Ionian Islands Sailing Itinerary from Preveza: A 7 Day Cruise to Meganisi, Kalamos, Ithaca and Kefalonia
Ionian Islands - Preveza, GR
7 days cruise, 65 dates available
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 circular sailing holiday from Preveza through the southern Ionian Islands, navigating the Lefkada Canal south toward Meganisi, Kalamos, Ithaca and Fiskardo on Kefalonia before returning north through Sivota.
The cruise departs from Preveza Marina at the northern entrance to the southern Ionian sailing ground, passes through the Lefkada Canal and works its way south through a sequence of islands that combine sheltered anchorages, small fishing harbors and one of the most mythically resonant landscapes in the Mediterranean, before returning to Preveza at the end of the week.
Navigation throughout stays comfortable and close to shore, with daily passages short enough to leave most of each day free for swimming, exploring ashore or simply being at anchor. The Ionian has a predictable summer weather pattern, with reliable afternoon breezes from the northwest that fill in after midday and ease toward evening, creating a natural structure to each day that experienced sailors know well and first-time guests adapt to quickly.
The landscape shifts as the route develops south. Lefkada's eastern coastline, sheltered by the mainland shore to the east, provides calm water and pine-covered inlets for the first night. Meganisi, tucked just east of Lefkada, is known for its combination of protected anchorages and a village waterfront atmosphere that comes alive in the evening. Kalamos adds a quieter, less-visited counterpoint, with rugged hillsides, a small village quay and anchorages that rarely see many other boats even in peak season.
Ithaca brings a different weight to the week. The island is famous as the legendary home of Odysseus, and its geography still carries that atmosphere, with steep hillsides, narrow inlets and harbor villages that have grown around natural shelter rather than beaches. Fiskardo on the northern tip of Kefalonia closes the southward leg with one of the best-preserved Venetian harbor towns in Greece, left almost untouched by the 1953 earthquake that reshaped much of the island.
The return north through Sivota on Lefkada and the final canal crossing to Preveza retraces familiar water with a different perspective, ending a week that has moved between the mythical, the historical and the simply beautiful in a compact and navigable stretch of the Ionian Sea.
Itinerary
Day1
Preveza to Sivota
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 connecting the Ambracian Gulf to the open Ionian Sea, with lowered sails and careful attention to the lateral buoys marking the route. Once through, the boat sails south along Lefkada's eastern coastline with a stop at Fraxia Bay, a quiet inlet fringed by pine forest. The day ends in Sivota, a deep horseshoe-shaped bay with calm water and a lively waterfront lined with tavernas, with dinner ashore as the bay reflects the last light of the evening.
Day2
Sivota to Meganisi
A relaxed morning departure heads southeast toward Meganisi, the small island lying just east of Lefkada. A swim stop at Limonari Beach, a short distance from Vathi, offers clear turquoise water and a calm spot before the midday heat. The overnight stop is at either Port Atheni or Spartochori, each with its own character. Vathi, the main port, is filled with fishing boats and sailing yachts, with tavernas and cafés lining the waterfront. Spartochori sits higher on the hill and rewards those who walk up with panoramic views over the strait. Evening in Meganisi is often one of the most memorable of the week, particularly when the village is hosting local music.
Day3
Meganisi to Kalamos
After breakfast, the route heads southeast toward Kalamos, a quieter and less visited part of the Ionian that retains a genuinely local atmosphere. 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. 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 few other boats in sight.
Day4
Kalamos to Ithaca (Kioni or Vathi)
An early start heads south and west across the water toward Ithaca, the legendary home of Odysseus, whose geography still feels remarkably unchanged, with steep hillsides, narrow inlets and small villages that have grown around natural harbors. The choice of overnight stop is between Vathi, the largest natural harbor on the island and one of the most photogenic in the Ionian, with the village climbing gently from the waterfront, and Kioni, smaller and further north, with stone houses and a small marina tucked into a steep-sided cove. The choice depends on conditions and the mood of the group, with dinner ashore and an early evening under the hills either way.
Day5
Ithaca to Fiskardo (Kefalonia)
The passage from Ithaca to Fiskardo on the northern tip of Kefalonia takes around two hours and passes several small bays along the way, most suited to a quick swimming stop. Fiskardo is one of the best-preserved Venetian harbor towns in Greece, left almost untouched by the 1953 earthquake that devastated most of the island, with its architecture reflecting that unusual continuity. The harbor is lined with well-preserved Venetian buildings and pine woods that run down almost to the water's edge. An early arrival is advisable in high season to secure a berth on the main quay, with good restaurants and a relaxed evening atmosphere that suits the pace of the week well.
Day6
Fiskardo to Sivota via Skorpios
Departure north from Fiskardo retraces the passage between Kefalonia and Ithaca before heading back toward Lefkada. A lunch stop near Skorpios, the private island once owned by Aristotle Onassis, precedes a final afternoon sailing along a stretch of coast that offers views of Ithaca's western cliffs before crossing toward Lefkada. Sivota in the early evening is quieter than on the first night, with most boats already settled and the tavernas beginning to fill. A natural place to review the week over dinner.
Day7
Sivota to Preveza
The final morning begins with a relaxed breakfast before the return north. A last swimming stop along the Lefkada coast leads into the approach to the Lefkada Canal for the return passage to Preveza. Arrival at Preveza Marina takes place in the mid-afternoon, with 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
€ 7708.33
€ 3700
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.
Yacht
Model
2019 Lagoon 50
Length
14.8 m
Yacht services
Air conditioning
Yes
Accommodations
Max guests
12
Double cabins
6
Bathrooms
6
Private Bathrooms
No
Crew
0
Chef on board
No
Other facilities
Refrigerator
Inverter
Water maker
Chart plotter in cockpit
Electric toilet
Refrigerator
Coffee maker
Dinghy
Radio-CD player
Air condition
Dinghy
Generator
Cabins
Standard Double Cabin
2
cabin capacity
double bed
Cruise activities and tips
Travel organizer tips
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.
