Northern Ionian Sailing Cabin Charter from Lefkada: A 7-Day Cruise to Paxos, Antipaxos and Corfu
Ionian Islands, GR
7 days cruise
Sailboat
Shared cruises may require a minimum number of guests.
Price may vary depending on the cabin type, occupancy and 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 one week cabin charter from Nikiana on Lefkada, sailing north to Preveza, Parga, Paxos, Antipaxos and the southern coast of Corfu, with short sheltered passages and a skipper on board.
The cruise starts from the small harbour village of Nikiana on the east coast of Lefkada and works its way north through the upper Ionian, following the mainland shore towards Preveza and Parga before crossing to Paxos, Antipaxos and the southern bays of Corfu. The return leg comes back south along the same stretch of water, with time for swim stops and quiet anchorages on the way.
Daily passages are short and the water is sheltered for most of the route. Wind in the Ionian is typically light in the morning and builds through the afternoon, which makes for comfortable sailing between islands without long or demanding legs. It is one of the easiest areas in the Mediterranean for guests with no previous experience, and equally rewarding for anyone who wants to spend real time at the helm.
Each island along the route has its own character. Paxos is small and green, with olive groves running down to the water and a handful of harbours, Gaios, Lakka and Loggos, that fill up slowly through the evening. Antipaxos, just to the south, is known for two beaches with water clear enough to see the anchor on the seabed. Corfu brings a different scale, with a Venetian old town, two fortresses above the harbour and a coastline of bays that turn quiet once the day boats have left.
On the mainland side, Parga sits below a castle in a bay of pastel houses, and Preveza guards the entrance to the Ambracian Gulf with a long waterfront of fish tavernas. Both make natural overnight stops and both feel closer to mainland Greece than to the islands, which adds variety to the week.
Life on board follows the rhythm of the sea. Mornings usually begin with a swim from the stern, followed by a passage of two or three hours, lunch at anchor in a bay and an afternoon free for snorkelling, reading or going ashore with the dinghy. Breakfast and a light lunch are prepared together on board, while dinner is normally taken ashore in whichever village the yacht is moored. The skipper sets the route day by day, reading wind and sea, and guests are welcome to help sail the boat or simply enjoy the passage.
Itinerary
Day1
Boarding in Nikiana, Lefkada
Embarkation is from 16:00 at the base in Nikiana, a small harbour village on the east coast of Lefkada. After the welcome on board, cabin allocation and the safety briefing there is time to settle in, walk along the waterfront and swim from the quay. The first evening is spent in port, with dinner ashore at one of the tavernas by the water and a first look at the week ahead with the skipper, who explains how the route is decided and what the wind is expected to do.
Day2
Nikiana to Preveza
The week opens with a passage north through the Lefkas Canal, a narrow channel cut through the shallows that separates the island from the mainland, past the Venetian fortress of Agia Mavra and the floating bridge. Preveza sits at the entrance of the Ambracian Gulf and has a long pedestrian waterfront lined with fish tavernas and a quiet old quarter set back from the quay. There is usually time for a swim stop on the way and an afternoon ashore before dinner.
Day3
Preveza to Parga
A longer sailing day up the mainland coast, normally with a steady breeze building through the afternoon. Parga appears from the sea as a tight amphitheatre of pastel houses below a Venetian castle, with a sandy beach on each side of the headland. The bay faces west, which makes for a memorable sunset from the deck, and the old town is best explored on foot along lanes that climb towards the walls.
Day4
Parga to Gaios, Paxos
The crossing to Paxos takes a couple of hours and is the only real stretch of open water on this route. Gaios is entered through a narrow channel protected by the wooded islet of Agios Nikolaos, which gives the harbour the feel of a river port. The island is covered in olive groves and the afternoon is free for a walk inland, a dinghy trip to the sea caves along the west coast or simply a long swim before dinner ashore.
Day5
Paxos to Antipaxos and Southern Corfu
A short hop south to Antipaxos, where Vrika and Voutoumi have the clearest water of the whole route and are at their best before the day boats arrive from Corfu. After a long swim stop the route turns north, with the overnight either in one of the sheltered bays on the southeast coast of Corfu or in the harbour below the old town, depending on wind and sea state.
Day6
Corfu to Sivota on the Mainland Coast
A morning ashore in Corfu, where the old town, the two fortresses and the arcaded Liston are all within walking distance of the harbour, before sailing back east towards the mainland. Sivota is a cluster of small wooded islands and shallow channels that form a natural lagoon, one of the most protected anchorages in the area and a good place for a last quiet evening, either at anchor or on the quay.
Day7
Return to Lefkada and Disembarkation
The final leg runs south along the coast and back through the Lefkas Canal to Nikiana, with a swim stop on the way if time and wind allow. The last evening is spent at the base, with dinner ashore and time to go over the week with the crew.
Disembarkation takes place the following morning after breakfast, from 09:00.
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
Price per person
€ 1161
Accomodation on selected shared cabin, check out single use and details
Cabin type
Double Ensuite
Double cabin with private shower and wc.
4
cabin capacity
double bed
private bathroom
air conditioning
Price/person
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Double or Twin with shared bathroom
Double or twin cabin with access to a separate shared bathroom.
5
cabin capacity
air conditioning
Price/person
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Included in the price
Accommodation in the selected cabin
Experienced English speaking skipper
Food for a collaborative breakfast and light lunch
Bottled and filtered water, tea and coffee
Fuel, water and gas
Mooring fees
Hand and shower towels
Tender with outboard engine
Complete equipment of the boat
Not included
Dinners ashore
Travel to and from the base
Extra services
Single use of the cabin for solo travellers
Airport transfers
Flights
Beach club stay before or after the cruise
Local activities and outings
Yacht - Bavaria 51 Cruiser
Four double guest cabins, a separate skipper cabin and a fully shaded cockpit, on a 15.5 metre cruising yacht set up for shared sailing.
Accommodation is arranged over four double guest cabins, two of them with a private shower and wc, while the other two share a separate bathroom. The skipper sleeps in an independent cabin, so the guest area stays private throughout the week.
The saloon and dining area are the centre of life on board, with a well equipped galley, two large fridges and a gas cooker that make shared breakfasts and lunches easy to organise. A music system in both the saloon and the cockpit, with auxiliary input, keeps the atmosphere relaxed in the evening.
Outside, a fully shaded cockpit provides shelter during the warmest hours and generous foredecks give space to stretch out in the sun. A swimming platform with deck shower makes getting in and out of the water straightforward, and a dinghy with outboard is used to go ashore or reach quieter beaches.
Air conditioning, an onboard generator and solar panels support comfort at anchor. Navigation and safety equipment is modern and the yacht is licensed for charter.
Sailing is relaxed and hands on. Guests are welcome to take the helm, trim the sails or simply enjoy the passage, while the skipper sets the daily plan according to wind and sea conditions.
Yacht
Model
Bavaria 51 Cruiser
Length
15.6 m
Yacht services
Air conditioning
Yes
Accommodations
Max guests
8
Double cabins
4
Bathrooms
3
Private Bathrooms
Yes
Crew
1
Chef on board
No
Other facilities
Swimming platform, deck shower, dinghy with outboard, air conditioning, generator, solar panels, fully shaded cockpit, two large fridges, gas cooker, music system in saloon and cockpit with auxiliary input
Cabins
Double Ensuite
Double cabin with private shower and wc.
4
cabin capacity
double bed
private bathroom
air conditioning
Double or Twin with shared bathroom
Double or twin cabin with access to a separate shared bathroom.
5
cabin capacity
air conditioning
Cruise activities and tips
Travel activities
Swimming and Snorkelling Stops (On Demand)
Most days include at least one stop for swimming straight from the swimming platform, usually at lunchtime in a sheltered bay. The clearest water on this route is normally found around Antipaxos and along the rocky west coast of Paxos. Guests who want to snorkel are advised to bring their own mask and fins.
Hands On Sailing with the Skipper (On Demand)
Guests are welcome to take the helm, trim the sails and help with mooring and anchoring. The skipper explains what is happening on board and can turn the week into a practical introduction to sailing for anyone who wants it, or leave those who prefer to relax entirely free to do so.
Village Walks and Waterfront Dinners (On Demand)
Evenings are usually spent ashore in whichever harbour the yacht is moored, with dinner in a local taverna chosen by the group. Short walks to castles, old towns and viewpoints are possible in Parga, Corfu and Gaios, and the skipper can suggest where to go depending on how much time there is before sunset.
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
Shared cruises may require a minimum number of guests.
Price may vary depending on the cabin type, occupancy and 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.
per Person
Not allowed to write review
You are not allowed to add your review here.
Password recovery
Enter the email address you entered during registration process on the site.
