book2sail-Pic 5 1 1

If you plan to spend your next holiday in Greece and want to rent a boat, Lefkas region is the destination you can’t miss. With its beautiful white cliffs and sandy beaches, Lefkas (meaning ”white”) is the fourteen largest Greek island (actually, a group of 24 islands) connected to the Greek mainland by a floating drawbridge at the north end of the Lefkas Canal.

boat hire marmaris turkey
book2sail-pic 1 1

Where to sail?

Lefkas is famous as one of the major sailing destination. First, there is Vassiliki Bay, on the south-west coast, renowned for its windsurfing events and catamaran competitions.

book2sail-pic 2 1

Meganisi, on the east coast, is a popular honeymoon destination. With its picturesque villages of Spartakhori, Vathi, and Katomeri, it is famous for its tavernas that serve excellent seafood, beautiful scenery and amazing beaches, as well as the sea caves, the Papanikolis Cave being the most popular.

book2sail-pic 3 1

Drogarati Cave, 196 feet below ground, is a natural wonder that should not be missed. At the same time, Laganas Beach is a popular tourist destination stretching 5 miles and home to the ponderous loggerhead turtle.

The Island of Lefkas

Lefkas (Lefkada) is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, characterized by beautiful sandy beaches and rocky terrain. The island occupies 336 square kilometres, and its highest point is the mountain Stavrota, 1,158 meters high.

fastest yachts
book2sail-pic 4 1

Lefkas is an island that has preserved the tradition of the old Mediterranean because its laws do not allow the building of tall buildings. This can be seen in the picturesque town of Lefkada, the capital of the island. It is located in the northeastern part of the island and is connected to mainland Greece by a bridge. The town has around 14,000 inhabitants and is, despite its size, a lively place, especially during summers. It numbers several churches that witness the richness of its history and culture, as well as the traditional importance of the religion in everyday life.

book2sail-Pic 5 1

Lefkada is an excellent starting point for sailing trips around the Ionian islands and its surrounding area. With its dark sea and white sand, the beaches are the main attraction of the island. The most famous of those is Porto Katsiki beach, a small bay laid below a high cliff. It is located 45 km south-west of Lefkada and is a frequent stop for cruisers, whose travellers love to enjoy the beautiful sea and wild waves.

Another famous beach is the long and sandy Egremi beach, with a lot of sunbeds and umbrellas. There are also several beach bars. All this indicates that the beach receives a lot of tourists, but more private spots can be found as well. Around 325 steps are leading down to the beach, providing a breathtaking view of the island.
If you are looking for a lively beach with various facilities, then Nidri beach is the one for you. There are cafes, restaurants, beach bars, and other forms of entertainment. The beach is perfect for families with children.

book2sail-pic 7 1

Boat charter in Lefkas includes a collection of motor yachts, crewed, skippered or bareboat sailing yachts, catamarans, and other boats during the whole cruising season, from April through November, with NW winds blowing from 10 to 15 knots and average temperatures ranging between 24-28°C. Yacht charter in Lefkas is ideal for couples with younger children or less experienced sailors.

book2sail-pic 8 1

If you decide to sail on a chartered boat in Lefkada, keep in mind that the water temperature in summer is around 26 degrees, so you definitely can take a pleasant dip. The tides are not very strong, and the prevailing winds are the Meltemi, strong winds that come from the north. The currents in this area are somewhat intense, so we advise you to choose a day of sailing in which the conditions are favorable.

Now you know why boat charter is one of the best options for exploring this island. We invite you to visit this beautiful island and tell us your impressions!

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.

Latest news

Charter a yacht with Book2Sail

Book2Sail makes you feel that when it comes to chartering a boat, there is no limitation. You can choose any form of boat at any time and anywhere (catamaran, sailboat, motorboat, jet ski). Whether you’re sailing in August with a catamaran to explore the Dalmatian coastline or spending Easter holidays in the French Riviera, you will find your dream boat.

Our team of chartering specialists are ready to assist you to make your chartering experience as easy as possible. We have different itineraries to cater for any type of activity you choose to do, once you are ashore.

Get in touch now and Book2Sail today.