The popular South Ionian area is full of beautiful harbours and bays to anchor for a swim. This is the perfect area for first time flotilla sailors or for more experienced sailors looking to introduce friends and family to their passion.
This route will start and finish in Sivota on the Lefkas Island. Sail from village to village or island to island, stopping for a lazy lunch and swim in beautiful bays along the way. There is a fascinating selection of local tavernas and restaurants on all the islands which you will have plenty of time to explore.
The sailing route mostly consists of easy days of around 10-15 miles. The steep spectacular landscape provides both shelter and lively katabatic breezes in the afternoon. The south Ionian islands are the place if you are after a sailing holiday with the emphasis on 'holiday'!
This popular route will start and finish in Sivota on the beautiful Lefkas Island. On arrival you will be met by your our crew and shown to you boat. Your lead crew will be around shortly to introduce themselves and give you a short boat brief, before you retire to the taverna for a drink and a bite to eat.
Lefkas Island
Sivota
You will visit all our favourite spots, such as beautiful Fiskardo, where you can enjoy cold beer, wine and a range of foods in the quayside tavernas. Somehow the anchor seems to dig itself in a bit deeper when moored here.
The flotillas occasionally visit the town of Sami which was central to the filming of ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ on the beautiful East coast of Kefalonia. Get ready for some unbeatable sailing across the Ithaka Channel!
Kefalonia
Fiskardo
Sami
Poros
Ithaka is the legendary home of Odysseus. Kioni and Frikes, on the east coast of Ithaka Island are quaint villages in which you can relax. Port Vathi is the largest town on the island and has also become a popular spot to visit.
Pere Pigadhi on the south east corner of the Island is an unbeatable swim stop with crystal clear water - the perfect lunch stop.
Ithaka Island
Frikes
Kioni
Two of our favourite stops are the island villages of Kastos and Kalamos. Both of these traditional Greek islands have idyllic harbours, where the locals warmly welcome visitors. They are fascinating places to visit, having remained relatively isolated until quite recently. The view out towards Kalamos and Atoko Islands is spectacular.
Prising the flotilla back out of village harbours once they have settled in can be a difficult task for our lead crews, but there is always another beautiful place not too far away!
Kastos Island
Kalamos Island
One of the highlights in this area is picturesque Spartahori village, perched on the cliffs of Meganisi Island. Steve and Gerry’s taverna at the end of the bay, with a beach on either side, has ‘lazy lines’ for convenience. It is the perfect spot for leisurely swimming. Make the effort to walk up the hill to unspoilt Spartahori village for the view and a cold beer at Lakis traditional taverna - it is worth the walk!
You may also spend a night moored at Port Atheni, where you can join in with the traditional Greek dancing. They are always looking for volunteers! From here you can enjoy a walk up to the old village of Katomeri. ‘Little Vathi’ on Meganisi Island is also a favourite spot with several excellent tavernas and a traditional village atmosphere.
This cruise allows the possibility of drifting around the islands in short hops with a loose agenda.
Meganisi Island
The narrow streets, town square and many small shops of in Lefkas Town are a pleasure to wander around. In the middle of town is a classic Greek taverna called ‘The Lighthouse’ where Steve will recite the menu and Georgia will grill everything perfectly for you.
Lefkas has a popular town quay or, if you prefer to avoid anchoring and are happy to pay, Lefkas marina is a short walk from the centre of town.
Lefkas Island
Your flotilla will conclude where it all began, in Sivota! Now it's time to enjoy one of the famous Pirates cocktails with your fellow sailors before heading back to reality.
Lefkas Island
Sivota
Below is an indication of the yachts that will sail on this flotilla. Please call us on 020 8459 8787 to check live availability.
Our Shore to Sail holidays are a combination of a one or two week flotilla sailing holiday with another relaxing week or two ashore.
These holidays will appeal to those who enjoy sailing but have family or friends who are not quite so enthusiastic about sailing - a compromise can now be made!
Most people opt for a week of sailing followed by a week of winding down on shore. However it is entirely up to you to do what you want to do (and when!)
The Iris Hotel has been a popular choice for flotilla sailors for many years. This accommodation option will fit in with any of our flotillas starting and finishing on Lefkas Island. The hotel itself is a small family run hotel located close to Nidri Town. It has a combination of studio rooms for two or three people and apartments that can sleep up to 4.
The Salvator Spa Hotel is perched in the hills above Parga town and is a slightly more luxurious offering. The rooms on offer range from the Deluxe Room for two people, up to the Superior 2 Room Villa for up to 6 people. The hotel itself has an excellent restaurant, pool and spa facilities and all villas come with their own private pool.
Our brand new villa in Sivota on Lefkas is exclusive to Sailing Holidays Ltd. Built with families and groups in mind, the 3 double bedrooms all feature en-suite bathrooms. Built into the hill the ground floor level comprises of the master bedroom, a large kitchen and living space. On the same level you will find a huge outdoor seating area and a private pool.
