Island Hopping in the Ionian Sea: A 7-Day Sailing Itinerary from Preveza

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.