Where to sail in Kefalonia and the South Ionian Sea

The Ionian Islands to the west of Greece are home to one of the Mediterranean’s most popular yacht charter sailing destinations providing the perfect cruising ground for fun, relaxed and varied Greek island sailing.

The South Ionian sailing area consists of major islands including Kefalonia, Lefkas, Ithaca and Meganisi with a lot of beautiful villages, harbours and bays.

A sailing destination that suits all sailing abilities as distances between the main cluster of islands are short so you don’t have to sail for hours at a time if you don’t want to but for more adventurous sailors the northern and southern extremities of the Ionian islands offer longer passages.

The Southern Ionian islands including Kefalonia and Lefkas enclose an inland sea with more than twenty smaller islands within the cruising area including Meganissi, Kastos, Kalamos and Ithaca.
Sailing around these Greek islands discover safe anchorages in picturesque bays surrounded by olive groves and cypress trees and explore a fantastic choice of pretty ports.

Navigation in the Ionian islands is simple and stress free due to the close proximity of the islands We can suggest route plans and intineraries and let you know about of all our favourite spots.

Try sailing holidays in Kefalonia. Rent a sailing yacht in Kefalonia with us. It is worth it living this experience!  Contact us for any info or send us a charter request  and we will get back to you the soonest to find together the best option for you.

What’s it like to sail in the Ionian Islands?

The Ionian Sea is renowned for its perfect sailing conditions with plenty of wind to have a really fun sailing holiday in the sunshine. Typically winds build about lunchtime and drop again at sunset. This means that you can spend the morning sailing gently to a lunch time stop to a secluded bay or pretty village and go for a swim or snorkel, have lunch on board and then have a great sail to your evening destination. The winds are fairly consistent and usually result in a very calm evening with still waters.

Southern Ionian Sea

Southern Ionian Sea

Kefalonia

The largest of the Ionian islands, it has a magical landscape and always been a key holiday destination. For visiting yachts perhaps the most special places to explore are the numerous caves in the anchorages along the east side of the island and visit places such as Fiskardo, Euphemia, Sami and Poros. Scenic Fiskardo is a highlight of the trip, with its colourful character and eclectic evening promenade. From here you can also walk or take the dinghy around to the caves in Foci Bay which are well worth a visit. Sailing south to Euphemia, Sami & Poros means some excellent sailing in the Ithaca channel – making this route ideal for new sailors and their families.

Assos Kefalonia

Assos Kefalonia

Try sailing holidays in Kefalonia. Rent a sailing yacht in Kefalonia with us. It is worth it living this experience!  Contact us for any info or send us a charter request  and we will get back to you the soonest to find together the best option for you.

Ithaca

The home of the legendary Greek hero Odysseus, Ithaca really is the jewel in the crown of the Ionian islands and a place where you can feel the ancient myths come alive. From the charming fishing village of Frikes on the North of the island through the chic, picture postcard beauty of Kioni to the bustling capital Vathi, each harbour offers something a bit different. There are numerous stunng anchorages on the island including Polis bay which is reputed to be the site of Odysseus’s farm. In the centre of the island the village of Stavros offers a glimpse of the traditional Greeks island way of life. Only accessible by boat, Ithaca is an unforgettable and magical place.

Sail to Kioni Ithaca

Sail to Kioni Ithaca

Try sailing holidays in Kefalonia. Rent a sailing yacht in Kefalonia with us. It is worth it living this experience!  Contact us for any info or send us a charter request  and we will get back to you the soonest to find together the best option for you.

Lefkas

Lefkas, also known as Lefkada on the west coast of Greece retains an authentic Greek charm. A lush, green island with an amazing landscape, beautiful beaches and paradise-like turquoise waters. The island is surrounded by many stunning satellite islands which can be explored by yacht. The capital of Lefkas is beautiful and vibrant. The village of Vassiliki is framed by mountains and a sapphire sea. With waterfront tavernas, cafes and shops around the harbour Vasilliki is one of the best windsurfing destinations in Europe. Sivota is a large sheltered natural bay with tavernas and cafes on the quayside. There are a number of beautiful bays and anchorages to the east and south of Lefkas.

Sail to Sivota Lefkada

Sail to Sivota Lefkada

Try sailing holidays in Kefalonia. Rent a sailing yacht in Kefalonia with us. It is worth it living this experience!  Contact us for any info or send us a charter request  and we will get back to you the soonest to find together the best option for you.

Meganissi

The beautiful Ionian Island of Meganissi offers complete relaxation in a typically Greek atmosphere. Although it is small enough to explore in a day there is plenty on the island to keep you entertained; the enclosed anchorages on the east side which are great for snorkelling, the ‘capital’ Vathi with its excellent fish tavernas and café culture, and the breathtakingly beautiful Spartakhori on top of the island offering breath taking views and a sleepy charm.

Sail to Meganissi

Sail to Meganissi

Try sailing holidays in Kefalonia. Rent a sailing yacht in Kefalonia with us. It is worth it living this experience!  Contact us for any info or send us a charter request  and we will get back to you the soonest to find together the best option for you.

Kastos

The tiny island of Kastos has numerous anchorages with sandy beaches and rocky areas to explore with your snorkel. This stunningly beautiful island has a tiny population of around 200 people with quaint stone houses and the surrounding water is crystal clear. In the evening the quiet, pretty harbour has fresh locally caught fish in the tavernas. Stunning panoramic views of the Ionian Sea can be enjoyed from the windmill tower which has been restored into a lovely cafe bar.

Sail to Kastos Island

Sail to Kastos Island

Try sailing holidays in Kefalonia. Rent a sailing yacht in Kefalonia with us. It is worth it living this experience!  Contact us for any info or send us a charter request  and we will get back to you the soonest to find together the best option for you.

Kalamos

Sitting in George’s taverna by the beach drinking a cold beer and watching the sun go down over the Ionian sea is one of the quintessential Greek sailing holiday experiences. The main village of Kalamos is a sleepy harbour with a couple of shops and cafes which are all stocked by the ferry which visits daily from the mainland. Port Leone on the south of the island is a must see anchorage, the long since abandoned village offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Sail to Kalamos Island

Sail to Kalamos Island

Atokos

Atokos is a desert island. It has beautiful beaches on the South and East coast and impressive cliffs.

Ionian itinerary ideas with over 50 different towns, villages, harbours and bays to explore. Ionian sea includes the follow characteristics. Easy access by plane or ferry, Unspoiled by tourism, Beautiful ports, Amenities and tavernas, Ancient Greek sites, Mediaeval sites , Secluded anchorages, Spectacular scenery, Easy sailing conditions, Fertile and lush vegetation

Try sailing holidays in Kefalonia. Rent a sailing yacht in Kefalonia with us. It is worth it living this experience!  Contact us for any info or send us a charter request  and we will get back to you the soonest to find together the best option for you.