Nautilus Yachting > Yacht Charter > Greece Yacht Charter > South Ionian
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If a relaxed yacht charter in Greece is what you are after, then head to the Ionian for quintessential Greek charm, an abundance of islands to explore, and gentle sailing conditions.
For the majority of the season, the Ionian sees gentle breezes accompany the line-of-sight sailing, combining to create a wonderful sailing area for families and less experienced sailors. The Ionian continues to be one of the most popular destinations for boat charters in the Mediterranean and the mix of lively seaside towns and sleepy traditional fishing villages makes for an interesting and varied Greek sailing holiday.
There is no shortage of things to do and see in the Ionian, with plenty to keep the whole crew happy. Anchor in secluded bays for refreshing swim stops or beach picnics, take the dinghy to explore fascinating caves, hike coastal trails for incredible views or wander the cobbled streets of the seaside towns to shop for local products before dining on delicious locally-caught fish in a waterfront taverna.
A bareboat sailing holiday is the perfect way to discover the beautiful, unspoilt Ionian islands and gives you total freedom to explore the area at your own pace and to choose an itinerary that suits you. For those wanting more assistance and guidance whilst also enjoying a sociable holiday, discover the Ionian Flotilla. Or why not add a professional skipper to your yacht charter to have invaluable local knowledge and leave you to sit back, relax and enjoy your sailing holiday!
The Ionian is just one of our eight Greek sailing regions; compare them all on our Greece yacht charter page.
Yacht Charters from:
7 nights / 2 cabins
Lighter winds Force 2-5, line of sight sailing Find out more...
A charming Greek harbour with a choice of restaurants and a nearby beach. The superb setting, with views across to Meganissi and Scorpio, will soon put you in the holiday mood!
Enjoy a sail across to Sivota on the east coast of Levkas. This unspoilt fishing village is surrounded by hillsides covered in olive and cypress trees. The shops, cafes and tavernas on the waterfront cater for visiting yachts.
On the way you pass a choice of bays on Meganisi for a lunchtime anchorage. Fiskardo on the northern tip of Cephalonia is one of the prettiest waterfronts in the Ionian and offers a safe and picturesque harbour. Enjoy cocktails and ice creams on the harbourside and watch the yachts mooring up.
Ithaca is reputedly the island home of Odysseus and the east coast offers numerous bays and anchorages. Vathi has good shopping and numerous tavernas in the town.
Walk up to the traditional village above the harbour for fresh bread in the morning and a stunning view.
Sail to Spartohori on Meganissi, just opposite Scorpios island, with fabulous view from the town up the hill.
Stop for a last lunchtime swim in your favourite bay on Meganissi.
The marina is in the centre of Lefkas town. Restaurants and small supermarkets are within walking distance.
Head south through the Lefkas canal. Sivota has a very pretty waterfront with shops and tavernas.
Fiskardo offers a safe and picturesque harbour on the island of Cephalonia.
Attractive harbour and convenient for visiting Lake Melissani and the underground caves of Drogarati.
Small harbour on the southeast corner of Cephalonia.
Port Zakynthos was rebuilt in 1953 following an earthquake but retains its Venetian charm.
Stop off at Ay. Nikolaos on the north of Zakynthos for a lunchtime swim.
Ithaca, reputedly the home of Odysseus, has numerous bays and anchorages on the east coast. The main harbour at Vathi has good shopping for provisions and numerous tavernas in the town.
Kioni is one of the prettiest harbours in the Ionian. Sip an aperitif in one of the waterfront tavernas and watch the harbour activity.
Kalamos offers remote anchorages and spectacular scenery. Limited shops and restaurants in Port Kalamos, although the walk up to the village centre is worthwhile.
Choice of bays on the north side of Meganisi for a lunchtime anchorage. Overnight at Spartakhori. The view from the village at the top of the hill is worth the walk!
Nidri is fast becoming the sailing/watersports centre for Lefkas and has good shopping for provisions and many waterfront tavernas.
Shopping for souvenirs in Nidri before heading back up the canal to Lefkas marina.
Start your voyage in Palairos, 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! After settling in on your yacht there’s time for a stroll around the shops and a relaxing dinner.
Enjoy a sail across to Sivota on the East coast of Lefkas. This is an unspoiled fishing village which has managed to keep its Greek character through all the years despite the growth of tourism. Here you’re spoiled for choice as there is a variety of shops, cafes and tavernas.
Big Vathi has been the main harbour of Ithaca since the 16th century. Vathi is steeped in history and wandering the small streets is a treat before you settle down for a leisurely meal and sundowner..
Kioni 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.
Enjoy a sail over to the island of Kalamos, a beautiful little mountainous island covered with pine trees. The coastline is dotted with small, mostly pebble beaches and this is the perfect spot to go for a hike. Kalamos is a quaint little village with a rich history and culture and many ancient churches and monasteries. The local tavernas serve some of the best traditional Greek cuisine in the area.
Little 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.
Stop at Abelike Bay for a last lunch stop and swim before returning to Palairos.
Embark on your sailing adventure in Palairos, 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! After settling in on your yacht there’s time for a stroll around the shops and a relaxing dinner.
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.
Enjoy a sail over to the island of Kalamos. Port Leone is a peaceful natural harbour to the south of the island. It was deserted following the 1953 earthquake and only the church now remains in the ruins.
Spartochori is a great setting for watching an evening sunset over the top of the village. After an enjoyable sail, relax whilst moored to the jetty, only a few steps away from the tavern.
Stop at Varko Bay for a last lunch stop and swim before returning to Palairos.
Weather conditions in the Ionian are very favourable for a calm sailing holiday. There are good sailing breezes from late morning through the afternoon, with winds from the northwest Force 2-5 reducing around sunset. The winds tend to be stronger at the start and end of the season. Summer temperatures reach 27-31ºC.
We have rated this destination a 'Level 1' (levels info) and you will need an ICC qualification for bareboat charters from Corfu.
You can see all of the bases we offer in Greece along with the level ratings here so that you can find the most suitable destination for you. If you are at all unsure about a destination then please get in touch and our sales team will be more than happy to make their recommendations for you.
EasyJet have flights from Gatwick and Manchester to Preveza (PVK). Thomson have flights from most UK airports. British Airways also fly from London Heathrow.
The transfer time to Lefkas is approximately 35 minutes (depending on bridge) and to Palairos is 30 minutes
For more information on things to see and do in the Ionian on your yacht charter please click HERE
The best time to take a sailing holiday in Greece is between April and October, with peak season being June, July, and August.
High Season
The Meltemi winds are strongest in July and August, making a more exhilarating sailing challenge for the more experienced sailors. These months also fall within the UK school summer holidays, the perfect time for a family holiday, with lots of opportunities for the children to make new friends. Why not try one of our family-friendly flotilla holidays?
For easier sailing aim for the end of the summer when the winds are less intense making for more relaxed sailing conditions.
Shoulder Season
April and October benefit from smaller crowds as well as cheaper flights, great yacht availability and reduced costs.
Spring
April - June are the perfect months for those looking for a quieter yacht charter. The winds are milder, the weather is warm and the islands are in full bloom. With the reduced crowds it allows you to enjoy them to the fullest!Autumn Sailing in Greece
Choose the autumn months to avoid the tourist crowds, enjoy the calmer winds and take in the natural beauty of the islands at a leisurely pace.
May & September
The weather is warm but not too hot with average temperatures around 25ºC (77ºF) and the crowds are lower than the peak summer season.
Late May & June
The crowds are still relatively low but the temperatures have started to rise (average 28ºC / 85ºF) and the waters begin to get warm enough for swimming.
July to September
This is when the waters are at their warmest and it is also the peak tourist time due to the school summer holidays. This is a great time for a sociable family holiday - why not try one of our family-friendly flotilla holidays?
October
This is the end of the main sailing season and a good opportunity to take advantage of lower prices and lighter crowds. The weather is on average 21 - 23ºC and the waters are still warm enough to enjoy a spot of swimming.
In general, the best sailing conditions are from April to October when you can enjoy warm waters, clear skies and reliable winds.
The Ionian is great for year-round sailing however the best conditions are late spring to early autumn. The Ionian has hot, dry summers with calmer winds but stronger gusts can occur in the afternoons.
The Meltemi winds provide reliable sailing in the summer months perfect for more experienced sailors looking for a more challenging charter.
Typically the rainy season is from November to March and sailing conditions are not always ideal.
The cost of your yacht charter depends on several factors:
The type and size of the yacht you book will dictate the price. A 1 week charter on a 2 - 3 cabin monohull starts around £900 in low season whereas 1 week on a luxury catamaran with a skipper in high season could be upwards of £10,000. These are the 2 extremes of the scale for a 1 week charter and we offer plenty of choices in between.
1 week is a popular choice amongst our sailors and makes the perfect getaway however, a longer charter will give you more time to explore all the Greek islands have to offer. We have a range of 1 and 2 week flotillas, as well as custom bareboat bookings which can be tailored to your timescale.
Lower-priced yacht charters are available in the off-season of April, May, September and October with prices starting to rise in June before peaking in July and August.
Don't have any sailing experience? No problem! We offer several skippered and crewed options so you can enjoy the yachting lifestyle without the stress. From a simple skippered yacht to fully crewed options, we can arrange a charter to suit your needs.
Flotilla yacht charters are more expensive than a bareboat charter, but for the extra cost, you are getting the assistance of a lead boat with an experienced crew who are ready to help if you need assistance on your voyage. The flotilla lead crew also arrange social activities and lead you on a carefully curated itinerary. Flotillas are great if you enjoy the social aspects of sailing and are perfect for families, especially during school holidays. Children enjoy making new friends, while adults can unwind and connect with like-minded sailors.
If you are experienced and prefer to discover the islands at your own pace then a bareboat charter is the perfect choice for a relaxing holiday in The Med.
For bareboat charters and flotilla holidays in Greece, you will need ICC qualification.
The port authorities in Greece are now insisting on one of the following practical certificates:
If you hold an RYA Day Skipper or ASA104 it will no longer be accepted and you need to obtain either an ICC or IPC from the corresponding issuing body (RYA or ASA).
If your RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster or ASA105/106 certificate is more than 10 years old and does not have a photo ID, then you need to apply for an ICC or IPC.
If you are a member of the RYA or ASA, you may qualify for a discount or free certificate, otherwise, you will have to pay. The approximate cost is £50. Please use these links - RYA application for the ICC or ASA application for the IPC.
A 1 - 2 week charter will give you the optimum time to explore all Greece has to offer, from the beautiful secluded beaches and coves to the rich culture of its historic towns. Fancy exploring at a more relaxed pace? Our knowledgeable team can assist you with a custom charter.
We have various 1 and 2 week sailing itineraries for both bareboat and flotilla sailing holidays in Greece that have been personally tried and tested by our team.
The mooring fees in Greece are very minimal, you will find it is one of the cheaper Mediterranean destinations in terms of mooring costs. On average, a town quay mooring in Greece (based on a 40ft monohull) would be €20/night.
There are fewer "full-service marinas" compared with somewhere like Croatia, but these would usually be between €50-70/night.
There is also the ability to free anchor in a lot of places too, which keeps the cost of your mooring fees down considerably.
Our most popular sailing destination in Greece is the South Ionian due to its easy sailing conditions and endless bays to visit; this collection of islands (Lefkas, Kefalonia, Ithaka, Meganisi, Kalamos & Kastos) is perfect for beginners and families but has a charm that keeps our guests returning year after year.
You can also set sail in the Ionian from well-connected Corfu which has great options for sail-and-stay to combine your holiday with one of the island's highly-rated resorts. When on a yacht charter from Corfu, you can also explore Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as picture-perfect Paxos.
This year, it was time to return to where we first fell in love with sailing, the beautiful South Ionian where our passion for charter holidays started!
To take advantage of cheaper and quieter mid-week flights, we decided to head out to Greece a couple of days ahead of our charter to explore the wonderful beaches on the northwest coast of Lefkas. Car hire at Preveza Airport was easy and the driving is straightforward so don’t be put off! Three nights at Villa Elia - a really friendly apartment-based property. Extending our stay and having time to settle into holiday mode before setting sail was a welcome change.
Kathisma is one of the most stunning beaches on Lefkas, there are many bars and restaurants nearby with facilities and good parking. If you get tired of sunbathing with cold beers delivered to your umbrella while looking out at the turquoise waters, you can look up and watch the paragliders swooping down from the cliffs above.
On embarkation day, having the car meant we were able to provision well in the huge supermarket close to D-Marin. We unloaded our goodies onto our Sun Odyssey 440 for the week. A quick car drop-off combined with paid early embarkation meant we could get away ahead of the rest marina!
After a refreshing swim stop, at the first of many delightful spots in this area, our first night we spent moored in the colourful fishing village of Sivota. On the southern end of Lefkas island this bustling seaside town has a good choice of bars and restaurants with something to suit every budget. A delicious selection of tasty Greek treats to start followed by fish and a lovely evening getting to know our skipper.
Sivota has long been a port of call on our South Ionian flotilla and it is not hard to see why it is so popular with Nautilus clients, a charming place for a stroll after breakfast.
Today, our Skipper Alun; a very experienced professional supplied by Kiriacoulis, announced that today we would be heading away from the hoi polloi to somewhere special - we were definitely up for that!
Around midday we anchored for a swim and a delicious lunch of Greek goodies at the divine Porto Katsiki (Goat Port). At the very tail end of Lekfas, it is said to be so named as it could only be reached by goats and sailors.
With perfect afternoon winds we sailed into Assos in the northwest of Kefalonia. What a sight to behold, a picture-perfect bay of crystal-clear water and the stunning village comprising of Venetian villas in an array of pastel colours. More swimming, and it would be rude not to have cocktail and watch the sun go down before heading off to dinner on the quayside.
There are only 10 moorings available in the bay so we were lucky to find space courtesy of our skipper’s local knowledge. We enjoyed Assos town very much, but it was a rocky night with masts knocking together in the early hours. Luckily Alun was able to take control and help instruct our neighbours on what to do. The west coast of Kefalonia is definitely not for the faint of heart!
There is an hiking track rising above Assos town leading to the Venetian Castle affording the most beautiful views across the bay. It is a challenging walk but definitely worth the effort.
Today we enjoyed revisiting one of the star attractions from our flotilla days. Fiskardo is a gem of a town packed full of sparkling stores to tempt the shoppers amongst you. Treat yourself to a special provisioning stop with delicious breads and pastries from the excellent bakeries.
Alun suggested heading to a quieter anchorage round the corner at Foki Bay, a short hop but a perfect recommendation. We found a shady cool spot to moor up amongst the olive trees with lovely relaxing afternoon swimming and a trip to the sole taverna for a sundowner.
We cooked onboard this evening with a few fully-crewed catamarans as neighbours. We recognised a few Nautilus clients enjoying their multiple courses created by private chefs, and the absolute luxury of dining under the stars in this peaceful bay.
The next morning, we head to Afales beach under the chalky white cliffs and the very best snorkeling. Great sailing and good winds, but not without drama - mobile phone overboard! Note to self - buy a buoyant accessory for mobile next year!
We are in need of some housekeeping by this point; to refill our water tanks and stock up on provisioning so we chose to spend this evening in Vathi. The largest town on Ithaka island, often referred to as “Big Vathi” to avoid being confused with “Little Vathi” located on Meganisi island. This is the only place we paid mooring fees during the week, only €6 for a prime spot on the quayside.
As the principal town of Ithaka is a ‘working’ town and is a touch commercial. There are a lot of restaurants around the harbour but going just a couple of streets back from the waterfront and we found a little gem which had a nice vibe and an abundance of food.
Time is starting to fly by now but there still time to drop anchor for a lunch stop at one of the South Ionian’s most desirable spots – Atokos island with its single residence where you have the chance to swim ashore and ring the bell in the deserted chapel!
Another swim stop at Kastos island before heading to Kalamos town. A meal at George's Taverna a real Mamma Mia! Experience, from the warm welcome and assistance in mooring to the traditional fayre at his restaurant. Check patterned tablecloths adorn busy tables right on the water’s edge with excellent food and buzzing service whilst watching the glorious sunset.
Our lovely Ionian flotilla was in town tonight and it was good to catch up with such a happy, fulfilled, bunch of sailors swapping their stories over sundowners. Good times!
Today there are good sailing winds so everyone is getting a chance to take the helm.
We take a stop at Port Atheni and enjoy a chance encounter with the legend that is Bobby ‘Dazzler’ our first ever skipper. A good friend to Nautilus and Odysseus Yachting having accompanied many of our happy clients. There are lots of laughs catching up and not merely a few beers at Taverna Niagas.
Many private yacht owners moored here appreciate its simplicity, small shop, excellent bakery, and a couple of good tavernas. We really enjoyed the contrast of this unspoilt, unpretentious little village.
Our last day! We head to the bay of Varko, a fabulous open anchorage with a stunning beach and surrounded by lavender fields full of goats. A new beach club has popped up since our last visit but with great chillout music playing it feels very chic and unique! There are also lots of larger yachts and catamarans with European families enjoying play time in the warm clear waters, but in a flash it is time to head back to Lefkas!
What a joy it has been to be back here in the South Ionian sea and making more memories. About as close to the perfect Greek Island hopping adventure as you can get. We are all still smitten with this corner of the world!
If you have your next bareboat yacht charter or flotilla holiday booked, your thoughts may now be turning to what to pack! Whether you are heading to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean or jetting off to sail in the warm breezes of the Caribbean, we have a few suggestions for you for useful items to pack for your next sailing holiday.
We took a look at the destinations which are currently top of the list and have been surprised by a few of the entries! Tried and tested favourites for your yacht charters stand alongside a few newcomers, keeping things interesting and allowing a few lesser-known sailing areas to have their place in the limelight.
Watch the video, ‘A Day on the Ionian Flotilla’ to get a glimpse into what you can expect from a flotilla sailing holiday in the Ionian with Nautilus Yachting. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more Nautilus Yachting sailing holiday videos!
Call our knowledgeable sailing specialists for the latest advice and recommendations on the sailing areas most suited to you.
Arrange a call back from one of our specialists (Mon-Fri: 0900-1730).
