aboard (including safety equipment and anything required to properly operate the vessel. Though you may like to bring a few extra mod-cons to ensure you have the best of experiences.

  • 2
    What is the best way to choose the right vessel and charter for me?
    • Choosing the best vessel for you and those joining you on your yacht charter, would be dependent on your personal preference. Though we recommend considering the following points:

      • Your level of experience
      • Where you will be chartering
      • The time of year and associated weather conditions
      • The ages and competence of both yourself and those in your group

      It would be very helpful for you to conduct some basic research pertaining to all of the above, by way of asking those who you know have chartered the type of vessel or been to the location you are considering, before. Yacht charter blogs and other relevant websites that will offer you an understanding of the key factors you should consider.

      And of course, we are more than happy to help you with your decision.

  • 3
    Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
    • That all depends on where you intend to charter. If you would like to charter a yacht within Europe, the answer would be yes. It is important to remember that the correct licencing and/or documentation for your charter is your responsibility and we would strongly advise you to enquire into the legal prerequisites of your chosen charter region, taking care to note any differences if you are to cross maritime boarders.

      Regarding Europe, you will require an International Certificate of Competence, also known as the ICC.

  • 4
    What is an APA?
    • As a rule of thumb, the fee you pay for your charter, includes the rental of the vessel and the necessary crew to operate it, all other expenses associated with the charter are separate and are financed by the APA, which stands for the Advance provisioning allowance.

      The APA generally amounts to 30% of the total charter fee, though this may vary depending on the vessel.

      Dockage fees, fuel, communications and food & beverages will all be financed by the APA. Any remaining money from the APA at the end of the charter, will be returned to you.

  • 5
    What happens if the owner/captain does not show up, or is late?
    • All boat owners are bound to have someone meeting charterers on the day of charter. It is important that you as a charterer notify us if there is something wrong with your charter. For more information read the charterer’s policy.

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