Pine-covered islands, a village abandoned since 1953, sunset drinks in an old windmill, and two quiet nights in Ithaca’s fjord-like harbour. The calm side of the Ionian, a week-long loop from Vliho Bay.
This route skips the busiest harbours in favour of places most visitors never see. Short legs leave long afternoons at anchor: a ghost village on Kalamos, the windmills of tiny Kastos, uninhabited Atokos, and Ithaca’s sheltered harbour of Vathy.
Most days are under three hours of sailing, which makes it a good fit for families, first-time charterers, and anyone who would rather swim than race.
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 pontoon from 18:00 on Saturday, settle into your cabins, and let the base team walk you through the yacht. The small islands on this route have few shops, so this is the evening to make sure the galley is well stocked.
Skipper’s tip: Order provisions at least 48 hours ahead so they are waiting on board when you arrive.
Sail east past Meganisi to Kalamos, a mountain island covered in pine forest. Its harbour town is sleepy and picture-perfect, with stone houses along the promenade and family tavernas a few steps from the quay.
Skipper’s tip: Harbourmaster George is famous for meeting incoming yachts and helping with lines. Give him a wave on your approach.
A short morning hop around Kalamos to Port Leone, a village abandoned after the 1953 earthquake where only the stone church still stands. Swim, explore the ruins, then cross to tiny, car-free Kastos for a sunset drink in a converted windmill.
Skipper’s tip: Space on the Kastos quay is limited. Arrive by early afternoon, or anchor in the bay with long lines to shore.
Stop for lunch at Atokos, an uninhabited island with steep cliffs dropping into clear water, then sail on to Ithaca. Entering Vathy is one of the great moments of the Ionian: a winding natural channel that suddenly opens into a huge, sheltered bay.
Skipper’s tip: Atokos has no facilities at all. Bring everything you need for lunch, and the dinghy for getting ashore.
A lazy day just outside Vathy. Gidaki is often voted Ithaca’s best beach, and because it is hard to reach on foot it stays unspoiled. Anchor off, swim ashore, and spend the afternoon in water so clear it looks like a pool. Back to Vathy for a second quiet night.
Skipper’s tip: The afternoon Maestro can funnel down the valley into Vathy. Make sure your anchor is well set before heading ashore for dinner.
A gentle sail up Ithaca’s east coast to Kioni, a small, pretty harbour village tucked into a green bay. There is plenty of time for a swim stop on the way and a relaxed last dinner by the water.
Skipper’s tip: Kioni’s harbour is small. Aim to arrive early in the afternoon to find a good spot.
Sail north from Ithaca back into the sheltered inland sea, with a final swim stop on the way, before returning to the calm waters of Vliho Bay and the sail2day pontoon.
Skipper’s tip: Leave in the morning to make the most of the lighter winds 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.
Expect more nights at anchor than on busier routes, often with a line ashore. The quays in Kastos and Kioni are small, so arriving early in the afternoon pays off.
Kastos is tiny and Atokos is uninhabited, so shops are scarce. 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 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 route to suit your group.