Lefkas Yacht Charter Itinerary
7 days
•112 nautical miles
7 Days Sailing the Ionian
Day 1: Lefkas to Meganisi (10NM)
Day 2: Meganisi to Kioni (17NM)
Day 3: Kioni to Agia Effimia (20NM)
Day 4: Agia Effimia to Ithaka (Vathi) (17NM)
Day 5: Vathi to Atokos to Kastos (20NM)
Day 6: Kastos to Spartichori, Meganisi (17NM)
Day 7: Meganisi to Lefkas (11NM)
Sail the South Ionian
Lefkada (or Lefkas) has a spectacular coastline boasting white sand beaches, sheltered coves and towering cliffs. The ideal starting point for an Ionian yacht charter with a large marina, and a great range of sailing yachts! While waiting for the yacht to be ready you can explore the imposing ruins of the mediaeval Santa Maura Fortress, indulge in some of the watersports the island is famous for or simply relax on the quiet beaches. There are three traditional villages, each with a picturesque harbour: Atherinos is the harbour in Katomeri village (the municipal seat); Vathy harbour bears the same name as the village and Spilia is the harbour in Spartochori village. On this island you will find some amazing beaches such as Ampelaki, Balos, Platigyali, Svourna, Kolopoulou, Dichali, Limonari, Elia and Limni. Most of the picturesque bays, mainly the northern ones, provide safe anchorage.
- The lagoon: One of the Ionian Sea’s most significant wetlands, home to magnificent swans, wild ducks, wild geese, and Eurasian coots. It is protected by the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance.
- Agia Mavra fort: At the town’s entrance, constructed by a Sicilian named Giovanni Orsini in 1300
- The central square with many restaurants and cafés where Agios Spyridonas church is located (late 17th c.) with an interesting iconostasis and icons.
- The age long Elaionas (Olive Grove), lying west, on the town outskirts.
- The windmills at Gyra.
- Fryni (2 km SW), a small village on a slope with a fantastic view
- Agios Konstantinos church in Katomeri and Agios Ioannis church 3 km SW of Spartochori.
- Giovani’s Cave and Papanikolis Cave, both in the SW part of the island (accessible only by sea).
Kioni is a picturesque small fishing village nestled on the island of Ithaca in Greece, perfect for yachting. This traditional harbor town is surrounded by cerulean blue waters, lush green hillsides, and cozy fishing cottages and taverns, as well as the remnants of three windmills.. Relax on the sandy beach or explore some of the nearby caves by paddle board. North of Kioni, you will find Mavronas, a pebble beach, and to the south you can reach - by boat only - the secluded beaches of Kritami, Chalkia and Liano.
Agia Effimia is a seaside village with a beautiful beach on the eastern coast of Kefalonia. A traditional fishing village, it is now a popular tourist town during the summer months. Agia Effimia is perfectly situated to explore a number of beautiful beaches.
- Thematon Monastery (17th c), dedicated to Panagia (the Virgin Mary) and built on the top of a wooded slope of Mount Agia Dynati
- The traditional villages Makryotika (4.5 km W); Neochori (10 km N) and Komitata (12 km N); you will find interesting elements of traditional architecture.
- Myrtos beach (9.5 km NW), among the top Mediterranean sandy beaches, where the white expanse of sand is sheltered by towering cliffs.
Sheltered Ithaki is situated between Kefalonia and mainland Greece. The island is celebrated as the mythical home of Homer’s Odysseus, where loyal wife Penelope waited patiently, besieged by unsavory suitors, for Odysseus’ much-delayed homecoming. This tranquil island is made up of two large bodies of land joined by a narrow isthmus. Sheer cliffs, precipitous, arid mountains and occasional olive groves. Diminutive villages (much rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake) and hidden coves with pebbly beaches add to the charm, while monasteries and churches offer Byzantine delights and splendid views.
Atokos is a stunning untouched island lying among the Echinades Islands. The island has tranquil turquoise waters met by white rock formations. Atokos is a private island owned by a Greek shipping millionaire, but the anchorage makes for a fantastic lunch stop and swimming spot. Kastos and neighbouring Kalamos have a more Aegean feel than most Ionian islands, being quieter and a bit more rugged. Mylos Cocktail Bar is a great bar in a renovated windmill. The perfect spot to enjoy sundowners with a view before descending to the town for dinner.
Spartochori is a hidden gem in the Ionian Sea ideal for yachting guests who seek an authentic Greek island experience. The harbour is lined with traditional fishing boats and colourful houses, providing a lively atmosphere. Spartochori blends quaint charm with cosmopolitan entertainment. Enjoy a stroll up the hill to the town, taking in the view looking out across the northern Ionian before sampling Greek delicacies at the taverna owned by eccentric brothers Papis and Babos. Bliss!
Time to return to base. Enjoy a leisurely day around Meganisi, head out for a gentle sail, maybe stopping in Varko Bay for a final lunch aboard, before making your way back up the Lefkas canal.