A swim stop every day: Thilia, Afales, Kalo Limani, Giagana, Antisamos, Filiatro, Gidaki and Atokos. Sivota Bay, Fiskardo, the caves of Sami and Vathy, a classic week-long loop from Vliho Bay.
This 7 day sailing itinerary starting from Lefkas, Greece links the best-loved harbours of the South Ionian: Sivota Bay in Lefkas, elegant Fiskardo and Sami in Kefalonia, Vathy in Ithaca, and tiny Kastos. Every day has a swimming stop, with clear water and quiet beaches.
Legs are between 10 and 20 nautical miles, so there is always time for a swim, a long lunch and an evening ashore. A good fit for families, friends and first-time charterers.
Distances are approximate. Your skipper adjusts each day to the forecast, so treat this as the ideal plan rather than a fixed schedule.
Check in at our sail2day private pontoon from 18:00 on Saturday, settle into your cabins, and let the base team walk you through the yacht. This is the evening to make sure the galley is well stocked for the week ahead.
Skipper’s tip: Order provisions at least 48 hours ahead so they are waiting on board when you arrive.
Sail south from Vliho with a first swimming stop at Thilia. Lunch in Mikros Gialos, one of the prettiest bays in Lefkas, then settle in for the night on a private pontoon in Sivota Bay. Your private pontoon should be booked in advance.
Skipper’s tip: Sivota is busy in high season. Your private pontoon should be booked in advance.
Leave Sivota for the crossing to Ithaca, with a swimming stop at Afales. Leave Afales heading to Fiskardo that is the most elegant harbour village of the Ionian, with pastel Venetian houses around the water. You spend the night here with long lines to the rocks.
Skipper’s tip: Fiskardo fills up by late afternoon. Aim to arrive early, and your skipper will handle the long lines to the rocks.
Sail south along the east coast of Kefalonia with swimming stops at Kalo Limani and Giagana beaches on the way. In Sami, take a taxi to visit the famous caves nearby, such as the lake cave of Melissani, then enjoy the evening in the harbour.
Skipper’s tip: Ask your skipper to book the taxi for the caves in the morning, so it is waiting when you arrive in Sami.
A short hop from Sami with a swimming stop at Antisamos Beach, then across the channel to Ithaca for another swim at Filiatro Beach. Finish the day in Vathy, the island’s capital, whose natural harbour opens up like a fjord.
Skipper’s tip: The Ithaca channel can be breezy in the afternoon. Cross in the morning and enjoy the beaches while the wind builds.
Leave Vathy for a swim at Gidaki Beach, often voted Ithaca’s best beach, then continue to uninhabited Atokos for another swim in clear water. End the day on tiny, car-free Kastos with a sunset drink at the old windmill.
Skipper’s tip: Atokos has no facilities at all. Bring everything you need for lunch, and the dinghy for getting ashore.
Start the morning with a swim in the secret bays of Kastos, then sail towards Meganisi for a stop at the Papanikolis Cave, the huge sea cave on the island’s coast. Then sail back into the calm waters of Vliho Bay and the sail2day pontoon.
Skipper’s tip: Keep the cave visit for a calm moment when the swell is low, and head back to base before the afternoon breeze builds.
A predictable NW breeze, typically Force 3–5, builds in the afternoon and dies down at night. Plan longer legs for the morning and enjoy the sailing when it fills in.
In Sivota Bay, your private pontoon should be booked in advance. In Fiskardo you moor with long lines to the rocks, and the quay in Kastos is small, so arriving early in the afternoon pays off.
Kastos is tiny and Atokos is uninhabited, so shops are scarce there. Have provisions delivered to the yacht before departure and top up water whenever you can.
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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 Lefkas (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 InfoReal stories from charter guests and sailing students
Tell us your dates and crew size, and our team in Vliho Bay will match you with a catamaran and adjust this itinerary to suit your group.