The Ionian Islands are widely regarded as the finest sailing ground for first-time and intermediate charterers in the Mediterranean. Reliable north-westerly winds, calm anchorages, outstanding scenery and excellent infrastructure make this the ideal week afloat. This circular route from Lefkas Marina takes in the highlights — the unspoilt island of Meganisi, Homer's Ithaca, the beautiful harbour of Fiskardo in Kefalonia, and the quiet mainland coves of the Greek coast.

Day by day

The route

Day 1
Arrive Lefkas Marina
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Check in at 17:00. Dalaman Airport is 90 minutes by transfer, Preveza (Aktion) is 30 minutes. Collect provisions — there's a supermarket in the marina, and a Lidl a 5-minute drive away. Dinner in Lefkas town, a 10-minute walk along the causeway. Briefing from the base team in the morning.
Marina berthProvisioning day
Day 2
Lefkas → Meganisi (Vathi) — 11nm
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Motor south through the Lefkas Canal — a scenic 40-minute passage — then hoist sails as the Maistros fills in beautifully by late morning. Meganisi's harbour of Vathi (Little Vathi) is a gem: town quay with water and electricity, excellent gyros tavernas, and a submerged WWII aircraft just off the quay worth snorkelling. Book a table for dinner early.
Town quayGood provisioningSnorkelling
Day 3
Meganisi → Kioni, Ithaca — 20nm
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Head southwest past the uninhabited islet of Kalamos towards Ithaca — Homer's island, and one of the most beautiful in the whole Ionian. Kioni is a tiny, picture-perfect village of whitewashed houses and fishing boats. Anchor off or stern-to on the town quay. A wonderfully peaceful spot for the evening — the hillside restaurants come alive as the sun goes down.
Anchor or stern-toHillside tavernasCheck depths
Day 4
Kioni → Fiskardo, Kefalonia — 14nm
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A short, beautiful sail across to Kefalonia's northernmost village. Fiskardo is the only village that survived the 1953 earthquake intact — its Venetian architecture is unique in the Ionian. The harbour is popular; arrive by early afternoon for a good berth. This is your furthest point from base: a perfect layover day for swimming, exploring, and a long lunch ashore.
Town quayPopular — arrive earlyVenetian architecture
Day 5
Fiskardo → Sivota (mainland) — 12nm
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Cross back north to the Greek mainland coast. Sivota is a charming fishing village in a deep, sheltered inlet surrounded by olive and cypress hills — one of the quieter stops of the week. Stern-to on the quay or anchor in the outer bay. Fresh fish straight off the boats is the order of the evening.
Stern-to or anchorQuiet & shelteredFresh fish
Day 6
Sivota → Nidri, Lefkada — 15nm
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Head back north along the coast to Nidri on the east side of Lefkada island — a lively resort town with good restaurants and a busy anchorage. Use the day to do a final swim stop in one of the sheltered bays along the way. Nidri is also the jumping-off point for the scorpios and Sparti islets — worth a circumnavigation under sail.
Anchor or pontoonGood facilitiesSwim stops en route
Day 7
Nidri → Lefkas Marina — 15nm
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An easy morning sail back up the channel to Lefkas Marina. Check out by 09:00. Allow time to clean the boat and settle the account — the base team will do a full inventory check. Lefkas town is worth a final coffee and browse before transfers depart.
Check out 09:00Short final leg
Local tip: Porto Katsiki on Lefkada's west coast is one of the most spectacular beaches in Greece — vivid white cliffs, electric blue water. Go by car or water taxi to experience it properly.