Greece - Sailing Destination
The Ionian Islands
Greece most relaxed sailing - lush green islands, Venetian architecture, crystal-clear water, and no Meltemi. Perfect for first-timers and families.
May - Oct
Best Season
Beginner
Difficulty
8 - 20 kn
Avg. Wind
7 main
Islands
Why Sail the Ionian
Greece Most Relaxed Sailing
The Ionian Islands are the perfect antidote to the Cyclades intensity. No Meltemi winds, shorter distances between islands, and lush green landscapes. This is where most sailors fall in love with Greek sailing.
Each island has its own character: Corfu Venetian grandeur, Lefkada dramatic cliffs, Kefalonia wild beaches, Ithaca mythological atmosphere, Paxos intimate charm.
The Ionian is the #1 choice for first-time charterers - calm waters, short legs of 10-25 NM, and well-equipped marinas at every stop.
When to Go
Best Months to Visit
May - June
Best conditions - calm seas, no crowds, perfect temperatures. #1 recommendation for first-time sailors.
July - August
Warm and lively. Afternoon maestro winds 15-20 kn. Busy marinas - book early.
September - October
Summer warmth without crowds. Warm sea, calm winds, best prices. Locals favourite season.
Top Islands
Ionian Highlights
Lefkada
Dramatic white limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and the famous Porto Katsiki beach - accessible only by sea.
Kefalonia
The largest Ionian island - Myrtos beach, the magical Melissani cave lake, and charming Venetian Fiskardo.
Ithaca
The legendary home of Odysseus. Sheltered bays, dramatic scenery, and the most authentic Greek island atmosphere.
Paxos
Tiny, olive-covered gem with sea caves, crystal lagoons, and the prettiest harbour village in the Ionian.
Meganisi
Lefkada hidden neighbour - car-free villages, emerald bays, and the spectacular Papanikolis sea cave.
Sailing Routes
Ionian Itineraries
Two perfect loops from Lefkas Marina - short distances, calm waters, maximum beauty.
- Day 1 - Sat
Lefkas Marina
Check-in from 17:00. Lefkas Marina is 40 min from Preveza airport. Board, safety briefing, provision at the marina supermarket. First dinner ashore in Lefkas Town.
- Day 2 - Sun
Meganisi (Spartochori)
11 NM11 NM, ~2 hours. First sail south. Anchor in one of Meganisi emerald bays. Walk up to Spartochori village for dinner at the legendary taverna.
- Day 3 - Mon
Kalamos
15 NM15 NM, ~2.5 hours. Quiet, remote island beloved by sailors. George the unofficial harbormaster greets you by motorboat. Excellent fresh fish at George Restaurant.
- Day 4 - Tue
Kastos
8 NM8 NM, ~1.5 hours. Tiny island with a simple harbour. Time slows down here. Swim in crystal water, eat well, sleep well. The bakery on the hill has incredible bread.
- Day 5 - Wed
Ithaca (Vathi)
17 NM17 NM, ~3 hours. Vathi is the largest natural harbour in Europe - dramatic and sheltered. The legendary island of Odysseus. Walk to the Archaeological Museum, swim at Sarakiniko beach.
- Day 6 - Thu
Sivota (Lefkada)
22 NM22 NM, ~3.5 hours. Sail north to beautiful Sivota bay on Lefkada south coast - surrounded by green hills and turquoise water. Excellent seafood restaurants.
- Day 7 - Fri
Return Lefkas Marina
17 NM17 NM, ~2.5 hours. Morning sail north. Optional swim stop near Skorpios - the Onassis private island. Return to Lefkas Marina by 17:00. Total: ~90 NM.
Ports of Call
Open in Navionics Boating
Compatible with Navionics, iSailor, OpenCPN, any chart plotter
Navionics: Menu - Routes - Import GPX
Essential Info
Practical Sailing Guide
Weather
- No Meltemi - Ionian is sheltered from strong northern winds
- May-June: 20-25C, gentle breezes 8-15 kn - perfect for beginners
- July-August: 28-32C, afternoon maestro winds 15-20 kn
- Sept-Oct: 20-27C, calm seas, warm water - best value season
Licenses
- Bareboat: ICC or national sailing license (RYA Day Skipper minimum)
- Ionian is ideal for first-time charterers - calm waters, short distances
- Skippered charter: no license needed - skipper provided
- Crew list required at first port of call
Costs
- Yacht charter: 1800-5000 EUR/week depending on boat
- Marina fees: 15-50 EUR/night (many anchorages free)
- Fuel: 80-150 EUR/week (short distances = low fuel costs)
- Provisioning: 40-70 EUR/day for 6 people
Ports
- Main base: Lefkas Marina - 40 min from Preveza airport
- Nidri: busy charter hub on Lefkada east coast
- Vathi (Ithaca): largest natural harbour in Europe
- Fiskardo (Kefalonia): most charming village port in the Ionian
Ready to Sail
Available Yachts for the Ionian
Sailing Yacht4.9Beneteau Oceanis 46.1
2021Lefkas, Greece
14.2m
Length
3
Cabins
6
Guests
2
WC
€2,100
per week
No hidden fees · Direct charter price
Catamaran4.8Lagoon 46 Catamaran
2020Lefkas, Greece
14m
Length
4
Cabins
8
Guests
4
WC
€3,800
per week
No hidden fees · Direct charter price
Sailing Yacht4.7Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
2022Preveza, Greece
14.9m
Length
4
Cabins
8
Guests
2
WC
€2,400
per week
No hidden fees · Direct charter price
Ready to Sail the Ionian?
Greece most relaxed sailing destination. Perfect for beginners, families, and anyone who wants beauty without challenge.