Sailing Ionian islands in Greece: a 7-day itinerary

Greece is one of the best countries when it comes to islands. They are literally everywhere and one is more beautiful than the other. It is not a coincidence that this is a paradise for sailing lovers, who can choose from many different itineraries according to their needs and desires. In this article, we’ll discover the beauties of the Ionian Islands in an exclusive 7-day itinerary around some of the prettiest islands of the archipelago, between breathtaking landscapes, wild nature, and enchanting towns.  

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Best Ionian Islands to visit by boat 

Day 1 - Lefkada

Day 2 - Fiskardo, Kefalonia

Day 3 - Vathy, Ithaca

Day 4 - Kastos 

Day 5 - Kalamos

Day 6 - Meganisi

Day 7 - Lefkada Town 

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Day 1 - Lefkada Town to Sivota

We start our itinerary in Lefkada Town, where most charter companies are located. We immediately set sail to our first stop, the beautiful bay of Sivota, which is about 17 N.M or 3 hours distance from the capital town: during this journey, you will find many islets scattered along the coasts of Lefkas that are well worth a visit. We suggest making a quick swimming stop nearby the enchanting Onassis Island, a private island owned by the homonymous Greek billionaires family. 

As soon as you reach Sivota Bay, you will be amazed by the presence of such wild nature that covers the hills surrounding the area. Sivota is definitely one of the main touristic places of Lefkada, a quiet bay during the day and a lively neighborhood at night: it is known for having some of the best beaches on the islands, with turquoise waters and white sand, framed by wild nature and all accessible by boat. Moor at the small port to spend the night and enjoy some fresh food at the local tavernas. 

Did you know that Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a bridge? 

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Day 2 - Fiskardo, Kefalonia 

We leave early in the morning to reach one of the most beautiful and popular locations in Ionian Greece, Kefalonia. It takes about 1.5 hours of sailing to get to Fiskardo from Sivota, and along the way, you will pass by the pretty Arkoudi Island, in case you need a refreshing mid-way stop. Fiskardo is a really special place to visit: it is the only town that retained much of its original Venetian architecture, and this unique look turned it into one of the most renowned destinations in the area, with the natural harbor in front of the town being a mandatory stop for the luxury yachts and boats. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, this place is probably not for you, but the lively town with its chic boutiques, restaurants, and bars makes it a great spot for a daily excursion. 

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Day 3 - Vathy, Ithaca 

We set sail to our next destination, the gorgeous Vathy Port on the mythical Ithaca Island. The ride is about 2.5 hours but during the trip, you will skirt most of Itacha’s northern coasts and encounter many beautiful bays and coves along the way. We recommend stopping at the real gem of the island, Afales Beach, a bay with turquoise waters and wild vegetation all around. 

Vathi Port is a small and idyllic harbor located in a natural bay protected by all winds in the central-east part of the island. The lovely town is filled with historical buildings and churches that we suggest visiting before spending the night in the port. 

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Day 4 - Kastos 

Kastos is the fourth stop of our itinerary around the Ionian islands. A long journey of 3 hours awaits us before reaching it from Vathy Port, so we suggest leaving early in the morning to enjoy the day to the fullest. Along with Kalamos, Kastos is a virgin island with plenty of vegetation and beautiful waters, as well as a small population that is famous for its hospitality. The land is filled with olive trees and vineyards, while the coasts are rich in beautiful beaches and coves, such as Ampelakia Beach. 

You can choose to sleep at Mytikas of Aetoacarnania ports for the night.

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Day 5 - Kalamos

Kalamos is relatively close to Kastos and it takes less than an hour of sailing to get there. Head to the small Kalamos Port, once a fishermen’s shelter and now a quiet and relaxing town, for a nice lunch in a local tavern. You will immediately notice the sense of peace and quiet that hovers over the city!

Agios Donatos is a bay that we suggest visiting. It was named after an old Christian chapel built on the shore and you can reach it to spend some time relaxing in the turquoise waters or in the shade of the trees.

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Day 6 - Meganisi 

After about two hours of sailing, you will reach the island of Meganisi, our last stop before heading back to Lefkada. The coasts of this island are decorated with beautiful beaches and bays and caves to explore, such as the Papanikolis Cave on the southeast coast. There are three different ports you can choose from but bear in mind that if you’re bareboating, mooring on the west side required more experience. 

Between Lefkada and Meganisi you can find the small Thilia Islet, which can be easily visited before sailing towards Lefkada Town. 

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Day 7 - Lefkada Town 

Goodbye, Meganisi. It’s time to set sail to our final destination: our charter company in Lefkada Town. If your arrival time is scheduled for later in the day, we suggest sailing around the town area to find nice beaches and coves to make one last swim. 

The most amazing beaches of this island are mostly located on the western coast, but near Lefkada Town, we recommend visiting the isolated Kaminia Beach or Desimi Beach or Desimi Beach on the way from Meganisi to Lefkada Town.

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If you are planning to book a sailing holiday in beautiful Ionian Greece, we suggest checking our website for boat availability.