Southern Ionian

1 WEEK
LEFKADA BASE
Hop on your sailing boat from our charter base at Lefkada and get ready to depart for an unforgettable tour of the Southern Ionian! Enjoy yourself at popular sailing destinations like Vasiliki, Porto Katsiki, Kefalonia island and Agia Euphemia, Ithaca, Pera Pigadi, Vathy, Atokos and Kalamos. You can plan your own itinerary but feel free to use the one below as inspiration!

SATURDAY

Get yourself excited! Your Ionian sailing adventure is about to kick off right here, right now, in the beautiful island of Lefkas! We will be more than happy to welcome you at our base in Lefkas’ Marina (1). Our collaborators will brief you on all your trips’ details and afterwards you will check into the brand new sailing boat you’ll come to love for the next one or more weeks! After check-in, you could sail off towards Vasiliki (2), a picturesque port in the southern part of the island. Make sure you get to explore the village – and its marvellous tavernas, before you sleep like a bird surrounded by the serenity of the marina.

SUNDAY

An amazing day is about to begin, so think twice before you snooze that morning alarm! Weather (winds and waves) allowing, today is the day to head to the western side of Lefkas; the world-famous Porto Katsiki (3) awaits to dazzle you with its Caribbean-colored waters! When the wind freshens up, set sails towards Kefalonia Island and the picturesque port of Agia Euphemia (4). Wander around the small village, do some shopping and don’t miss out on the opportunity to satisfy your senses, while having a well deserved dinner in one of the many waterside tavernas!

MONDAY

Ready to fall in love with a Monday? Now is the time. Turn due east out of Agia Euphemia village, and take on a beautiful leg until you reach Pera Pigadi (5) in Ithaca; swimming in its crystal clear waters will be a breathtaking experience. Once you’ve had enough – if that’s even possible, you’ll sail towards Vathi, the capital of Ithaca and renowned home to homeric Ulysses, but not before you take a little dive in Lygia and Filiatro. Once you’ve entered Molos Bay, head straight to Vathy (6) as you pass by Lazareto island, which is within Vathy’s bay. Moor up and walk around the town, rent a bike, enjoy the culture and the food!

THUESDAY

Tonight you’ll be staying at anchor so make sure you take care of your provisions! Our choice for the day is a little paradise on Earth called Atokos (7)! If you wake up early, and we strongly suggest you do so, you’ll have the opportunity to visit both amazing gulfs of the island! Trust us, you really don’t want to miss out on anything. Just drop your anchor and take in this jaw-dropping scenery.

WEDNESDAY

Hoist your sails and let the wind take you to beautiful Kalamos! Make sure you get to swim in front of the abandoned village of Porto Leone (8) – the spot is amazingly peaceful! Afterwards, head up to Kalamos’ harbour (9) and drop your anchor in its crystal clear blue waters. Oh wait, is that a dolphin over there? Well, quite probably so. You see, in such pristine waters sudden encounters with not so common sea species should come as no surprise.

THURSDAY

Head north to one of the countless scenic bays of Meganisi (10). Enjoy the sea and the sun, while snorkeling and admiring the fertile, pine-covered scenery! You can then head to Vathy (11), the capital of Meganisi, where you can spend the night at the marina. Useful tip: Fill up the boat with diesel so that you can skip the traffic at Lefkas marina gas station! Once you are done, fill up your soul with the fresh air and the exhilarating scents of the forest and the mountain, while strolling through the villages’ narrow roads!

FRIDAY

Rise and shine because another beautiful day awaits you! Next swimming stop is Bathyabale (12). Lose yourself in the infinite shades of blue and green, at a place that you will surely wish you could take back home with you! Good news is you will actually take it back with you -in your unforgettable memories! Kindly note that you will have to reach Lefkas’ Marina (13) by no later than 18:00, so you can settle down on time, take a bath and go to bed. Ok, that was obviously a joke. Lefkas is out there, a lively city at your disposal and this is your last night, so most likely you won’t rush to say ”goodnight”.

SATURDAY

Your sailing adventure is about to reach its end. We know it is heartbreaking, but a promise that more will come in the future always helps. Make sure you leave the boat at 9:00, so we’ll have some time to clean it and get it ready for the next sailors. Thank you for your trust and we look forward to welcoming you back on-board soon!

Northern Ionian

1 WEEK
CORFU BASE
Explore the northern Ionian sea on a sailing boatstarting from our base in Gouvia Marina, Corfu. Get into a bareboat or skippered charter and travel to any number of famous sailing destinations like Mourtos, Sivota, Paxos and the Blue Caves, Antipaxos and Voutoumi! Feel free to design your own itinerary using the one below as a starting point!

SATURDAY

Welcome to Ionian’s little paradise, Corfu! Our team will be waiting for you at our basis in Gouvia Marina, to share with you useful tips for your new floating home and the upcoming weekly itinerary. Meet the brand new charter sailing boat on which you will be sailing the Ionian and once check in is done, set off! First destination is Kalami, a picturesque fishing village on the northeast corner of Corfu where you will take your first dip, before you get to taste a mouthwatering meal at the seaside taverns. If you like hiking there are beach trails that lead to beautiful beaches in the surrounding area. Or else just sit back, relax, take your time. This sailing vacation has only just started! The best is yet to come!

SUNDAY

Who wants to get lazy on a Sunday morning? Certainly not the kind of crowd who would go sailing the Ionian on one of our skippered or bareboat charters! You wake up early on the active side of life! Seize the day, check the weather and wind allowing sail all the way to amazing Mourtos, just outside Sivota. We strongly recommend that you spend the night offshore; cooking on board, listening to music, relaxing in good company, enjoying the rich surrounding nature and the absolute tranquility, this is an experience not to be missed. For those of you that feel like spending the night somewhere more loud, though, there is always the option of Sivota, a lively, vibrant and popular port, that practically has it all; nice tavernas, night bars, beautiful shops, and a buzzing crowd all day and all night long!

MONDAY

Ready to discover the island of Paxos? Upcoming destination is Lakka, a picturesque little port on the northern coast of this amazing Ionian island, resting in the arms of a windless bay. Drop anchor, let your charter sailing boat rest, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the scenery. The waters are green and crystal clear, ideal for diving and water sports. Use your float boat to reach the port and explore this fantastic place. You can find nice tavernas, beautiful coffee places, picturesque corners and many more reasons to enjoy life! This is the kind of Monday we all love!

THUESDAY

Waking up to the spectacular view of those amazing green waters is already all you could possibly ask for on a Tuesday morning! Still, it gets even better, after that revitalizing morning swim. Then, weather allowing you can set sail for the Blue Caves on the west side of the island. CAUTION! You have to be there early, before the tide rises. Today is also a perfect day to visit Gaios, the main town and port of Paxos. Early arrival is a must as the port tends to get really busy with crewed and bareboat yachts and catamarans! Rest assured that the place is worth the rush! It will reward you with an idyllic setting; picturesque narrow streets, beautiful island niches, a vivid shopping culture, plenty of food and drink options. Plus, overnight here is bliss and a real highlight when sailing the Ionian!

WEDNESDAY

Morning coffee is already served and your batteries have definitely been recharged. Now is the time to sail towards Voutoumi, the unique beautiful blue beach of Antipaxos island and possibly one of the most treasured Ionian spots among sailing boat travellers. Once again, early arrival is a must! Sailing in Ionian and Voutoumi goes hand in hand, so make sure you get there before lunchtime to avoid heavy boat traffic. Once you have had enough relaxing, swimming and enjoying the charms of this amazing place, head to the port of Parga. Ideally you can drop anchor in the north bay of Valtos, from where you can reach Parga on your outboard. Alternatively there is a 5 ‘ walking path leading to the town’s center. Local floating taxis are also available to facilitate your sea transportation to and from Parga. This is an imposing seaside village ideal for romantic walks, good food and fine drinks. Don’t forget to visit the castle and enjoy the view from above!

THURSDAY

Before you head back to Corfu, make sure you enjoy a swim in the magnificent Bella Vraka just below Mourtos. Upcoming destination is Corfu, and more specifically Petritis, the famous fishing village of the island. Expect crystal clear, very shallow waters, ideal for children and adults alike, and combine the refreshing dips with delicious snacks by the seaside. Spending the night here is really magic, surrounded by the absolute serenity and tranquility of the place.

FRIDAY

This sailing vacation is slowly reaching its end, but yachting in Ionian will not stop surprising you up until the last minute! After breakfast and coffee, head to Ipsos Beach, Dassia, north of Gouvia Marina, for a revitalizing morning dip. Those last moments of relaxation are cherished even more, so make the most out of them, before you head to our base in Gouvia Marina, where you will spend the last night of this dream vacation. Don’t forget to refuel at the marina’s gas station. This is your last chance to visit Corfu Town and we strongly suggest you do. It is only 10 minutes away and access is very easy by taxi. Corfu Town is a vibrant and lively destination, packed with restaurants, coffee places, bars, great shops and a cosmopolitan attitude that never fails to impress!

SATURDAY

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially to such an amazing sailing adventure! However, your time on-board our bareboat is about to reach its end. Kindly note that we should expect you at our Corfu base by no later than 9 am, so that we can clean the boat and prepare her for the next sailors. Hopefully you got to enjoy this sailing vacation as much as we enjoyed having offered you our services, and look forward to having you back soon!

Ionian Islands Tour

2 WEEKS
LEFKADA BASE
Idyllic beaches, underwater caves, turquoise waters: the Ionian sea is in the bucket list of every sailor! Our 2 week Ionian Island tour below starts from our charter base in Lefkada and visits all the major islands: Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos plus all the famous smaller islands. Explore away!

SATURDAY

Hurray! The time has come for your sailing vacation to begin and Lefkas island will serve as the ideal starting point. Meet us at our base in the island’s Marina (1), so that we will brief you with all your trip’s details, while you will get to know your dream charter boat! Check-in done, so… off you go! Sail towards Meganissi Island and Spartochori (2) gulf. Make sure you add a taverna visit to your wishlist and treat yourself to a delicious meal, before you call it a day.

SUNDAY

Sunday is a good day for you to sail towards Desimi (3), an incredible scenery, featuring idyllic beaches and awe-inspiring caves! Don’t miss the chance to swim in the crystal clear waters, and should you be in a mood for exploration, drop anchor and enter the cave of Agios Nikolaos, on your sup, canoe, or the yacht’s inflatable boat. The feeling inside the cave is really something! Upcoming destination is Vassiliki (4), Lefkas’ renowned southern port. The village is a real beauty and will not fail to impress you with its various charms, among which a whole lot of restaurants, serving exquisite sea flavors. Help yourself!

MONDAY

This will be a Monday to remember! Make sure you get up early so you will be on time for your upcoming rendezvous with the world-famous Porto Katsiki (5). This is the closest a Greek beach will ever get to the Carribean and- oh is it dazzling! Expect turquoise waters, idyllic surroundings and an overall amazing yachting experience, before you head to the Island of Kefalonia and its beautiful port of Fiskardo (6); yet another great destination that will satisfy your every need. Shopping, dining, carefree strolling up and down the streets, you name it!

THUESDAY

How about reaching Ithaca and discovering its obvious and hidden gems? Afales (7) beach is next on the list! A really beautiful spot, ideal for revitalizing swimming, surrounded by an impressively green scenery! Take your time. Breathe in. Relax. And when you feel all filled-up, sail off towards Kioni (8), the little and hospitable port that will offer you a safe and quiet shelter for the night.

WEDNESDAY

Say hello to a new glorious morning and set sails towards Marmakas (9), another favorite spot among skippers and charter yachts (yes, there are THAT many of them around)! Today is another perfect day for total relaxation by the sea, or to put it better, on the sea and occasionally in it. When the wind freshens up, set sails towards Kefalonia, and more specifically the port of Sami (10). Moor up, and feel free to move around the streets of the beautiful village. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner and satisfy your appetite.

THURSDAY

Your charter vacation is about to enter a new exciting chapter, as today you will sail to Zakynthos! The journey is a bit long from Sami to the famous Blue Caves (11), but, trust us, it is well worth every minute! The renowned spot is quite famous among yachters, and one of the island’s best known natural attractions, featuring impressive geological formations that have created a series of caves along the northwest coast, from Agios Nikolaos all the way to Cape Schoinari. Drop anchor and feel free to explore the pristine seascape, on your inflatable boat. The night will be spent at the port of Agios Nikolaos (12), where you will get some well-deserved rest after a long, fun-packed day.

FRIDAY

It’s Friday and you will fall in love with what is perhaps the island’s, if not the whole country’s, most-captured attraction! The famous Navagio, also known as Shipwreck (13), is an exposed cove, covered by small limestone pebbles, and surrounded by impressively tall, vertical geological formations. Trademark of the scenery is the abandoned shipwreck that rests half-buried. The spot is accessible only by sea, thus quite popular among charter yachts and catamarans. It is quite common that the waters around the shipwreck turn electric blue, due to the numerous sulfur springs within the caves that surround the beach. After spending your day at this amazing spot, you will head to the island’s Hora. It shall take you a while to get there, so make sure you enjoy the trip to the fullest. Once you moor up, expect to enter a lively and spirited town. Zakynthos (14) will find many ways to seduce you, whatever you are up for, shopping, sightseeing, dining, or even clubbing!

SATURDAY

Upcoming destination: Marathonissi (15)! The private island, that used to be inhabited until World War Two, nowadays has no population, and is located within the Marine Park. It serves as home to the famous sea turtles Caretta Caretta, who go there to breed, therefore it is highly recommended to reach it at a low speed. The island features two beautiful beaches, one sandy and one with pebbles. It ‘s perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Oh, and seal spotting, if you are lucky enough, as Monacus Monacus is another sea species who has found shelter in this pristine niche of earth. Night will find you in Kefallonia, and in particular the port of Poros (16). Prepare yourself for a long journey back and make sure you eat and rest well, once you reach the port.

SUNDAY

Like a modern Ulysses, today you will return to your Ithaca! Pera Pigadi (17) is on schedule. Αn amazing scenery, where green slopes go all the way to the shore to meet the white pebbles and the kind of waters you just can’t get enough off! Lygia comes up next, and again, it will be hard not to fall in love with the crystal clear seas of this tiny islet. Then, it is time to sail straight to Vathy (18), Ithaca’s main town, a traditional settlement, with beautiful buildings, a serene atmosphere and the characteristic islet of Lazareto.

MONDAY

Today you will be heading to the amazing small island of Atokos (19) and you will spend the night there, so don’t forget to check your provisions! This elongated and -as green as it gets- island features several coves and small caves, all along its coastline and at least 2 amazing beaches. Make sure you get there early enough, so that you won’t have to leave anything out of your “been there/done that” list.

THUESDAY

It’s just another day in paradise called Atokos! Now is your chance to get to explore the island a bit more. Breathe in, swim, relax and when it feels right, move on to the next destination: Kastos. When yachting in Ioanian, you have to get used to the fact that the options are just too many and too good. Kastos (20) is no exception. Unlike Atokos, there is a village in Kastos. Around 80 inhabitants, a few tavernas, and a mini market are at your disposal, before you say goodnight.

WEDNESDAY

Today’s itinerary will lead you to Kalamos, yet another Ionian beauty that leaves no sailing lover dissatisfied. The island is famous especially for the abandoned village of Porto Leone (21) and this is exactly where you are heading! Make sure you get to swim in the extremely clear waters of this amazing scenery, before you head to Kalamos’ port (22). A peaceful and quiet traditional village, with beautiful architecture and nice tavernas to indulge in mouthwatering dishes.

THURSDAY

Time to head north! Meganisi (23) and its various, charming bays await you! Swimming, snorkeling, or simply giving in to the beauty of the sea and its green surroundings, just name the activity. Vathy (24) is one of the island’s 3 villages and the biggest of all. The air here is quite fresh, with an intense aroma from the surrounding pine forests. Tip of the day: perhaps you want to consider filling up with diesel at the port’s gas station, so that you can skip the traffic at Lefkas marina gas station.

FRIDAY

As this yachting vacation slowly reaches its end, another great destination comes to add that extra touch of magic to the overall experience. Bathyabale (25) is a great beach of the mainland, where shades of green and blue mix together resulting in a painting-like scenery! When you take in enough of this amazing place, set sails for Lefkas (26). Kindly note that we should expect you to be back to the island’s marina by 18.00 in the afternoon. Moor up and prepare yourself for an exciting night in this lively, charming town.

SATURDAY

This is it! 14 days and a thousand memories after, this sailing vacation is about to reach an end. You are expected to leave the yacht by no later than 9.00 a.m. It is only fair that the next sailors will find her in a sound condition like you did. We do hope you got to enjoy this 2 week yachting itinerary as much as we enjoyed working on it! We thank you for trusting us and look forward to having you back on one of our sailing yachts and catamarans.

Sightseeing

Ionian sea has been fairly considered to be a sailing paradise. Its group of islands, from the seven main islands to an impressive amount of small islets, combine green slopes with milky blue and at times deep turquoise waters, and atmospheric villages packed with history, culture and an imposing Venetian architecture. This truly special landscape is not likely to be found anywhere else around the country- if not the entire globe!

Whatever one’s definition of a dream sailing vacation is, chances are that they will find it around here. A great amount of beaches of all kinds, featuring from white sand to limestone pebbles, compose a truly amazing seascape. Add a particularly large amount of little coves, long coastlines, secluded beaches, awe-inspiring geological formations and caves, most of which can exclusively be reached by the sea, and you get a clear picture of what has made the Ionian Sea one of sailing boat-charter vacation lovers’ best kept secret. Wait no more! Rent a sailing boat with us and get ready to sail… the extra-ordinary!

Old Fortress (Corfu)

Moor up and get ready to embark on a journey in history. Built on a small islet on the eastern edge of the Old Town of Corfu and Spianada, the Old Fortress is the site that can’t be missing from your sightseeing list. Up until the 15th century, the Fortress used to be the city of Corfu, then it was converted into a military site. Grab the opportunity to admire the magnificent architecture and meet several historic buildings, still standing: the Venetian prison, the military chapel, even the English military hospital, nowadays operating as the island’s music school.

Once you reach the Old Fortress’ highest level, you will get the chance to admire the panoramic view of Spianada and the Old Town, and if you are lucky enough you might even stumble upon open-air cultural events. Should you need some rest, during this amazing almost 3-hour-long exploration of the trails of history, it might be useful to know that there are two areas offering drinks, refreshments, coffee or even food.

Drogarati cave (Kefalonia)

Imagine attending a (most probably classical) music concert, in a special acoustics’ hall that lies literally underground and that is decorated with stalactites and stalagmites. Inspiring, huh? Well, this is not a fictional scenario, it is a common occasion in this amazing cave of Kefalonia, which happens to be the only one in Greece to be featuring a room of these dimensions (65m x 45m and 20m height). It was discovered 300 years ago, when a powerful earthquake destroyed part of it and created the entrance. The depth of the cave reaches 60 meters below ground level, the temperature is at 18˚C and humidity levels reach 90%. Since 1963 it has been open to the public and it attracts an impressive amount of visitors

Melissani Cave (Kefalonia)

Welcome to the legendary cave of the Nymphs, a unique scenery, composed by blue waters and honey walls, countless formations and a small island, surrounded by trees- an overall rare geological phenomenon! Located 2 km northwest of Sami, in Karavomilos, the cave features a vertical, natural entrance, that was created by the fall of a roof’s part, possibly by an earthquake. There are two chambers in the B-shaped cave, one flooded with natural sunlight and the other dark and mysterious, covered with stalagmites and algae.

Back in the 1960s, the excavations brought to light several prehistoric utensils, such as plates, oil lamps and even figures of the god Pan, whom the Nymphs used to worship here, according to greek mythology. Legend has it, this was the actual spot where one of these Nymphs, Melissanti (or Melissani), drowned herself, unable to handle her rejection by the god Pan. Melissani cave certainly has a magical feeling, that you can only fully understand once you visit it. So make sure you put it on your to-do list, when you rent your sailing boat with us.

Fiskardo (Kefalonia)

It used to be called Panormos. Fiskardo, its current name, is believed to be owed to Norman Roberto Giscardo, the man who conquered it back in the 11th century. Located in the northern part of Kefalonia island, this picturesque port, is a very popular destination among modern travellers- and especially sailing boats, due to its natural beauty, its traditional architecture and its undeniable cosmopolitan touch. Time seems to have stopped here, as the settlement remained untouched by the earthquake of 1953, preserving its long and glorious history. Sailing vacation lovers keep returning to this beautiful town, on bareboats or skippered catamarans. They moor up and then peacefully stroll up and down the seaside zone, admiring the magnificent mansions. This is definitely a spot where you should drop anchor, too. Let your charter-sailing boat rest, while you get to enjoy life, in this little cosmopolitan paradise on earth.

Porto Katsiki (Lefkas)

First time you lay your eyes on it, you can hardly believe it is actually real. Well, it is one of the times that reality is just too good to be true. The famous Porto Katsiki is quite popular along all kinds of charter-sailing boat travellers, both skippered catamarans and bareboats, and this comes as no surprise; it looks like a setting from another world.

The presence of the huge rock at the backdrop is definitely awe-inspiring. You can never be sure of its intentions, is it protective or threatening? The beach is quite long and promising, covered by small white pebbles. The waters are simply amazing, with their distinctive blue color as far as the eye can see.

Top tip; make sure you get to witness at least one sunset in Porto Katsiki. The colors are simply spectacular. But also be prepared to socialize with many more fellow sailors, should you visit in the midst of high tourist season.

Porto Leone (Kalamos)

Kalamos is one of those tiny islands of the Ionian, whose discovery is always a big, pleasant surprise and the highlight of any Ionian charter sailing vacation! Its picturesque cove of Porto Leone, nowadays uninhabited, is a legendary pοrt tied to marine adventures as notorious pirates acted in this sea region, while thousands of Greeks found a shelter there, during the 1821 revolution – national hero’s Karaiskakis’ family included.

Nowadays the island counts very few inhabitants, while cars are prohibited. The landscape is impressively green, lush with pines and olive groves, that reach up to the sea. The beaches are a discovery on their own. The fact that most of them are accessible only by sea makes sailing boat chartering the best, if not the only way, to enjoy its beauties to the fullest. It is not uncommon to come across dolphins here… All you need is your sailing boat and some extra luck!

Atokos

Atokos is another tiny islet that promises to leave a huge imprint on your overall sailing adventure. Located on the south of Lefkada and north of Ithaca, this is a magnificent destination, home to a rich and unspoiled nature, turquoise colored waters, and pristine secluded beaches, impressively similar to the west coast of Lefkada.

Expect a dramatic scenery; imposing peaks, huge white cliffs, an adventurous coastline with several fascinating caves. There is one central beach on the island and has it all; white sand, limestone pebbles, turquoise, crystal clear waters! What else could you possibly ask for? Well, since you are among the lucky ones that visit this islet by boat, be it a sailing boat, chances are you will get the chance to enjoy more. There are coves and caves and picturesque bays, and all sorts of natural beauties waiting to amaze anyone sailing the Ionian. Grab the opportunity.

Erimitis Beach (Paxi)

Head towards the west coast of Paxos and prepare yourself for yet another top-notch sailing experience! Nature never ceases to create miracles and Erimitis Beach is an excellent sample of its skills. Not much more than a decade ago, a piece of rock collapsed into the sea after an earthquake, and- in just four years or so- the huge waves did an excellent job in forming this young and extremely promising beach.

The presence of the huge white rocks is dominant and in combination with the milky blue waters, give an overall strange exotic feel to the place. Moreover, its western orientation makes it a perfect spot for that instagram worthy sunset shots. Is this a spot you can’t miss while sailing in one of our charter-sailing boats? The answer is simple. YES.

Voutoumi (Antipaxi)

Imagine a small bay with shallow, crystal clear, turquoise waters, surrounded by a green scenery, where lush vegetation and cypresses reach up to the white, exotic sand, and you get a first glimpse of what Voutoumi looks like. Reality is always greater than words and the only way to fully appreciate and enjoy this amazing, secluded beach of Antipaxos (for many the best of the island and for some one of the best in the world) is to actually get yourself there while sailing in one of our charter-sailing boats. It is no coincidence that Telegraph included this beach in its tribute to Europe’s most beautiful “hidden” beaches. Yes, this is a real gem that you can’t risk missing. Just drop anchor and let the magic unfold in the form of turquoise and indigo waters.