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Ionian Flotilla in Greece
Lighter winds and shorter passages make the Ionian ideal for a relaxed flotilla sailing holiday in Greece, popular with families and less experienced crews.
Explore these beautiful Greek islands and experience gentle afternoon breezes, warm seas and friendly harbour-front tavernas. This flotilla is ideal for couples and families with children seeking a relaxed sailing holiday.
The sheltered waters of the Ionian offer an unlimited number of tranquil bays and enchanting fishing harbours. Navigation is straightforward with no tides, currents or other hazards. There are good sailing breezes late morning through the afternoon, but winds rarely exceed Force 5. Anchor in picturesque bays or moor up in bustling fishing harbours.
We don't believe in 'regimented' flotilla sailing. You're free to plot your own course and schedule for arriving at each day's destination. We won't make you come into harbour just when the afternoon breeze is at its best. The flotilla skipper is on hand to give you advice and support - from sorting out a snarled anchor to reserving you a table for dinner on the quayside.
Less experienced skippers will appreciate his help with mooring "stern-to" or "bows-to" on the quayside at the end of an enjoyable afternoon's sail. And if you are an experienced sailor you can choose to leave the flotilla for a few days, joining up for the barbecue evening or other social event.
Ionian flotilla itineraries
The Ionian flotillas start and finish on Sundays at Palairos, a charming harbour on the Greek mainland just a few miles south-east of Lefkas Canal facing Scorpios Island and Lefkas. There's a sandy beach close by - the perfect place to start and finish your holiday. We offer a choice of flotilla sailing itineraries for 1 and 2 weeks.
The Ionian flotilla sails among the islands of Levkas, Meganissi, Kastos, Ithaca and Cephalonia. These sheltered waters offer an unlimited number of tranquil bays and enchanting fishing harbours. With a different 1-week flotilla sailing itineraries departing every other week - either Kioni Route or Sivota Route - you can combine these flotilla routes for a 2 week holiday and spend longer in the idyllic sailing area of the Southern Ionian.
Or sail the exciting 2-week North-South Route sailing north to the idyllic islands of Paxos and Anti-Paxos before sailing south to visit the islands of Meganissi, Kastos, Ithaca and Cephalonia. This extends the flotilla sailing area for 2-weekers and gives a choice for 1-weekers who would like to visit the beautiful islands of Paxos and Anti-Paxos.
2013 dates: 12, 26 May | 9, 23 Jun | 7, 21 Jul | 4, 18 Aug | 1, 15, 29 Sep | 13 Oct
SUN : Embark at Palairos. You join your flotilla in our beautifully located Palairos base, just a short drive from Preveza airport. The superb setting, with views across to Meganisi and Scorpio (the island originally owned by the Onassis family), will soon put you in the holiday mood! And there’s time for a stroll around the shops after settling in on your yacht.
MON : Little Vathi, Meganisi (9nm). Vathi is a tiny port on the northeast coast of Meganisi. In a sheltered position at the end of an inlet, it has a few waterfront tavernas. Settle down to a cold beer and plate of mezes by the quayside and watch the ferry and fishing boats come and go.
TUE : Kioni, Ithaca (16nm). Kioni is an exceptional beauty: amidst a setting of olive groves, interrupted by the odd tall cypress, an amphitheatre of lovely houses built around the steep slopes of the bay with its amazing deep blue waters. After an enjoyable sail, you will relax moored to the jetty, only a few steps away from the taverna.
WED : Ayia Eufimia, Cephalonia (18nm). Further south now to the old fishing harbour of Ag. Eufimia in Kefalonia. The winds are always good in this area… and so is the sailing! Not to be missed is a visit to the splendid underground caves, where you drift in a tiny boat through eerie and beautiful clusters of stalagmites and stalactites.
THU : Polis, Ithaka (10nm). Across the channel to the picturesque fishing port Polis on Ithaca. The bay has a beautiful pebbly beach with clear, turquoise waters, and you can take a walk up to the archaeological site of Loizos Cave on the north side, which used to be a worship place during ancient times.
FRI : Kastos (20nm). Heading northwards we visit this unspoilt island. Port Kastos is in a well protected bay, sandy beach and traditional tavernas.
SAT : Return to Palairos (8nm). We have a regatta on our last day of sailing. There is always a good wind as everyone gets involved with the race back to Palairos. Sadness at your holiday ending is tempered by a farewell evening with your fellow crews.
SUN : Disembark at Palairos.
Routes may vary due to weather conditions & other factors.
2013 dates: 5, 19 May | 2, 16, 30 Jun | 14, 28 Jul | 11, 25 Aug | 8, 22 Sep | 6 Oct
SUN : Embark at Palairos. You join your flotilla in our beautifully located Palairos base, just a short drive from Preveza airport. The superb setting, with views across to Meganisi and Scorpio (the island originally owned by the Onassis family), will soon put you in the holiday mood! And there’s time for a stroll around the shops after settling in on your yacht.
MON : Sivota, Lefkas (15nm). Enjoy a sail across to Sivota on the East coast of Levkas. This is an unspoiled fishing village which has managed to keep its Greek character through all the years despite the intensive tourism. Here you’re spoiled for choice as there is a variety of shops, cafes and tavernas, catering for every desire! While sipping your ouzo on deck, you will be amazed by the beauty of this wonderful bay, surrounded by impressive mountains covered by olive and cypress trees.
TUE : Frikes, Ithaca (11nm). A cute little harbour on the north-east coast with a couple of bars and tavernas. Ithaca is a sleepy, tranquil island, reputedly the home of Odyssseus, with beautiful countryside, and beaches of pebble and stone- Bryon thought Ithaca so beautiful, he even wanted to buy it!
WED : Fiskardo, Cephalonia (12nm). We cross the channel over to Fiskardo on Kefalonia. This beautiful old fishing harbour is considered the pearl of the Ionian Islands. You’ll find a wide choice of stylish and sophisticated shops, cafes and a variety of tavernas and restaurants.
THU : Spartohori, Meganisi (17nm). Sail today to Spartohori on Meganissi just opposite Scorpios island. Those who wish may stop over at one of Scorpios’ beautiful bays for a midday swim. Spartohori is a great setting for an evening, watching an amazing sunset over the top of the village.
FRI : Abeliki Bay, Meganisi (3nm). One of the most idyllic spots on Meganisi. Abelike Bay is a secluded cove and a perfect place to spend a lazy day swimming, snorkelling and generally taking life easy. Beach BBW tonight!
SAT : Return to Palairos (8nm). We have a regatta on our last day of sailing. There is always a good wind as everyone gets involved with the race back to Palairos. Sadness at your holiday ending is tempered though by a farewell evening with your fellow crews.
SUN : Disembark at Palairos.
Routes may vary due to weather conditions & other factors.
2013 dates: 19 May | 2, 16, 30 Jun | 14, 28 Jul | 11, 25 Aug | 8, 22 Sep
SUN : Embark at Palairos. You join your flotilla in our beautifully located Palairos base, just a short drive from Preveza airport. The superb setting, with views across to Meganisi and Scorpio (the island originally owned by the Onassis family), will soon put you in the holiday mood! And there’s time for a stroll around the shops after settling in on your yacht.
MON: Lefkas Town (11nm). The day starts with motoring north through the Lefkas Canal. An overnight stay in Lefkas Town gives a good chance to enjoy a typical Greek town with its evening promenade and to go shopping in the little alleys and interesting back streets.
TUE : Gaios, Paxos (30nm). Today we sail north to Paxos. We stop off at Antipaxos where the waters of Emerald Bay truly live up to their name and you can enjoy excellent swimming. Gaios on the southern tip of Paxos, is a popular harbour that spreads along the waterfront, with a great choice of bars and restaurants. The setting is spectacular with a large wooded island which protects the anchorage.
WED : Lakka, Paxos (8nm). We can return to the beautiful anchorages of Antipaxos for lunch. In the afternoon we sail north past the dramatic cliffs on the east coast of Paxos to Lakka, a popular anchorage in an almost landlocked bay, surrounded by pine and olive groves. The tavernas and bars along the quayside provide a lively evening.
THU : Parga (18nm). This attractive harbour on the mainland is dominated by the 'Kasteli' fortress. This historic and picturesque town is now a well established resort with plenty of tavernas and bars.
FRI : 2 Rock Bay. Tonight we have our beach BBQ in this quiet anchorage with good shelter.
SAT : Spartohori, Meganisi (35nm). Early start for our sail south. A lovely downwind run, through the Lefkas Canal to Spartohori on Meganissi. Spartohori is a great setting for an evening, watching an amazing sunset over the top of the village.
SUN : Free Sailing.
MON : Kastos (13nm). We meet up at this unspoilt island with a well protected bay, sandy beach and traditional tavernas. Port Kastos is in a well protected bay, sandy beach and traditional tavernas.
TUE : Kioni, Ithaca (13nm). We head over to Kioni on Ithaka. The village is an exceptional beauty: amidst a setting of olive groves, interrupted by the odd tall cypress, an amphitheatre of lovely houses built around the steep slopes of the bay with its amazing deep blue waters. After an enjoyable sail, you will relax moored to the jetty, only a few steps away from the taverna.
WED : Fiskardo, Cephalonia (10nm). We cross the channel over to Fiskardo on Kefalonia. This beautiful old fishing harbour is considered the pearl of the Ionian Islands. You’ll find a wide choice of stylish and sophisticated shops, cafes and a variety of tavernas and restaurants.
THU : Sivota, Lefkas (12nm). Enjoy a sail across to Sivota on Levkas. This is an unspoiled fishing village which has managed to keep its Greek character despite the intensive tourism. Here you’re spoiled for choice as there is a variety of shops, cafes and tavernas, catering for every desire! While sipping your ouzo on deck, you will be amazed by the beauty of this wonderful bay, surrounded by impressive mountains covered by olive and cypress trees.
FRI : Port Athene, Meganisi (8nm). An idyllic anchorage in a sheltered position at the end of an inlet, it has a few waterfront tavernas. Enjoy Greek dancing in this traditional village.
SAT : Return to Palairos (9nm). There is always a good wind as everyone gets involved with the race back to Palairos. Sadness at your holiday ending is tempered though by a farewell evening with your fellow crews.
SUN : Disembark at Palairos.
Routes may vary due to weather conditions & other factors.
Ionian flotilla yachts
The Ionian flotilla is run by Odysseus Yachting Holidays, a family-run charter company which owns an excellent fleet of over 40 sailing yachts based in the Ionian. They have been organising flotilla holidays in the Ionian for over 20 years and offer a very popular flotilla sailing program with a first-class reputation. You can choose from a selection of yachts, including spacious 2-cabin yachts, ideal for couples and small families, 3-cabin yachts with 1 or 2 heads which can sleep up to 7 and acouple of larger 4 cabin yachts to sleep a maximum of 10 people.
All the flotilla yachts in the Ionian have furling mainsail & genoa, electric windlass, hot water, refrigerator, GPS, CD player, bimini sunshade, wind scoop ventilator, toilet waste holding tanks and fixed passarelles - all for your cruising comfort. Yachts 39'+ come with a complimentary outboard for the tender.
Flotilla prices are shown PER YACHT. Just divide by the number of people onboard for a per person price. This flotilla has been priced WITHOUT flights but including transfers from Preveza airport (one transfer per yacht). Ask us for a quote for an ATOL-bonded flight-inclusive holiday from a choice of UK airports or arrange your own flights. There are charter flights from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham.
Whether you book flights through us or not, the flotilla holiday package starts at Preveza airport and you will be met and taken to your yacht, a 30 minute taxi ride straight to the harbour. An excellent supermarket is within easy walking distance.
Click on the yacht names below to view yacht layout & specification
2 cabin
3 cabin
4+ cabin
Yacht charter rates are shown WITHOUT flights giving you the flexibility to book your own flights. Airport transfers from/to Preveza airport included in flotilla rate (one per yacht).
If you want a flight-inclusive holiday Nautilus Yachting is a fully bonded ATOL tour operator and can book flights from the UK to fit your sailing holiday. All flight-inclusive holidays are fully bonded for your financial protection under our ATOL 3016.
FLIGHTS TO PREVEZA:
Thomson and Monarch have flights on Sundays from Gatwick and Manchester to Preveza. NEW FOR 2013: Monarch also have flights from Birmingham. Transfer time to Palairos 30 minutes.
To charter a yacht bareboat or on flotilla you should be Day Skipper standard and be assisted by at least one competent crew.
At present you need an RYA Day Skipper qualification or RYA International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for charters in Croatia, Montenegro, Mallorca, Tenerife and Malta.
The RYA ICC will be ever more required by overseas port authorities but if you have skipper experience it is easily obtained in a day from RYA sailing schools in the UK such as Hamilton Sailing or Brixham Sea School
Whether you are an experienced sailor or setting foot on a yacht for the first time, we can offer you a holiday afloat to suit you. We have given all the sailing areas a level with 'Experience Level 1' suitable for less experienced crews and 'Experience Level 3' for the experts.
This takes into account the wind strength, tidal range and currents, distances between stops and ease of mooring. Of course even experts may choose to sail in Level 1 areas as they still offer stunning scenery and great sailing.
Experience Level 1: Ionian
Generally light winds Force 2-4, line of sight navigation, shorter sailing distances under 20nm. You will be Day Skipper standard having sailed at least 1 week or 100nm as skipper
Experience Level 2: Saronic Gulf & Sporades
Stronger winds up to Force 3-5 with some longer passages up to 30nm. You will be Day Skipper standard having sailed at least 2 weeks or 200nm as skipper
Experience Level 3: Aegean & Dodecanese
Stronger winds up to Force 4-7 which can lead to bigger seas on long passages between the islands. You will be Coastal Skipper standard with experience to a higher level having sailed at least 4 weeks or 400nm as skipper
Nick Crane sailed on our Ionian flotilla with his family and his account of the week's holiday appeared in The Daily Telegraph on Sat 30 Dec 2012. He says "Dolphins, swimming in deserted bays and eating at village tavernas were the highlights of the Crane family's boating holiday in Greece. Just don't mention the parking." Click here to read the article >>
The island of Cephalonia in the Ionian is a firm favourite. The harbour at Fiskardo delights with its candy-coloured, 18th-century Venetian buildings that have been transformed into smart restaurants and shops. The romantic epic, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed on the island, mostly at Sami and on Myrtos Beach. Hire a car and explore inland - the Drogarati Caves and Melissani Lake are worth the trip.
Was Ithaca the home of legendary Odysseus? Was it here he returned after 10 years to see off his rivals for his wife Penelope? An 8th BC century palace which Greek archaeologists claim was the home of Odysseus was discovered in Ithaca in 2010, fuelling theories that the hero of Homer's epic poem was real. Whatever the truth, it adds interest to visiting this beautiful island.
"I was 200% satisfied with the service I received from you and the service from the charter company. They were fantastic as well with a clean, well maintained boat. "
Trogir 2012 - G.I
