Island Hopping in the Ionian Sea: A 7-Day Sailing Itinerary from Preveza
26 September 2026 - 3 October 2026
Ionian Islands, GR
7 days trip
12 places avaliable
Catamaran
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
A week-long sailing loop departing from Preveza, navigating south through the Lefkada Canal toward Meganisi, Kalamos, Ithaca and Kefalonia, then returning through Sivota and the inner Ionian.
The southern Ionian is one of the most accessible and rewarding sailing areas in the Mediterranean. The islands are close enough together to allow comfortable daily passages without rushing, yet each one has a distinct character that makes the itinerary feel genuinely varied rather than repetitive.
Preveza sits at the northern entrance to this sailing ground, with Lefkada just ten nautical miles to the south. Passing through the Lefkada Canal opens the door to the inner Ionian: Meganisi's sheltered bays, Ithaca's mythical atmosphere, and the dramatic coastline of Kefalonia. The waters are typically calm, with reliable afternoon breezes that make for comfortable sailing and easy anchoring in protected coves.
The landscape throughout the week alternates between pine-covered hillsides, turquoise bays only reachable by boat, and small harbour villages where the waterfront fills up with fishing boats and sailing yachts each evening. The most memorable stops along this route include the well-protected bay of Sivota on Lefkada, the secluded anchorages of Meganisi, Vathi and Kioni on Ithaca, and the Venetian harbour of Fiskardo on the northern tip of Kefalonia.
Daily life onboard follows a natural rhythm: an early morning departure to catch the light wind, a swim stop in a quiet bay before lunch, arrival at a harbour or anchorage in the mid-afternoon, and evenings spent ashore at waterfront tavernas. The Ionian group covers seven principal islands from Corfu in the north down to Kythira in the south, each with its own character and history. This loop focuses on the central southern section, which offers the best balance of accessibility, variety, and sheltered navigation.
Itinerary
Day1
Preveza to Sivota (Lefkada)
Boarding takes place at Preveza Marina, with time for provisioning and a briefing before departure. The first stretch requires motoring through the Lefkada Canal, a narrow channel that connects the Ambracian Gulf to the open Ionian Sea. The passage calls for lowered sails and careful attention to the lateral buoys marking the route. Once through, the boat enters open water and begins sailing south along Lefkada's eastern coastline.
Along the way, a stop at Fraxia Bay offers a quiet inlet fringed by pine forest and a first chance to anchor and swim. The private islands of Skorpios and Skorpidi are visible from here, though landing is not permitted. The day ends in Sivota, one of Lefkada's most sheltered anchorages. Sivota is a deep, horseshoe-shaped bay with calm water and a lively waterfront lined with tavernas. Dinner ashore, with the bay reflecting the last light of the evening.
Day2
Sivota to Meganisi
A relaxed morning departure heading southeast toward Meganisi, the small island lying just east of Lefkada. The island of Meganisi offers sheltered bays and well-equipped small harbours. Limonari Beach, a short boat ride from Vathi, offers clear turquoise water and a calm spot for swimming and sunbathing before the midday heat.
Meganisi is known for its many protected anchorages. Port Atheni and Spartochori are both reliable choices for the overnight stop, each with its own character. Vathi, the main port, is filled with fishing boats and sailing yachts, with tavernas and cafes lining the waterfront. Spartochori sits higher up on the hill and rewards those who walk up with panoramic views over the strait. The evening in Meganisi is often one of the most memorable of the week, particularly if the village is hosting live music.
Day3
Meganisi to Kalamos
Departure after breakfast, heading southeast toward Kalamos. This is a quieter, less visited part of the Ionian that still retains a genuinely local atmosphere. Sailing around Kalamos offers glimpses of the mainland coast. Episkopi Bay on the northern side of the island provides a well-protected anchorage with a small taverna nearby, and the surrounding hillside conceals a ruined monastery visible from the water.
Kalamos and neighbouring Meganisi share many small unspoiled bays that work well as swimming stops, and the distances between them are short enough to allow an unhurried pace. Porto Kalamos village is compact and quiet, with a handful of local boats and a small quay. The afternoon passes at anchor in the bay, swimming in calm water with no other boats in sight.
Day4
Kalamos to Ithaca (Kioni or Vathi)
An early start heading south and west, crossing toward Ithaca. The island is famous as the legendary home of Odysseus, and its geography still feels remarkably unchanged: steep hillsides, narrow inlets, and small villages that have grown around natural harbours rather than sandy beaches.
Ithaca offers charming stops at Vathi and Kioni, both accessible mainly by boat and retaining much of their original character. Vathi is the largest natural harbour on the island and one of the most photogenic in the Ionian, with the village climbing gently up from the waterfront. Kioni, smaller and further north, fills up with sailing yachts in summer but remains genuinely attractive, with stone houses and a small marina tucked into a steep-sided cove. The choice between the two depends on conditions and the mood of the crew. Dinner ashore, local fish, and an early evening under the hills.
Day5
Ithaca to Fiskardo (Kefalonia)
The passage from Ithaca to Fiskardo on the northern tip of Kefalonia takes about two hours and passes more than seven small bays along the way, most of them suitable for a quick swim stop. Fiskardo is one of the best-preserved Venetian harbour towns in Greece: the earthquake of 1953 that devastated most of Kefalonia left Fiskardo almost untouched, and its architecture reflects that unusual continuity.
The harbour is lined with well-preserved Venetian buildings, and the surrounding pine woods run down almost to the water's edge. It is a popular stop in high season, so an early arrival is advisable to secure a berth on the main quay. The village has good restaurants, a small market, and a relaxed evening atmosphere that suits the pace of the week well.
Day6
Fiskardo to Sivota via Skorpios
Departure north from Fiskardo, retracing the passage between Kefalonia and Ithaca before heading back toward Lefkada. The return leg includes a lunch stop near Skorpios, the private island once owned by Aristotle Onassis, before continuing to anchor for the night near the southern coast of Lefkada. The afternoon sailing along this stretch is typically pleasant, with a steady breeze from the northwest and easy navigation between well-marked islands.
The passage from Fiskardo back toward Sivota runs along a stretch of coast offering a final view of Ithaca's rugged western cliffs before crossing open water toward Lefkada. Sivota in the early evening is quieter than the first night, with most boats already settled and the tavernas just beginning to fill. A good place to review the week over dinner.
Day7
Sivota to Preveza
The final morning begins with a relaxed breakfast before casting off for the return north. One last swim stop along the Lefkada coast, then the boat heads north toward the entrance of the Lefkada Canal for the return passage to Preveza. The canal crossing in the afternoon is quieter than the outbound journey, with fewer boats moving in the same direction.
Arrival at Preveza Marina in the mid-afternoon. The boat is cleaned down, fuel topped up, and the evening left free for a farewell dinner in town. Disembarkation takes place the following morning after breakfast.
Important Note
This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, currents and marine activity. Dive sites and schedule are adjusted daily by the team to ensure safety and the best possible underwater experience.
Cruise price details
Entire yacht price
€ 8965.52
€ 7800
Book the entire yacht for a private trip
Included in the price
Entire boat rental
Tender with outboard engine
Complete equipment of the boat
Boat insurance
Yacht additional fees
Skipper: €1,470.00 per week (meals and provisioning excluded)
End cleaning: €300.00 per booking
Damage Waiver: €500.00 per booking (includes 1,000.00 EUR refundable deposit)
Security Deposit: €4,200.00 (refundable, paid at base)
Hostess: €1,260.00 per week (meals and provisioning excluded)
Cook: €1,470.00 per week (meals and provisioning excluded)
Extra services
Beach Towel: €5.00 per unit
Extra Linen (bedsheets and towels): €15.00 per booking
SUP Stand-Up Paddleboard: €80.00 per week
Kayak: €120.00 per week
Safety Net: €150.00 per booking
Wi-Fi 15GB: €50.00 per week
Wi-Fi 30GB: €80.00 per week
Airport Transfer (Aktion Airport to Preveza Marina, taxi 4 pax, one way): €35.00 per booking
The Lagoon 50 is a catamaran built around outdoor living. Wide side decks, a sheltered cockpit and a flybridge with panoramic views create a natural sequence of spaces where sailing and relaxation coexist without ever getting in each other's way. Life on board does not feel like waiting to arrive somewhere: every hour at sea has its own rhythm and its own purpose.
The saloon is laid out across two communicating levels: a galley aft that opens directly onto the cockpit, and a slightly raised lounge area with large panoramic windows that bring natural light inside regardless of the weather. The transition between interior and exterior is seamless, with no awkward steps interrupting the flow between the two spaces.
The aft cockpit features an L-shaped lounge and a dining area that adapts easily for evening use, with direct access to the swim platform and the tender. On the flybridge, alongside the helm station, sunbeds and speakers make it the natural gathering point during the middle hours of the day.
Cabins are available in three, four or six-cabin configurations depending on the version, all spacious with double beds and private bathrooms, designed to maintain privacy even within larger groups. The interior layout does not compromise living volume in favour of sailing performance: anyone stepping aboard for the first time will immediately notice the difference compared to a catamaran of similar dimensions.
Handling remains straightforward even with a small crew, thanks to a self-tacking headsail, an aft-positioned mast to reduce pitching, and assisted steering. It is not a performance-oriented catamaran, but it holds a course reliably and responds with precision in stronger wind conditions. The exact cabin configuration will be confirmed before departure, with equivalent comfort standards maintained across all versions.
What to pack for a sailing holiday?
Pack smart for your yacht charter: choose a soft bag instead of a hard suitcase, bring lightweight layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and non-slip shoes for onboard use. A couple of swimsuits and motion sickness remedies can also make a big difference. Each boat has limited storage, so pack light, but wisely! Need help building the perfect list? Read our full guide: What to pack in a suitcase for a yacht charter
What’s a Typical Day Like on a Yacht Charter?
Start your day with a swim in a quiet bay, sail to hidden beaches or seaside villages, and enjoy a slow lunch on deck. Afternoons mean snorkeling, sunbathing, or exploring ashore. As the sun sets, your boat anchors in a scenic cove or near a harbor, ready for a relaxed dinner and a night under the stars. Curious about the full experience? Discover more in our guide: What’s a typical day like on a sailing holiday?
Who Handles Cooking and Cleaning on a Yacht Charter?
On skipper-only charters, guests usually share cooking and cleaning duties, think salads, pasta, and good teamwork. If there's a hostess, light meals and tidying are included, but it's still a casual, collaborative vibe. On fully crewed yachts, you’ll enjoy full service with a chef and crew managing everything. Want to know what’s included in your setup? Read the full guide: Who takes care of cooking and cleaning on a sailing charter?
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather During a Sailing Holiday?
Summer sailing holidays rarely face major weather issues, but when the sea gets rough, skippers adjust the route for your safety. Expect protected bays, marina stops, or a change in plan. These moments often lead to unexpected gems: local towns to explore, time to relax on board, or cozy dinners ashore. Curious about how crews handle these changes? Read the full FAQ: What to do in case of adverse weather conditions or changes to the itinerary
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
