This guide is an editorial draft by Tripli. All distances, sailing times and anchorage recommendations are approximate and have not yet been verified with an Israeli skipper. There are no boats, prices or availability here.
Some of this guide's texts were translated automatically from Hebrew.
The Ionian Islands are one of the easiest areas in the Mediterranean for a first sailing trip: short distances between anchorages, relatively sheltered waters, and large bases around Lefkada. Most nights you can sleep in a bay or a small harbor with a taverna on the water.
The large fleet departs from Lefkada (Lefkas, Nidri, and Vliho) and from Preveza. From here, a typical week circles Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Ithaca, and Kefalonia.
Season: May to October. July-August is hot and the harbors are crowded; June and September are quieter. On most days a northwest wind blows in the afternoon.
Departure bases
Lefkas (Lefkas)
A large marina near the town, at the northern end of the canal. Convenient for arrival from the airport.
Nidri (Nidri)
On the eastern side, close to the islands. A touristy town with restaurants.
Vliho (Vliho)
A sheltered bay and a quiet marina near Nidri.
Preveza (Preveza)
A base near Actium airport. Suitable for sailing north to Paxos and Corfu.
Sample one-week route from Lefkada
Day 1 (Saturday)
Lefkada base → Nydri/Vlycho · about 8-14 nautical miles · about 2-3 hours sailing
Overnight:
Vlycho Bay or Nydri harbor
Eat:
Tavernas on Nydri beach
Day 2
Nydri → Meganisi (Spartochori/Vathy) · about 5-10 nautical miles · about 1.5-2.5 hours sailing
Overnight:
Spartochori or Port Atheni Bay
Swim:
Bays around Meganisi and Papanikoli beach
Day 3
Meganisi → Kalamos · about 10-15 nautical miles · about 2-3 hours sailing
Overnight:
Kalamos harbor or Episkopi Bay
Eat:
Taverna at the harbor
Day 4
Kalamos → Kastos and Ithaca (Kioni/Frikes) · about 15-22 nautical miles · about 3-4 hours sailing
Overnight:
Kioni or Frikes
Swim:
Kastos for a lunch stop
Day 5
Ithaca → Fiskardo (Kefalonia) · about 8-14 nautical miles · about 2-3 hours sailing
Overnight:
Fiskardo Harbor
Eat:
Restaurants in the historic harbor
Day 6
Fiskardo → Vathy (Ithaca) or back to Meganisi · about 18-25 nautical miles · about 3.5-5 hours sailing
Overnight:
Vathy or a bay in Meganisi
Day 7
Meganisi/Vathy → Lefkada base · about 10-16 nautical miles · about 2-3.5 hours sailing
Overnight:
Back to the base in preparation for handover
Distances and times are approximate and ignore wind and sea conditions. The actual plan is set with the skipper according to the forecast.
Extensions
North: Paxos and Antipaxos (about 30-40 miles from Lefkada; better as a separate week or starting from Preveza/Corfu).
South: Kefalonia and Zakynthos, for those ready for more days of sailing.
Tips
Reserve a berth in small harbors in August, otherwise the best spots are taken by noon.
Plan by the wind, not by the calendar: sail in the morning, stop for a swim at midday, and be in a berth by evening.
All distances and times here are estimates only, pending verification by an Israeli skipper.
Getting there: nearby airports
Preveza/Actium (PVK)
The closest to Lefkada, about a half-hour drive to the bases. Flights to it are seasonal and change every year.
