Calm mornings, short hops and some of the clearest water in the Med. Here is the week we would sail with a first-time crew.
The Ionian is the gentlest corner of Greek sailing. The islands sit close together, the sea between them is sheltered, and the wind follows a pattern you can almost set your watch by: calm mornings, a steady north-westerly breeze in the afternoon, and quiet evenings. That makes it a perfect first charter, and a lovely week for anyone who wants more swimming and fewer long passages.
This route starts and ends on Lefkas, where many charter fleets are based. Every leg is a short hop, so you can sail in the afternoon breeze and still have the morning for a swim and a slow breakfast.
Day 1: Lefkas to Meganisi
After the boat briefing, head south through the channel between Lefkas and the mainland and cross over to Meganisi. The island has several deep bays on its north side: perfect for a first night at anchor, or tie up in the harbour at Vathi or the bay below Spartochori and walk up to the village for dinner.
Day 2: Meganisi to Kalamos
A short sail east brings you to Kalamos, a green, mountainous island with a small harbour and very few cars. Arrive early in high season: the quay fills up by late afternoon.
Day 3: Kalamos to Kastos
Kastos is tiny, with a single village and a handful of tavernas around the harbour. It is one of the quietest stops in the area and a favourite for sunsets.
Day 4: Kastos to Ithaca
Sail west to Ithaca, the island of Odysseus. Kioni is a picture-postcard harbour on the north-east coast; Vathy, the main town, sits at the end of a deep, very sheltered bay and has more shops for provisioning.
Day 5: Ithaca to Fiskardo (Kefalonia)
Cross the narrow channel to Fiskardo on the northern tip of Kefalonia. It is one of the prettiest harbours in the Ionian and the busiest: boats often moor stern-to with a long line ashore. If the quay is full, the bays just south of the village are good alternatives.
Day 6: Fiskardo to Sivota (Lefkas)
Head back north-east to Sivota, a long, narrow inlet on the south coast of Lefkas, lined with tavernas. It is well protected and a relaxed place for the last full evening.
Day 7: Sivota back to base
Use the calm morning for the last leg back to your base, refuel if your charter company asks for it, and leave time for the check-out.
Good to know
- Wind: mornings are usually light; the north-westerly afternoon breeze (locally called the maistro) fills in after lunch and dies down in the evening. Plan your sailing for the afternoon.
- Mooring: most harbours mean stern-to mooring with your own anchor. Our guide to mooring in Greece explains how it works.
- Season: May, June and September are warm and quieter; July and August are the busiest months, so arrive in harbour early.
- Flexibility: treat this as a menu, not a timetable. Swap stops around the weather and your crew's mood.
