The legendary home of Odysseus. Rugged, romantic, and unchanged by time. Sail into the same bays that have sheltered ships for 3,000 years.
You aren't just sailing; you are tracing the Odyssey. Every bay has a story.
Unlike the rolling hills of Kefalonia, Ithaca is steep, dramatic, and green, with deep bays that offer perfect protection.
No airports, no mass tourism. Just sailors and locals. It is the quietest of the main islands.
Ithaca is more than just an island; it is a symbol. Known worldwide as the home of Odysseus, it has remained surprisingly untouched by mass tourism. For sailors, it offers a unique landscape of dramatic vertical cliffs, lush green valleys, and fjord-like bays that cut deep inland. Expect calm mornings, crystal-clear water that rivals the Caribbean, and evenings spent in quiet, traditional tavernas where the food is local and the welcome is genuine.
Our picks of Coastal Gems accessible by yacht.
The Experience: It's not just a port; it's a natural fjord. Sailing into Vathy is one of the great experiences of the Ionian. You enter a long, winding natural channel that suddenly opens up into a massive, protected amphitheater. The town hugs the waterline with pastel-colored Venetian houses.
The Sailor's Tip: Look for the tiny islet of Lazaretto in the middle of the bay. In the afternoon, the 'Maestro' wind can funnel down the valley, so make sure your anchor is well-set before you head to the tavernas.
Why Go: For the most romantic dinner of your trip, right at the water's edge.
The Experience: The "Poster Child" of the Ionian. Often voted the best beach in Ithaca, yet it remains unspoiled because it is difficult to reach by foot. The water is an electric, neon blue that contrasts with the white pebble beach and steep green cliffs.
The Sailor's Tip: This is the ultimate Lunch Stop. Drop anchor in the crystal clear water, swim to shore, and grab a cold frappe at the tiny beach shack.
Why Go: To swim in water so clear it looks like a swimming pool.
The Experience: Dramatic, raw nature. Located on the northern tip of Ithaca, looking across to Lefkada. Afales is famous for its towering sheer white cliffs and golden sand. It feels wild, remote, and prehistoric.
The Sailor's Tip: This is an open bay, perfect for a swim stop when crossing from Vassiliki or Lefkada.
Why Go: For the dramatic scenery and total isolation. It feels like the edge of the world.
Hidden somewhere in the sparkling Mediterranean near Kefalonia and mainland Greece, it's a land with unspoiled beauty, and where moments of peace and serenity come easy.
Ithaca boasts some of the most enchanting beaches in the Ionian. The island offers a haven for beach lovers, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and picturesque coastlines.
Maintained to the highest safety and comfort standards
WITH SKIPPER
Spacious, stable, and perfectly equipped for island sailing and group comfort.
View Catamaran
WITH SKIPPER
Agile and comfortable, ideal for skippered family or friends charters.
View CatamaranNot sure where to start exploring Lefkada, the amazing Ionian islands, and hidden coves? Our team has lived and sailed the region for years, offering insider knowledge every step of the way.
We love the Ionian and we love sailing. Our local crew and instructors strive to make your vacation seamless, safe, and unforgettable.
Direct communication, transparent pricing, and instant support from our base manager to ensure easy planning from initial inquiry to embarkation.
Our fleet catamarans undergo strict commercial inspections and maintenance, featuring solar upgrades, upgraded power systems, and premium safety gear.
Starting directly from sheltered Vliho Bay, you gain immediate access to Meganisi, Ithaca, Kefalonia, and Paxos without wasting time motoring against heavy open seas.
Protected from all sides, Vliho Bay in Lefkada offers calm waters and instant access to the South Ionian island archipelago.
Location: Vliho, Lefkada Island, Greece
Coordinates: 38°41'N 20°43'E
Operating Season: April – October
Google Maps: Sail2day Lefkada base
Charter Base InfoDiscover the safest, calmest, and most beautiful island sailing grounds in the Mediterranean.
Our home port and gateway to the South Ionian. Famous for iconic beaches, dramatic cliffs, and quiet coastal villages.
→ EXPLORE LEFKADA
Sail into legendary Fiskardo, explore Melissani cave, and drop anchor under pine-covered hillsides.
→ EXPLORE KEFALONIA
Picturesque Kioni bay, pristine anchorages, and authentic Greek tavernas nestled in tranquil coves.
→ EXPLORE ITHACA
A paradise of secluded sea caves, serene swim stops, and charming harbors at Vathy and Spartochori.
→ EXPLORE MEGANISI
Renowned for the Caribbean-like clear waters of Antipaxos and the olive tree-draped hills of Gaios port.
→ EXPLORE PAXOS
Rich history, majestic fortress views, and lush green landscapes across the North Ionian coastline.
→ EXPLORE CORFUReal stories from charter guests and sailing students
Contact our team directly in Vliho Bay to plan your private catamaran charter to Ithaca and the South Ionian.
