The Small Ionian Route
(Click here to see route map)
· 1 WEEK ·
DAY 1
Lefkas to Meganisi | 11 n.m. | Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
* Check in at 17:00
Take advantage of the first night aboard and choose your destination! You may explore the Lefkas night life or set sails to the idyllic isle of Meganisi. After passing the Lefkas channel you can sail close to the private island of Scorpios, owned by the in notorious Onassis family, and take a glimpse of a mythical place connected with the world modern history. The beautiful isle of Madouri (see video) is also on the way to Meganisi, and makes a perfect place to take a swim on its clear blue waters.
Meganisi is a dream island – small, unspoiled and magical. Full of unexplored bays and turquoise waters under the shadow of old olive trees, it will definitely take your breath away … until the next stop. Anchor there (see our stay at the Fanari bay) or in the private Odyseas Marina and spend the night under the dazzling stars or at the traditional village of Vathy.
DAY 2
Meganisi to Porto Leone – Kalamos| 11 n.m. | Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Along the way to Kalamos you may choose to take a swim to the isle of Atokos. Atokos is an uninhabited island with amazingly beautiful white beaches, quite different from the rest of its neighbor islands. Don’t forget to excercise your snorkeling skills!
Sail to the unkwown, pine-green island of Kalamos. This island was a secret shelter during the ancient times, as well as during the greek revolution. Green, mystique and mysterious, Kalamos will make a memorable stay. The port is highly sheltered and you may enjoy delicious local specialties in the port tavernas. Overnight stay will be accommodated on board in a quiet bay or in the port.
DAY 3
Porto Leone – Kalamos to Ithaka| 17 n.m. | Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
A new day begins setting sails to the amazing island of Odysseus, Ithaka and at the port of Vathy. Stop for swimming at Gidaki, the most famous beach in Ithaka; next stop is Vathi, the essence of greek summer.
“Vathy” or “Vathi” means deep and this is the reason it is widely used in the area for the harbors and ports. This village is the largest of the island and it is amphitheatrically built around the harbor, while -by law- all constructions are set to preserve the traditional architectural style. Visit the Archaeological Museum and admire various findings from the Geometric period, the Mycenaean and the Corinthian period. Along the bay, take your time and discover Vathy that at night time offers magical atmosphere and plenty of premium quality choices. Overnight stay will be accommodated onboard in the harbour.
DAY 4
Ithaka to Fiskardo-Cephalonia| 15 n.m. | Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Cephalonia or Kefalonia is the biggest of the Ionian islands and it beacame rather popular after the book, Captain Correlli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières. The island is gifted by the existence of the Mount Ainos (pron. Enos) and the Mount Ainos National Park, as well as skirted by white, lacy beaches in the shadow of the dark dark Kefalonian Fir tree mediterranean tree (Abies Cephalonica).
At the the north-eastern tip of the island lies the little port-town of Fiskardo (Φισκάρδο, in greek). Although the island was severely hit by the 1953 earthquake, luckily, this little town made it and reserved its traditional italian architectural style. The old venetian lighthouse on the north side of the port entrance signs your arrival at this cosmopolitan town.
One of the joys of traveling is tasting different kinds of food and local specialties. Well, Fiskardo is a fantastic place to enjoy greek, traditional food whilst sitting in the most beautiful surroundings. Most of the traditional tavernas and restaurants are standing on the harbor or very close to the sea.
Cephalonia combines the beauty of the sea with the magic of mountains. In Mount Ainos National Park you may enjoy hiking on its marked trails.
DAY 5
Fiskardo-Cephalonia to Sami-Cephalonia | 14 n.m. | Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes
The fishing and ferry port of Sami is the next destination. The little town’s main attraction is the ethereal cave of Melissani. The cave is the result of an underground stream that only around noon the sun rays turn the deep-blue colored water into vivid, exotic blue-green.
The beautiful bay of Antisamos is really close and an excellent opportunity for swimming. The well protected port of Sami hosts some excellent fish tavernas. Although a bit touristic, you may find plenty of provisions for your next stop.
DAY 6
Sami-Cephalonia to Kastos| 24 n.m. | Duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Kastos is the smallest inhabited island of the Ionian Sea; the hermit island. A precious, perfectly preserved gem with almost 6 sq. km size, the island of Kastos is an one in a life time experience. Its only village is a time-capsule that will travel you to the past in the most romantic way.
The port of Kastos is very scenic and the traditional tavernas and restaurants located there will accommodate all tastes. Most of its land is covered with olive trees and its small port is a safe destination for sailing yachts. The southern part of the island has beatiful beaches and some bays are suitable for overnight stay.
DAY 7
Kastos to Lefkas | 22 n.m. | Duration: 3 hours
Start heading north again and explore the bays on the south coast of Lefkas or mainland. In mainland the bay of Vathia Vali, only a few miles away from Lefkas shore, it is a wonderful bay with exotic blue waters, ideal to explore.
Finally, the island of Lefkas or Lefkada (Λευκάδα in greek, ancient Leukas; Italian Santa Maura) is wonderfully located next to the mainland Greece. The island is mainly occupied by green hills while its western coast is principally lined with sheer, bright-coloured rocks, that give the island its name: Lefkata – the white.
The well protected marina is a popular destination to sail the Ionian. Additionally, Lefkas is mainly mountainous and you can enjoy traditional, mountainous specialties (vegan or traditional meat-based) on its famous restaurants. Don’t forget that the Greek cookery makes wide use of vegetables and herbs; only in this island you may find the ancient seed of Englouvi’s lentil that is grown in the mountains in small quantities, the traditional way. In the town, stroll around the picturesque, stone alleys, have a cold beer in the modern bars and pick any of the numerous traditional waterfront tavernas to enjoy local food.
DAY 8
Lefkas Marina
* Check out at 09:00
* Please, always keep in mind that all routes are subject to modification based on your preferences and on wheather conditions. Especially in the case of weather conditions you are advised to decide cautiously!