Two Week South Ionian Flotilla

Two Week South Ionian Flotilla Overview

The popular South Ionian area is full of beautiful harbours and 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.

This route will start and finish in Sivota during peak season, and Nidri at the end of the season, both on the southern side of Lefkas Island. Sail from village to village or island to island, stopping for a lazy lunch and swim in beautiful bays along the way. There is a great selection of local tavernas and restaurants on all the islands which you'll have plenty of time to explore.

The sailing route mostly consists of easy days of around 10-15 miles. The steep spectacular landscape provides both shelter and lively katabatic breezes in the afternoon. The south Ionian islands are the place if you are after a sailing holiday with the emphasis on 'holiday'!

Typical Itinerary & Highlights

Days 1 - 2, Join the flotilla on Lefkas Island

On arrival you will be met by your our crew and shown to you boat. Your lead crew will be around shortly to introduce themselves and give you a short boat brief, before you retire to the taverna for a drink and a bite to eat.

The flotilla begins in Sivota during peak season, and on our pontoon at the Iris Hotel at the end of the season. If you wanted to tag on a week ashore, either before or after your flotilla, you would have a very short trip to the Iris Hotel in Nidri, or Barrie & Heidi's Villa Meandros, in Sivota!

Days 3 - 5, Kefalonia Island

You will visit all our favourite spots, such as beautiful Fiskardo, where you can enjoy cold beer, wine and a range of fresh fish in the numerous quayside tavernas. There are also plenty of options for more colourful drinks here! Somehow, the anchor seems to dig itself in a bit deeper when moored here...

The flotillas occasionally visit the town of Sami which was central to the filming of ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ on the beautiful East coast of Kefalonia. Get ready for some unbeatable sailing across the Ithaka Channel!

Days 6 - 7, Visiting Ithaka Island

Ithaka is the legendary home of Odysseus. Kioni and Frikes, on the east coast of Ithaka Island are stunning, 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 south east corner of the Island is an unbeatable swim stop with crystal clear water - the perfect lunch stop.

Days 8 - 9, 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 10 - 11, 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 well worth the walk!

Port Atheni is another favourite of ours, although Jimmy and Spiros' days of entertaining flotillas with traditional Greek dancing are sadly over, as they advance in their years. However, it's a stunning place to drop anchor for lunch and they will welcome you with open arms!

‘Little Vathi’ is also a great spot with several excellent tavernas and a traditional village atmosphere. You may enjoy a fabulous group meal in Karnagio taverna just around the corner from the town quay, or the marina. Karnagio (better known as 'George's') has their own excellent pontoon, with water and electricity facilities - free to use if you're dining in the taverna. The lamb on the spit is heavenly!

Days 12 - 13, Lefkas Town

The narrow streets, town square and many small shops of in Lefkas Town are a pleasure to wander around. In the middle of town is a classic Greek taverna called ‘The Lighthouse’ where Steve will recite the menu and Georgia will grill everything perfectly for you.

Lefkas has a popular town quay or, if you prefer to avoid anchoring and are happy to pay, Lefkas marina is a short walk from the centre of town.

Days 14 - 15, Back to Base

Your flotilla will conclude where it all began, in Sivota or Nidri. Now it's time to enjoy a final group meal with your fellow sailors, before heading back to reality.