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- One Week Sailing The South Ionian from Lefkas
The South Ionian is arguably one of our most popular destinations due to its light winds and blue waters. This route is great for beginners looking to whet their appetite. In the south there are so many bays to discover and harbours to explore, with friendly taverna owners and fellow sailors all around. Starting from Lefkas, you can island hop your way around, getting all the way down to Ithaca and even further afield to Kefalonia if you wish.
The winds in the South are very light with Force 4 averaging in the summer months. Similar to the rest of Greece, you will rarely come across mooring fees. If by chance the port authorities do ask you to pay then it shouldn’t be more than €10 for a 38ft yacht, but this is very unlikely to happen.
After arriving in Lefkas and checking in with the local charter company you are free to explore the town for your first evening. Head to one of the many restuarants and bars that surround the town offering delicious fresh Greek food.
On your first day why not sail south for 10 miles until you get to Sivota. This is a lovely village in a pretty little bay. Many restaurants, bars and shops line the harbour giving you plenty of choice for lunch or dinner. It's a lovely place for a first nights stay with stunning views of the mountainous coastline just opposite it.
Sailing South from Lefkas will bring you to Ithaca Island. There are three ports on the island - Frikes, Kioni and Big Vathi. All are lovely for either a lunch stop or overnight stay. Our personal favourite is Frikes, a beautifully understated spot just three miles from popular Kioni. But if it is picturesque quaysides and traditional tavernas you are after Kioni is a must...
A 15 mile sail from here will take you to Kastos Island. Kastos is beautifully untouched. Home to lush green hills, empty beaches and just a few quiet tavernas; it really is a great place to relax. The main harbour offers safe mooring and has several tavernas and restaurants to keep you entertained in the evening. The best spot for a view has to be the Windmill Bar & Taverna offering panoramic views over the mainland.
The next stop on our list would be the small island of Kalamos. The town on Kalamos is about half way up the southern side of the island. A brilliant swim stop is Port Leone on the southern end of the island - an abandoned harbour with a lovely beach - well worth a visit!
Meganisi Island is the perfect final stop before heading back to Lefkas. There are multiple bays to choose from on this incredible island. Greek dance the night away in Port Atheni, enjoy the hospitality in Little Vathi, or anchor up in Spartahori to enjoy some of the most stunning views in the area. A great swim stop nearby is Abeliki Bay or alternatively the privately owned island of Skorpios.
As you set sail on your way back to Lefkas a lovely place for your last nights stay is Palairos. A small town with quite a buzz. There are many restaurants and bars in the town. Our favourite spot is the yacht club - right on the beach. The perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sunset on a fantastic week of sailing...
Give yourself plenty of time getting back to Lefkas, so that you can check out everything you missed when you first arrived, and enjoy your last night in one of the local restaurants!
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.