Ionian Sea (Greece) Sailing Itinerary
The Ionian Sea lies to the West of Greece, and takes in many beautiful islands.
The waters are fun to sail, and are forgiving of new or inexperienced sailors,
so you are assured of a great sailing holiday.
| An example of the Zakynthos route (2) two week sailing holiday |
Saturday
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Lefkas Marina
After arrival from airport Preveza, you will arrive at Lefkas Marina after a taxi trip of 20 minutes. Lefkas is a cosy marina, equipped with all facilities and is where you check in. The flotilla will leave the following morning.
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| Sunday |
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Lefkas –
Abeliki
Bay
(12 miles)
We head out of the canal sail to the left to find your first swim stop at Ormos Variko before sailing onto
Abeliki
Bay, a
small bay and village. A nice homely taverna ashore.
|
| Monday |
|
Abeliki Bay – Big Vathy (21 miles)
Before you enter Big Vathy harbour a swim stop at the
Gidaki
Beach
is a must. A typical small Greek town surrounding the harbour. Many shops, cafes, tavernas line the shore and back streets. Museums to visit. The central square has ATM’s, a post office and tourist shops.
|
| Tuesday |
|
Big Vathy – Poros (21 miles)
A small harbour with a unique nautical bar hidden in the cliffs. A short walk over the hill to a well set out village full of cafes, tavernas and many shops. The beach is lined with sun beds and the water crystal clear.
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| Wednesday |
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Poros – Zakynthos (23 miles)
This famous town has a lot of Italian influences. Many squares, with St Marks being well known. The northern area high on the hill Plateia Solomou is a must to visit. All facilities can be found in this town. Take the tourist train, found at the end of the quay, and see the town at a relaxed pace.
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| Thursday
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Zakynthos – Katakolon (22 miles)
Katakolon port is where the cruise ships stop over, however the shops, café and tavernas surrounding the quay are adorned with flowers.
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| Friday |
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Olympia
(non sailing day)
Take the train 35 minutes to
Olympia
. Just a few minutes stroll to the Museum and Amphitheatre.
|
| Saturday |
|
Katakolon –
Keri
Bay
(24 miles)
A lovely bay to drop anchor and admire the caves with the clear turquoise blue water lapping around the beach. You may be lucky to see a loggerhead turtle; nesting season is from May to August.
|
| Sunday |
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Keri Bay – Nikolaos Bay (29 miles)
Arrive at the small quay and wander the small village. Many friendly people. Wonderful taverna on the beach.
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| Monday |
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Nikolaos Bay – Sami (29 miles)
Many refreshing swim stops along the way. Moor at the quay and explore the town made famous from the movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
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| Tuesday |
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Sami (non sailing day)
Visit the caves and inland lake. Take a trip over to the beach Myrtos. Amazing shades of aquamarine to deep turquoise blue.
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| Wednesday |
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Sami – Friscado (13 miles)
Friscado is framed by cypress hills with fine Venetian buildings. A very pretty village to stroll around and choose to eat at the many tavernas cafes lining the quay. Many shops to pick up that souvenir or visit the Nautical and Environmental Club next to the church.
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| Thursday |
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Friscado –
Atheni
Bay
(18 miles)
Look forward to a wonderful night of home cooked Greek food and dancing.
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| Friday |
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Atheni Bay – Lefkas (14 miles)
Sailing back take a cruise around Skorpios owned by the Onnassis family before heading up the canal to Lefkas.
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| An example
of a basic (2) two week and (1) week sailing holiday |
|
Sunday |
|
Abeliki bay – Meganisi ( 13 miles )
A quiet green bay where we drop anchor and relax. On the first day you can visit the island of Skorpios, owned by the Onassis family, on the way. In the evening we will eat at the small local tavern. Use your dinghy because there is no quay. Enjoy the stars when returning that evening!
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| Monday |
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Fiskardo (Kefalonia) ( 18 miles )
We set sail for Fiskardo, the place to be in the Ionian Sea! An interesting trip to sail with the ferries in your sight. On mooring if there are people sitting at the tables on the quay, watch out when throwing your mooring lines or you could knock the Greek salad or the cold beer from of the table! Yes, it's a wonderful experience to tie up so close to great food, drink, and entertainment.
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| Tuesday |
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Eufemia (Kefalonia) ( 11 miles
)
A quaint Greek town with good tavernas, a nice beach, a good supermarket and an ATM to change your money. A nice view from of the breakwater. The film "Captain Correli’s Mandolin" was recorded here and also in Sami, the port to the south.
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| Wednesday |
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Kastos ( 28 miles ) The quietest place of the Ionian. Nice country feel, with roosters, cows etc. A beautiful tavern with a view on the Dragonera Islands close to the mainland. Nice place to snorkel.
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| Thursday |
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Atheni Bay – Meganisi ( 15 miles ) A bay on the north east corner of the Island Meganisi. A drink and finger food on the quay with the flotilla and afterwards dinner at Dimitri en Spiros. As soon as they have finished serving and the plates have been cleared away, you are caught up in the charming traditional Greek music and dancing. On the Friday morning you will have to say goodbye to the people who are having another week's holiday if you're returning home on the Saturday. The flotilla leaders will join the people who have to go back to Lefkas marina.
The guests who are having another week have 2 free sailing days. They will meet the flotilla leader and the new guests on the Sunday evening.
|
| Friday
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Lefkas Marina ( 13.5 miles )
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| An example
of the last week of a two week sailing holiday |
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Sunday
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Vathi – Meganisi ( 12 miles )
Charming Greek town with beautiful trees. Some real Greek fishing boats are moored here. The breakwater with a romantic atmosphere.
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| Monday
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Porto Leone - (Kalamos) ( 19 miles )
A beautiful bay, a possibility for a barbecue, a nice taverna, however
no shops, but a starry night of course!
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| Tuesday
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Vathi - (Ithaka) ( 17 miles ).
The main city of Ithaka , the place Odysseus left to fight in
the Trojan War. A traditional Greek town: Shops surround
the town square with many tavernas to choose from along the quay.
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| Wednesday
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Sivota (Lefkas) ( 16 miles ) This is a cosy and safe harbour with lots of space. A beach on the other side where you can swim.
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| Thursday
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Atheni Bay – Meganisi ( 15 miles ) A bay on the north east corner of the Island Meganisi. A drink and finger food on the quay with the flotillas, afterwards dinner at Dimitri en Spiros. Greek dancing and lots of fun and laughter.
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| Friday
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Lefkas Marina (13.5 miles)
This morning you will have to say goodbye to the people who are having another weeks holiday, while you return home tomorrow. The flotilla leaders will join the people who have to go back to Lefkas marina. The guests who are having another week have 2 free sailing days. New guests will meet the flotilla leaders and the new guests again on the Sunday evening. |
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| Month |
Air
Celsius |
Air
Fahrenheit |
Water
Celsius |
Water
Fahrenheit |
Sun
hours |
| April |
19 |
67 |
18 |
59 |
8 |
| May |
23 |
73 |
18 |
59 |
10 |
| June |
28 |
82 |
21 |
70 |
12 |
| July |
30 |
87 |
24 |
75 |
12 |
| August |
30 |
87 |
25 |
77 |
13 |
| September |
28 |
82 |
23 |
73 |
11 |
| October |
23 |
73 |
21 |
70 |
9 |
|
