One Week South Ionian Flotilla

One Week South Ionian Flotilla Overview

The popular South Ionian area is full of beautiful harbours and tranquil bays to anchor for a swim. This is the perfect area for first time sailors or for more experienced sailors looking to introduce friends and family to their passion.

The Highlights of the Southern Ionian route starts and finishes in Sivota on Lefkas Island and explores many picturesque spots on Meganisi, Kefalonia and Ithaka. This flotilla is perfect for first time flotilla sailors as well as experienced sailors looking to introduce family and friends.

What's the wind like?

Being in the South Ionian Islands, this route offers a fun breeze most afternoons whilst keeping the seas conditions relatively calm thanks to how sheltered it is. Keener sailors will enjoy an amazing couple of days sailing through the Meganisi and Ithaka channels.

Where will we visit?

This cruise allows the possibility of drifting around the islands in short hops with a loose agenda. To name just a few of the islands likely to be on your itinerary: Kefalonia, Ithaka, Kalamos, Kastos and Meganisi are all highlights! Ithaka is the place to go for small harbours and traditional waterside tavernas. A stop in one of the East coast bays can be idyllic for a swim. Kefalonia Island is famed for the port of Fiskardo, however there are several other ports and lots of bays to drop the hook for a swim. The smaller islands of Kastos, Kalamos and Meganisi, all offer a real chance to get away from it all.

Typical Itinerary & Highlights

Days 1 - 2, Join the flotilla in Sivota

The route starts and finishes in Sivota on the southern coast of Lefkas Island. Once you have arrived and met your lead crew it is time to relax and soak up the sun and the atmosphere of the quayside tavernas, before the first days briefing the following morning.

Days 2 - 3, Exploring Meganisi Island

One of the highlights in this area is picturesque Spartahori village, perched on the cliffs of Meganisi Island. Steve and Gerry’s taverna at the end of the bay, with a beach on either side, has ‘lazy lines’ for convenience. It is the perfect spot for leisurely swimming. Make the effort to walk up the hill to unspoilt Spartahori village for the view and a cold beer at Lakis traditional taverna - it is worth the walk!

You may also spend a night moored at Port Atheni, where you can join in with the traditional Greek dancing.They are always looking for volunteers! From here you can enjoy a walk up to the old village of Katomeri. ‘Little Vathi’ on Meganisi Island is also a favourite spot with several excellent tavernas and a traditional village atmosphere.

Days 3 - 4, Escaping to the remote islands of Kastos & Kalamos

Two of our favourite stops are the island villages of Kastos and Kalamos. Both of these traditional Greek islands have idyllic harbours, where the locals warmly welcome visitors. They are fascinating places to visit, having remained relatively isolated until quite recently.

The view out towards Kalamos and Atoko Islands is spectacular. Prising the flotilla back out of village harbours once they have settled in can be a difficult task for our lead crews, but there is always another beautiful place not too far away!

Days 4 - 5, Visiting Ithaka Island

Ithaka is the legendary home of Odysseus. Kioni and Frikes, on the east coast of Ithaka Island are quaint villages in which you can relax. Port Vathi is the largest town on the island and has also become a popular spot to visit. Pere Pigadhi on the southeast corner of the Island is an unbeatable swim stop with crystal clear water - the perfect lunch stop.

Days 5 - 6, Kefalonia Island

You will visit all our favourite spots, such as beautiful Fiskardo, where you can enjoy cold beer, wine and a range of foods in the quayside tavernas. Somehow the anchor seems to dig itself in a bit deeper when moored here. Then, get ready for some unbeatable sailing across the Ithaka Channel!

Days 7 - 8, Back to Base

The final night stop will be back at the Lefkas base in Sivota for your final group meal with all your fellow flotilla sailors to reminisce on your wonderful trip!The final Sunday will be spent heading home - fingers crossed you'll be lucky enough to be back next year!