Southern Ionian Sailing Cabin Charter from Lefkada: A 7-Day Cruise to Ithaca, Kefalonia and Zakynthos
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 south through Meganisi, Ithaca and Kefalonia as far as Zakynthos, combining sheltered channels with longer open water legs, with a skipper on board.
The cruise leaves from the harbour village of Nikiana on the east coast of Lefkada and heads south through the inner Ionian, following the channel between Lefkada and the mainland before opening out towards Meganisi, Ithaca and Kefalonia. From there the route continues south to Zakynthos, the most distant island of the week, and comes back north along the Kefalonia coast before returning to the base.
This is the more ambitious of the two Ionian routes. The first half of the week stays in protected water with short hops between anchorages, while the passage towards Zakynthos and back brings longer legs in open sea and, in most weeks, the best sailing of the whole cruise. Afternoon breeze in this part of the Ionian is reliable without being demanding, and the sheltered channels give plenty of options if the wind turns.
The islands along the way are very different from one another. Meganisi is small and quiet, a handful of hamlets above deep inlets with tavernas on the water. Ithaca, tied by tradition to Odysseus, has a coastline of narrow fjord like bays and wooded ridges, with Vathy set at the head of one of the most sheltered harbours in Greece. Kefalonia is the largest of the group and the most varied, from the underground lake of Melissani to the Venetian houses of Fiskardo, the only village on the island left standing after the 1953 earthquake.
Zakynthos marks the southern turning point. Its northwest coast is a wall of white cliffs pierced by sea caves, with Navagio, the beach where a freighter ran aground in the early eighties, tucked into a cove that can only be reached from the water. Whether the yacht gets there depends entirely on the sea state, as the anchorage is exposed and the crew will only approach in settled conditions.
Days on board settle into a simple rhythm. A swim before breakfast, a passage in the late morning when the wind fills in, lunch at anchor, then an afternoon divided between swimming and going ashore. Breakfast and a light lunch are prepared together on board and dinner is normally taken in a taverna in the evening harbour. The skipper sets the plan each morning according to wind and forecast, and guests take part in sailing the boat as much or as little as they want.
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, swim from the quay and walk along the waterfront. The first evening is spent in port, with dinner ashore and a first discussion of the route with the skipper, who explains how far south the yacht is likely to get given the forecast for the week.
Day2
Nikiana to Spartochori, Meganisi
A gentle first passage down the channel between Lefkada and the mainland, with a swim stop on the way. Meganisi lies just off the southeast corner of Lefkada and its coastline is cut by deep narrow inlets. Spartochori sits on the hill above the small harbour of Porto Spilia, a fifteen minute walk up through olive trees, with views back across the water towards Lefkada and a few tavernas around the square.
Day3
Meganisi to Vathy, Ithaca
The route turns south towards Ithaca, usually with the afternoon breeze on the beam. Vathy is reached through a long inlet that narrows twice before opening into a round bay almost closed off from the sea, one of the best natural harbours in Greece. The town wraps around the water with low houses rebuilt after the earthquake, and there is time in the afternoon for a swim at one of the beaches just outside the entrance.
Day4
Ithaca to Agia Efimia, Kefalonia
A short crossing of the strait to Kefalonia, with the mountains of the island rising steeply behind the coast. Agia Efimia is a working fishing harbour with clear water right off the quay and a handful of tavernas along the front. From here it is possible to visit the Melissani cave, where a collapsed roof lets sunlight fall onto an underground lake, or the pebble coves just north of the village.
Day5
Kefalonia to Zakynthos
The longest leg of the week, a passage in open water down the east side of Kefalonia and across to Zakynthos, normally under sail for most of the day. The northern anchorages around Agios Nikolaos give access to the limestone cliffs and sea caves of the northwest coast, and in settled conditions the yacht may approach Navagio, the shipwreck cove reachable only from the sea. The evening is spent in a sheltered bay or in harbour.
Day6
Zakynthos to Fiskardo, Kefalonia
The return north follows the Kefalonia coast with a swim stop in one of the bays along the way. Fiskardo is the only village on the island that survived the 1953 earthquake, and its Venetian houses in ochre and pink line a small harbour that fills with yachts in the evening. It is the most photogenic stop of the route and a natural place to spend the last full evening away from the base.
Day7
Return to Lefkada and Disembarkation
The final leg runs north past Ithaca and Meganisi and back up the channel to Nikiana, with a last swim stop if time and wind allow. The 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 along the east coast of Ithaca and in the coves north of Fiskardo. Guests who want to snorkel are advised to bring their own mask and fins.
Hands On Sailing with the Skipper (On Demand)
The longer legs towards Zakynthos and back give plenty of time at the helm for anyone who wants it. The skipper explains sail trim, navigation and mooring as the week goes on, and leaves 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 are possible up to Spartochori on Meganisi, around Vathy on Ithaca and through the Venetian lanes of Fiskardo, and the Melissani cave can be visited from Agia Efimia.
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.
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