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.
Those new to sailing or looking to brush up on their skills can take advantage of our learn to sail on flotilla option. Ask the sales team for more details.
To book your next flotilla holiday in Greece, give us a call or fill out the Quick Quote Form.
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 1-week flotillas alternate between the KALAMOS ROUTE and the FISKARDO ROUTE and explore the beautiful islands of Lefkas, Meganissi, Kalamos, Ithaca and Cephalonia, all with tranquil bays and enchanting fishing harbours.
For a 2-week flotilla holiday, you have a choice. Combine the two 1-week flotillas to spend longer in the Southern Ionian. Or join the exciting NORTH-SOUTH ITINERARY which heads north through the Lefkas Canal to the islands of Paxos and Anti-Paxos, just south of Corfu, before returning south in the second week to explore the Ionian islands of Meganissi, Kalamos, Ithaca and Cephalonia.
2018 dates: 29 Apr | 13, 27 May | 10, 24 Jun | 8, 22 Jul | 5, 19 Aug | 2, 16, 30 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 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 . Sail today to Little Vathi on Meganissi just opposite Scorpios island. Little Vathi is a lovely harbour with several traditional tavernas to take your pick from.
TUE : Polis, Ithaka . 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.
WED : Eufimia After a great sail, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and taverns near by.
THU : Kioni, Ithaka The village is an exceptional beauty set amidst a setting of olive groves. The lovely houses form an amphitheatre around the steep slopes of the bay with its amazing deep blue waters. After an enjoyable sail, relax moored to the jetty, only a few steps away from the tavern.
FRI : Kalamos Enjoy a sail south to the island of Kalamos. Port Kalamos is a sleepy little harbour with a few restaurants and shops on the quayside for visiting yachts. Take a walk up to the old town for views and a visit to the bakery.
SAT : Return to Palairos Rather than head straight back you can return to one of the many anchorages on Meganisi, perhaps Abelike Bay, for a last lunch stop and swim before returning to Palairos
SUN : Disembark at Palairos.
Routes may vary due to weather conditions & other factors.
Polis, Ithaka (19nm). 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.
2018 dates: 6, 20 May | 3, 17 Jun | 1, 15, 29 Jul | 12, 26 Aug | 09, 23 Sep | 7 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 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. 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.
TUE : Fiskardo, Kefalonia.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.
WED : Vasiliki, Lefkas. At the southern tip of Lefkas this bay is known for excellent winds.
THU : Spartochori, Meganisi. Those who wish may stop over at one of the beautiful bays on Meganisi for a midday swim. Spartochori is a great setting for an evening, watching an amazing sunset over the top of the village.
FRI : Varco. Tonight we have our beach BBQ in this quiet anchorage with good shelter.
SAT : Return to Palairos (15nm). Rather than head straight back you can return to one of the many anchorages on Meganisi, perhaps Abelike Bay, for a last lunch stop and swim before returning to Palairos
SUN : Disembark at Palairos.
Routes may vary due to weather conditions & other factors.
2018 dates: 20 May | 3, 17 Jun | 1, 15, 29 Jul | 12, 26 Aug | 09 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 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: Preveza. The day starts with a sail across the bay and then a motor north through the Lefkas Canal and over to Preveza. An vibrant port with lots to see
TUE : Parga (31nm). 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.
WED : Lakka, Paxos (12nm). Today we sail to the island
of Paxos. Lakka is a popular anchorage in an almost landlocked bay. The
tavernas and bars along the quayside provide a lively evening.
THU : Gaios, Paxos (12nm). We visit
the beautiful anchorages of Antipaxos for lunch and a swim. The waters of Emerald Bay truly live up to their name. Gaios, on the southern tip of Paxos,is a popular harbour that spreads along the waterfront.
FRI : Lefkas Marina (34nm). Early start for our sail south. A lovely downwind run to Lefkas Marina. Here you will find everything you need including banks, supermarkets and a good selection of restaurants and cafes – good for restocking provisions.
SAT : Palairos (12nm). We head south through the Lefkas Canal back to Palairos where 1-weekers will finish. 2-weekers are free to explore any of the beautiful bays on Meganisi, safe for an overnight stay, or return to Palairos for the evening.
SUN : Free Sailing. Relax among the idyllic bays of Meganisi island or sail across to Nidri, on the east coast of Lefkas, where you can cycle or walk around Vlichos Bay to see the waterfalls. In the town there is a large variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes.
MON :Sivota, Lefkas (10nm). We meet up for our group meal at Sivota, a beautifully located unspoiled fishing village. 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 :Fiskardo, Kefalonia (12nm). 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.
WED :Polis, Ithaka (19nm). 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.
THU : Kioni, Ithaca (11nm).The village is an exceptional beauty set amidst a setting of olive groves. The lovely houses form an amphitheatre around the steep slopes of the bay with its amazing deep blue waters. After an enjoyable sail, relax moored to the jetty, only a few steps away from the taverna.
FRI :Little Vathi, Meganisi (13nm). Sail today to Little Vathi on Meganissi just opposite Scorpios island. Little Vathi is a lovely harbour with several traditional tavernas to take your pick from.
SAT : Return to Palairos (7nm). Rather than head straight back you can return to one of the many anchorages on Meganisi, perhaps Abelike Bay, for a last lunch stop and swim before returning to Palairos.
SUN : Disembark at Palairos.
Routes may vary due to weather conditions & other factors.
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 a couple of larger 4 cabin yachts
to sleep a maximum of 10 people.
All
the flotilla yachts in the Ionian have furling 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.
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 1-week flotillas alternate between the KALAMOS ROUTE and the FISKARDO ROUTE and explore the beautiful islands of Lefkas, Meganissi, Kalamos, Ithaca and Cephalonia, all with tranquil bays and enchanting fishing harbours.
For a 2-week flotilla holiday, you have a choice. Combine the two 1-week flotillas to spend longer in the Southern Ionian. Or join the exciting NORTH-SOUTH ITINERARY which heads north through the Lefkas Canal to the islands of Paxos and Anti-Paxos, just south of Corfu, before returning south in the second week to explore the Ionian islands of Meganissi, Kalamos, Ithaca and Cephalonia.
2018 dates: 29 Apr | 13, 27 May | 10, 24 Jun | 8, 22 Jul | 5, 19 Aug | 2, 16, 30 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 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 . Sail today to Little Vathi on Meganissi just opposite Scorpios island. Little Vathi is a lovely harbour with several traditional tavernas to take your pick from.
TUE : Polis, Ithaka . 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.
WED : Eufimia After a great sail, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and taverns near by.
THU : Kioni, Ithaka The village is an exceptional beauty set amidst a setting of olive groves. The lovely houses form an amphitheatre around the steep slopes of the bay with its amazing deep blue waters. After an enjoyable sail, relax moored to the jetty, only a few steps away from the tavern.
FRI : Kalamos Enjoy a sail south to the island of Kalamos. Port Kalamos is a sleepy little harbour with a few restaurants and shops on the quayside for visiting yachts. Take a walk up to the old town for views and a visit to the bakery.
SAT : Return to Palairos Rather than head straight back you can return to one of the many anchorages on Meganisi, perhaps Abelike Bay, for a last lunch stop and swim before returning to Palairos
SUN : Disembark at Palairos.
Routes may vary due to weather conditions & other factors.
2018 dates: 6, 20 May | 3, 17 Jun | 1, 15, 29 Jul | 12, 26 Aug | 09, 23 Sep | 7 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 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. 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.
TUE : Fiskardo, Kefalonia.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.
WED : Vasiliki, Lefkas. At the southern tip of Lefkas this bay is known for excellent winds.
THU : Spartochori, Meganisi. Those who wish may stop over at one of the beautiful bays on Meganisi for a midday swim. Spartochori is a great setting for an evening, watching an amazing sunset over the top of the village.
FRI : Varco. Tonight we have our beach BBQ in this quiet anchorage with good shelter.
SAT : Return to Palairos (15nm). Rather than head straight back you can return to one of the many anchorages on Meganisi, perhaps Abelike Bay, for a last lunch stop and swim before returning to Palairos
SUN : Disembark at Palairos.
Routes may vary due to weather conditions & other factors.
2018 dates: 20 May | 3, 17 Jun | 1, 15, 29 Jul | 12, 26 Aug | 09 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 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: Preveza. The day starts with a sail across the bay and then a motor north through the Lefkas Canal and over to Preveza. An vibrant port with lots to see
TUE : Parga (31nm). 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.
WED : Lakka, Paxos (12nm). Today we sail to the island of Paxos. Lakka is a popular anchorage in an almost landlocked bay. The tavernas and bars along the quayside provide a lively evening.
THU : Gaios, Paxos (12nm). We visit the beautiful anchorages of Antipaxos for lunch and a swim. The waters of Emerald Bay truly live up to their name. Gaios, on the southern tip of Paxos,is a popular harbour that spreads along the waterfront.
FRI : Lefkas Marina (34nm). Early start for our sail south. A lovely downwind run to Lefkas Marina. Here you will find everything you need including banks, supermarkets and a good selection of restaurants and cafes – good for restocking provisions.
SAT : Palairos (12nm). We head south through the Lefkas Canal back to Palairos where 1-weekers will finish. 2-weekers are free to explore any of the beautiful bays on Meganisi, safe for an overnight stay, or return to Palairos for the evening.
SUN : Free Sailing. Relax among the idyllic bays of Meganisi island or sail across to Nidri, on the east coast of Lefkas, where you can cycle or walk around Vlichos Bay to see the waterfalls. In the town there is a large variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes.
MON :Sivota, Lefkas (10nm). We meet up for our group meal at Sivota, a beautifully located unspoiled fishing village. 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 :Fiskardo, Kefalonia (12nm). 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.
WED :Polis, Ithaka (19nm). 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.
THU : Kioni, Ithaca (11nm).The village is an exceptional beauty set amidst a setting of olive groves. The lovely houses form an amphitheatre around the steep slopes of the bay with its amazing deep blue waters. After an enjoyable sail, relax moored to the jetty, only a few steps away from the taverna.
FRI :Little Vathi, Meganisi (13nm). Sail today to Little Vathi on Meganissi just opposite Scorpios island. Little Vathi is a lovely harbour with several traditional tavernas to take your pick from.
SAT : Return to Palairos (7nm). Rather than head straight back you can return to one of the many anchorages on Meganisi, perhaps Abelike Bay, for a last lunch stop and swim before returning to Palairos.
SUN : Disembark at Palairos.
Routes may vary due to weather conditions & other factors.
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 a couple of larger 4 cabin yachts to sleep a maximum of 10 people.
All the flotilla yachts in the Ionian have furling 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.
Ionian Flotilla Early Booking for 2019
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Last minute deals on Ionian flotilla
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Prices given below. Click on the yacht names to view yacht layout & specification
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:
For yacht charters from Palairos or Lefkas, the nearest airport is Preveza. Thomson, Small Planet, Germania and Thomas Cook have flights from Gatwick and Manchester. Easyjet also fly from Gatwick to Preveza. Time to Lefkas Marina 30 minutes and to Palairos 30 minutes.
We can also offer Sunday seats on a chartered British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Preveza. Excellent fares including luggage.
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, 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
Bill Oldfield sailed on the Ionian flotilla in September 2015. Read his account of the week's holiday in the Northern Echo. Click here to read his article >>
He says "The islands are home to the most beautiful little harbour villages...all with breath-taking scenery, ancient history and quiet little tavernas serving freshly-caught fish and local wine."
Nick Crane sailed on our Ionian flotilla with his family and his account of the week's holiday appeared in The Telegraph Travel Section in Dec 2012. Click here to read the article >>
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."
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.
"Everything ran really smoothly on our trip to the Saronic last week. the staff were really helpful and the boat clean and well equipped. We had the most fabulous trip, went to some really beautiful places, each different from the other and did a lot of fantastic snorkelling. "
Athens 2014 - N.T.
WANT ADVICE?
Phone 01732 867445 or
Email charter@nautilusyachting.com
