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Yacht Charter in the Ionian TEST
The sheltered Ionian on the west coast of Greece is ideal for a relaxed sailing holiday, so popular with families and less experienced crews.
Gentle afternoon breezes make the Ionian one of the safest areas in the world for a relaxed sailing holiday and yet there is plenty to do and see. The scenery is beautiful and there are numerous secure anchorages, picturesque harbours and lively towns.
A sailing holiday is the perfect way to discover the beautiful unspoilt Ionian islands, nestling in clear blue seas, hillsides clad in olive and cypress. Being skipper of your own charter yacht gives you total freedom to explore. There's always time to anchor in a secluded bay for a swim off your yacht, enjoy a walk to a market or cliff-top view, or simply relax. Once you’ve moored up in a picturesque fishing harbour for the evening, step ashore for dinner at a waterfront taverna.
This sailing holiday is perfect for families with children. There's so much going on afloat and ashore - it's such an adventure and no time to get bored! It’s fun to swim ashore for an ice cream at the beach bar, take a trip in the dinghy to explore some caves or eat a picnic on a secluded beach.
Ionian Yacht Charter
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Overview
Nidri, Lefkas
Lefkas Town
Spartochori
Lefkas
Sailing holidays in the Ionian
- Great choice of flights from the UK
- A family run fleet in Palairos or a huge range of yachts from Lefkas
- Line of sight sailing
- Level 1 sailing
- Average summer temperatures of 26-30 degrees
- Average winds force 2-5
- Great for families and less experienced sailors
- Flotilla option
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1 Wk Itinerary
Suggested 1 week sailing itinerary from Palairos
DAY 1 : Palairos
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!
DAY 2 : Sivota, Lefkas (16nm)
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.
DAY 3 : Fiskardo, Cephalonia (11nm)
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.
DAY 4 : Vathi, Ithaca (16nm)
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.
DAY 5 : Port Kalamos (20nm)
Walk up to the traditional village above the harbour for fresh bread in the morning and a stunning view.
DAY 6 : Spartochori, Meganissi (15nm)
Sail to Spartohori on Meganissi, just opposite Scorpios island, with fabulous view from the town up the hill.
DAY 7 : Palairos (15nm)
Stop for a last lunchtime swim in your favourite bay on Meganissi.
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2 Wk Itinerary
Suggested 2 week sailing itinerary from Lefkas
DAY 1 : Lefkas Marina
The marina is in the centre of Lefkas town. Restaurants and small supermarkets are within walking distance.
DAY 2 : Sivota, Lefkas (15nm)
Head south through the Lefkas canal. Sivota has a very pretty waterfront with shops and tavernas.
DAY 3 : Fiskardo, Cephalonia (19nm)
Fiskardo offers a safe and picturesque harbour on the island of Cephalonia.
DAY 4 : Ay. Eufimia, Cephalonia (15nm)
Attractive harbour and convenient for visiting Lake Melissani and the underground caves of Drogarati.
DAY 5 : Poros, Cephalonia (13nm)
Small harbour on the southeast corner of Cephalonia.
DAY 6 : Zakinthos (22nm)
Port Zakynthos was rebuilt in 1953 following an earthquake but retains its Venetian charm.
DAY 7 : Poros (22nm)
Stop off at Ay. Nikolaos on the north of Zakynthos for a lunchtime swim.
DAY 8 : Vathi, Ithaca (20nm)
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.
DAY 9 : Kioni (14nm)
Kioni is one of the prettiest harbours in the Ionian. Sip an aperitif in one of the waterfront tavernas and watch the harbour activity.
DAY 10 : Kalamos (20nm)
Kalamos offers remote anchorages and spectacular scenery. Limited shops and restaurants in Port Kalamos, although the walk up to the village centre is worthwhile.
DAY 11 : Spartokhori, (Meganisi) (9nm)
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!
DAY 12 : Nidri (5nm)
Nidri is fast becoming the sailing/watersports centre for Lefkas and has good shopping for provisions and many waterfront tavernas.
DAY 13 : Lefkas (10nm)
Shopping for souvenirs in Nidri before heading back up the canal to Lefkas marina.
DAY 14 : Lefkas Marina.
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Sailing Conditions
Sailing conditions in the Ionian
Weather conditions in the Ionian are very favourable for a relaxed sailing holiday. There are good sailing breezes from late morning through the afternoon, with winds from the northwest Force 2-5 subsiding around sunset. The winds tend to be stronger at the start and end of the season. Summer temperatures reach 26-29ºC
We have rated this destination a 'Level 1' (levels info) and you will need an ICC qualification for bareboat charters in the Ionian.
For those wanting more support or who are looking for more of a social holiday then why not take a look at our Ionian flotilla holidays
You can see a full list 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.
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Getting There
Getting There
Flights to Preveza
For yacht charters from Palairos or Lefkas, the nearest airport is Preveza. Thomson have flights on Sundays from Gatwick and Manchester. Easyjet also fly from Gatwick to Preveza on Sundays and Wednesdays as well as on Fridays from mid June. We can also offer seats on a chartered British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Preveza on Sundays.
Yacht charter rates are shown WITHOUT flights giving you the flexibility to book your own flights. If you would prefer a flight-inclusive holiday then Nautilus Yachting is a fully bonded ATOL tour operator and can book flights from the UK to fit your sailing holiday. Choose from a wide choice of airlines - we are not tied to any particular airline. All flight-inclusive holidays are fully bonded for your financial protection under our ATOL 3016.
Transfers
The transfer time from Preveza airport to both Palairos and Lefkas is around 30 minutes. We can often arrange transfers in advance with the base and costs vary depending on time of day and number of guests. Please speak to one of our helpful sales team who can advise you on current transfer information.
"We had a super week in Corfu. The Sun Charter staff were excellent, being both friendly and helpful. Our brand new yacht was in very good and clean condition and was quite comfortable for the four of us on board. We had great weather, warm sunshine and with good winds - the sails were out for the best part of each day. I would like to thank all at Nautilus and also Sun Charter for the hassle free booking and all the useful help and tips provided, it was our first time booking a bareboat charter but definitely not the last!"
Ionian 2016 - C.H.
Ionian Yacht Charter prices
| Yacht details | 01 Jan-21 Apr | 22 Apr-19 May | 20 May-23 Jun | 24 Jun-21 Jul | 22 Jul-18 Aug | 19 Aug-15 Sep | 16-29 Sep | 30 Sep-13 Oct | 14 Oct-31 Dec | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model / layout | Year | Cabins | WC | |||||||||
| Sun Odyssey 349 | 2017 | 3 | 1 | 1457 | 2162 | 2562 | 3010 | 3486 | 3010 | 2562 | 2162 | 1457 |
| Sun Odyssey 349 | 2016 | 3 | 1 | 1457 | 2162 | 2562 | 3010 | 3486 | 3010 | 2562 | 2162 | 1457 |
| Oceanis 361 | 2003 | 3 | 1 | 1238 | 1810 | 2095 | 2476 | 2857 | 2476 | 2095 | 1810 | 1238 |
| Bavaria Cruiser 37 - 3 cab. | 2016 | 3 | 1 | 1619 | 2390 | 2838 | 3419 | 3848 | 3419 | 2838 | 2390 | 1619 |
| Yacht details | Before 23 Apr After 15 Oct |
23 Apr-21 May 01-15 Oct |
21 May-25 Jun 17 Sep-01 Oct |
25 Jun-23 Jul 27 Aug-17 Sep |
23 Jul-27 Aug | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model / layout | Year | Cabins | WC | |||||
2021-GR-BB-Ody/3
| Yacht details | 23Apr-21May | 21May-18Jun 27Aug-01Oct |
18Jun-30Jul 20-27Aug |
30Jul-20Aug | 01Oct-31Dec | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model / layout | Year | Cabins | WC | |||||
2021-GR-BB-Kil/3
| Yacht details | Before 23 Apr After 15 Oct |
23 Apr-21 May 01-15 Oct |
21 May-25 Jun 17 Sep-01 Oct |
25 Jun-23 Jul 27 Aug-17 Sep |
23 Jul-27 Aug | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model / layout | Year | Cabins | WC | |||||
2021-GR-BB-Ody/4
| Yacht details | 23Apr-21May | 21May-18Jun 27Aug-01Oct |
18Jun-30Jul 20-27Aug |
30Jul-20Aug | 01Oct-31Dec | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model / layout | Year | Cabins | WC | |||||
2021-GR-BB-Kil/4
| Yacht details | 23Apr-21May | 21May-18Jun 27Aug-01Oct |
18Jun-30Jul 20-27Aug |
30Jul-20Aug | 01Oct-31Dec | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model / layout | Year | Cabins | WC | |||||
2021-GR-BB-Kil/6
Fleet 1 - Yachts from Palairos
Included:
FREE outboard on yachts 39'+. Autopilots on yachts 36'+
Extras payable on embarkation:
Yacht security:
- Yachts up to 41': £1900 refundable deposit
- Yachts 42' and over & catamarans: £2800 refundable deposit
End cleaning:
- Yachts up to 37' £80. Yachts 38-42' £100. Yachts 43'+ £130
- Fuel used (fill up on return)
Optional extras (i.e Outboard, SUP's etc) available on request.
SKIPPER: GBP1100/week + food and drink + own cabin
Fleet 2 - Yachts from Lefkas
Included:
FREE outboard on yachts 50'+
Extras payable on embarkation:
Yacht security:
- Refundable deposit €2000 - €3000. Non refundable deposit on request
Extras:
- Service pack €130 for 2 cabins, €150 for 3 cabins, €175 for 4 cabins, €200 for 5 - 7 cabins. Catamarans under 42' €200, catamarans 43' - 48' €240, catamarans 49' - 52' €300 (includes end cleaning, bedding & towels).
- Fuel used (fill up on return)
Optional extras (i.e Outboard, SUP's etc) available on request.
SKIPPER: €1190/week + food and drink + own cabin
Prices may be subject to change.