Sailing the Ionian Sea - 7 days across western Greece from Lefkada

A route through some of the most beautiful islands of western Greece - from Cefalonia's dramatic cliffs and quiet Ithaca to the hidden coves of Meganisi and Zakynthos' turquoise caves. The sea is calmer, the water unbelievably blue, and anchoring at wild beaches is what makes this tour unforgettable.

Duration

7 days (Saturday–Saturday)

Check-in

Saturday from 17:00

Return to marina

Friday by 18:00

Check-out

Saturday by 09:00

Introduction

Dear sailors, on this page you'll find the key information about our Ionian Sea sailing tour with departure from Lefkada or Preveza.

It's the perfect choice for first-timers - calmer seas, short legs and islands that mix myth, nature and turquoise water you won't easily find anywhere else in Greece.

Route

Islands and stops along the way

The route covers the most beautiful Ionian islands - from the largest, Cefalonia, and mythological Ithaca to the private island of Atokos and the distant but unforgettable Navagio Beach on Zakynthos.

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Cefalonia

Cefalonia is the largest Ionian island, known for impressive landscapes and dramatic shores.

Its most famous natural sights are the Melissani Cave with its underground lake and Myrtos Beach, one of the most photographed beaches in Greece.

In the capital Argostoli you can stroll across the stone Drapano bridge, and you'll often spot *Caretta caretta* sea turtles in the harbour. The island is also famous for its white Robola wine - visit a local winery and bring back a bottle as an authentic souvenir.

Melissani Cave with underground lake
Myrtos - one of Greece's finest beaches
Caretta caretta turtles in Argostoli
Robola white wine
Caretta caretta - sea turtle
Caretta caretta - sea turtle
Melissani Cave with underground lake
Melissani Cave with underground lake

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Ithaca

Home of mythical Odysseus - the island that symbolises the journey home. The capital Vathy sits in a deep bay and offers a calm, sheltered harbour - perfect for an overnight.

The best swim coves are Filiatro and Gidaki - ideal for anchoring, swimming and pure quiet. Local taverns serve excellent fish, home olives and authentic Ionian cuisine.

The myth of Odysseus
Vathy - deep bay overnight
Filiatro and Gidaki coves
Authentic Ionian cuisine
Vathy town on Ithaca
Vathy town on Ithaca
Gidaki cove
Gidaki cove

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Meganisi

A small island east of Lefkada with three main villages: Vathy, Katomeri and Spartochori. The biggest draw is the Papanikolis Cave, where a submarine hid during World War II.

Meganisi is the perfect mix: dinner on the waterfront in a small fishing village, a morning swim in a quiet hidden bay. Local shops sell home-made olive oil and honey.

Papanikolis Cave with WWII history
Three villages - Vathy, Katomeri, Spartochori
Local olive oil and honey
Papanikolis Cave
Papanikolis Cave
Vathy village on Meganisi
Vathy village on Meganisi
Katomeri village on Meganisi
Katomeri village on Meganisi

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Atokos

A small private island owned by the Onassis family. There are no permanent residents, no shops, no restaurants - but anchoring is allowed.

Its most famous spot is One House Bay - a small beach with the ruin of an old stone house. A special draw are the island's wild pigs that come down to the beach and are used to people.

The island is famous for untouched nature, crystal-clear water and an authentic 'Robinson' experience. A frequent overnight at anchor.

Private Onassis island
One House Bay with stone ruin
Wild pigs on the beach
A real 'Robinson' experience
One House Bay beach
One House Bay beach
Wild pigs on the Atokos beach
Wild pigs on the Atokos beach

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Zakynthos

Zakynthos is the southernmost and most distant island on this route, but with good planning it fits into the seven-day plan.

Headline attractions: Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) - reachable only by boat, with a stranded ship on white sand surrounded by cliffs - and the Blue Caves in the north, where the sea takes on an intense turquoise-blue glow.

Zakynthos is part of a marine park where *Caretta caretta* turtles nest. Local specialties include Tentura liqueur (cinnamon and clove), citrus liqueurs and traditional sweets.

Navagio - only reachable by boat
Blue Caves in the north
Marine park - Caretta caretta turtles
Tentura liqueur as a souvenir
Navagio beach at sunset
Navagio beach at sunset

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Before you go

Important notes

Toilet paper is not flushed
Fresh water is limited (without a watermaker)
Showering and dishwashing - quick and efficient
Pack in soft bags, not hard suitcases

Ready to set sail?

Up for 7 days across the Ionian?

Send us your dates and group size.

Sailing the Ionian gives a sense of freedom and adventure that stays with you forever.

You'll wake up on the water, swim before breakfast and spend the day discovering hidden coves only reachable by boat. Nights at anchor are calm, with gentle rocking and a sky full of stars. The moment the sails go up and the boat heels into the wind - those are the memories that stay.

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Group size
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I want the Ionian