Two weeks across the North and South Ionian: Paxos and Antipaxos, the Venetian old town of Corfu, Fiskardo, Kioni and Vathy, and a final stretch through the quiet Little Ionian, a long loop from Vliho Bay.
This 14 day sailing itinerary starting from Lefkas, Greece covers the whole Ionian, from the Venetian old town of Corfu to the quiet harbours of Ithaca and Kastos. Along the way are Paxos and Antipaxos, with the clearest water in the Ionian, Fiskardo, Kioni and Vathy.
The crossings to Paxos and Corfu, and the sail back south to Vasiliki, are the longest, at 30 to 45 nautical miles. The rest are shorter legs of 5 to 22 nautical miles, with a rest day in Corfu to explore the island by car.
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. With two weeks ahead, 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.
Head north from Vliho with a swimming stop at Nikiana Beach on Lefkas, then sail through the Lefkada canal and cross the channel to Preveza, the last port on the mainland before the crossing to Paxos. A good place for a waterfront dinner and last-minute shopping.
Skipper’s tip: Preveza is the last big town for supplies before Paxos, so top up on fresh food and water here.
The first open crossing of the two weeks, sailing north from Preveza to Paxos, a small island of olive groves, whitewashed villages and sea caves. Arrive in the sheltered harbour of Gaios and spend the evening ashore.
Skipper’s tip: Leave Preveza early. The crossing is calmest in the morning, before the afternoon wind builds.
The longest sail of the northern leg, from Paxos up the coast of Corfu to Corfu Town. The UNESCO-listed old town, with its Venetian fortresses, narrow lanes and the Liston arcade, is the highlight of the trip.
Skipper’s tip: Leave Paxos early to arrive in Corfu Town in the afternoon, with time to walk through the old town before dinner.
A rest day from sailing. Rent a car to explore the island, from the old town and its Venetian fortresses to the beaches and villages of Corfu, then enjoy a second evening in Corfu Town.
Skipper’s tip: Ask your skipper to arrange the rental car for the morning, so you can leave right after breakfast.
Sail back south along the coast of Corfu to Lakka, a sheltered natural bay in the north of Paxos, with a swimming stop on the way and the evening in the harbour village.
Skipper’s tip: This is another long leg. Leave Corfu Town in the morning and the afternoon breeze will carry you south.
Sail around Paxos to Erimitis, the famous beach on the west coast, below high white cliffs, for a swimming stop. Then continue to Antipaxos, with some of the clearest water in the Ionian and the white sand beaches of Voutoumi and Vrika. Spend the night at anchor.
Skipper’s tip: Antipaxos has no facilities. Bring everything you need for lunch, and the dinghy for getting ashore.
A long and rewarding sail south, with the open Ionian on your side, to the wide bay of Vasiliki in the south of Lefkas. Finish the day with dinner at a waterfront taverna.
Skipper’s tip: Vasiliki is famous for its strong afternoon wind. Aim to arrive by early afternoon and take your time with the mooring.
Sail north from Vasiliki with a swimming stop at Afales in Ithaca, then cross to the north of Kefalonia and Fiskardo, the most elegant harbour village of the Ionian, with pastel Venetian houses around the water.
Skipper’s tip: Fiskardo fills up by late afternoon. Aim to arrive early, and your skipper will handle the long lines to the rocks.
A short and easy sail across the channel to Kioni, a small, pretty harbour village tucked into a green bay in the north of Ithaca. Plenty of time for a swimming stop on the way and a relaxed evening by the water.
Skipper’s tip: Kioni’s harbour is small. Aim to arrive early in the afternoon to find a good spot.
A short sail down the east coast of Ithaca with a swimming stop at Gidaki Beach, often voted Ithaca’s best beach, then on to Vathy, the island’s capital, whose natural harbour opens up like a fjord.
Skipper’s tip: Enter Vathy in the afternoon and enjoy the moment the winding channel opens into the huge, sheltered bay.
Leave Vathy for the small islands of the Little Ionian, with a swimming stop at uninhabited Atokos, finishing in tiny, car-free Kastos with a sunset drink at the old 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.
A swimming stop at Porto Leone on Kalamos, a village abandoned after the 1953 earthquake, where only the stone church still stands. Then continue to Palairos, a pretty fishing port on the mainland coast, for a quiet evening in the harbour.
Skipper’s tip: This is a short leg. Take your time over the morning swim and arrive in Palairos in the afternoon.
The last leg back to base, with a final swim at Varco Bay on the mainland coast 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.
The crossings to Paxos and Corfu are long, so your skipper picks the weather window and leaves early. In Fiskardo you moor with long lines to the rocks, and the harbours in Kioni and Kastos are small, so arriving early in the afternoon pays off.
Preveza and Corfu Town are the best places to stock up, while Antipaxos is uninhabited and Kastos is tiny. 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.
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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
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