Sailing the Ionian by Catamaran: Lefkas to Kefalonia 7-Day Route

Sailing the Ionian by Catamaran: Lefkas to Kefalonia 7-Day Route

Updated June 2026.

The Greek Ionian catamaran charter is the calmest, most relaxed of the three big Greek charter regions. Compared with the Cyclades, the Ionian has lighter winds, deeper protected bays, shorter line-of-sight passages, and a friendlier rhythm for families and first-time charterers. This is the 2026 operator’s guide to the classic 7-day Lefkas-Meganisi-Ithaca-Kefalonia loop — base ports, day-by-day route, anchorages, mooring fees and costs.

Why the Ionian (specifically)

The Ionian sits west of mainland Greece, sheltered from the Meltemi by the mass of the Peloponnese. Summer winds are 10-15 knots typical, occasionally up to 20 from the Maistros NW thermal. The islands cluster within 15-25 nm of each other — Lefkas, Meganisi, Kalamos, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Paxos. Most passages between island stops are 2-4 hours. Anchorages are deep and protected; mooring buoys cheap and plentiful.

Where to start — Lefkas

Marina Lefkas (also written Lefkada) is the Ionian’s main charter base. The town is accessed via a swing bridge from the mainland — the only Greek island connected by a bridge. Fleet size is the second-largest in Greece after Athens. Marina facilities are full: fuel, water, chandlery, several charter operators all in one location.

Alternate bases: Corfu (north Ionian), Preveza (mainland just north of Lefkas), Argostoli (Kefalonia — smaller fleet). Lefkas remains the operator-default for a 7-day loop.

The 7-day route — day by day

Day 1: Lefkas → Meganisi (about 12 nm)

Boat check-in at noon, briefing, provisioning. Sail south through the Lefkas channel and across to Meganisi by mid-afternoon. Anchor in Sparti or Spartochori bay. Dinner at one of the harbour tavernas. Easy first day.

Day 2: Meganisi → Kalamos (about 15 nm)

Sail south to the small island of Kalamos. The fishing village of Episkopi has a tiny harbour with George’s Taverna serving classic Greek food. Quiet, almost no charter traffic. Mooring buoys or anchor in the bay.

Day 3: Kalamos → Ithaca, Vathy (about 18 nm)

Cross to Ithaca, the island of Homer’s Odyssey. Vathy is the main harbour, a long protected fjord with the small town wrapped around the head. Town quay or anchor outside. Walk the small town in the late afternoon, dinner at a harbour taverna.

Day 4: Ithaca → Fiskardo (Kefalonia) (about 12 nm)

Short hop west to Fiskardo on Kefalonia’s northeast tip. The town is the photo-postcard of the Ionian — Venetian pastel houses, working harbour, restaurants on the quay. Med-mooring or take the nearby anchorage at Foki. Dinner at Tassia or Lagoudera, both long-running classics.

Day 5: Fiskardo → Assos → Sami (about 18 nm)

Round Kefalonia’s northern tip and head down the east coast. Stop at Assos for lunch on the small bay below the Venetian fortress. Continue to Sami town for the overnight — town quay or anchor in Antisamos bay just south.

Day 6: Sami → Vasiliki (Lefkas) (about 18 nm)

Cross back northwest to the Lefkas south end. Vasiliki is the world-class wind-surfing village; the bay fills with kite-and-windsurf gear in the afternoons. Sandy bottom anchor, restaurants on the beach.

Day 7: Vasiliki → Lefkas (about 15 nm)

Sail north up the east coast of Lefkas back to base. Quick lunch stop at Sivota (the “island in a bay”) before the final leg.

When to charter

— Late May: water 20-22°C, restaurants open, light wind. Value pick.
— June: classic Ionian month, water 22-24°C, settled winds.
— July-August: peak. Water 25-26°C, longer days, full restaurants and bars.
— September: best operator pick. Water still 24-26°C, crowds gone, wind softening.
— October: late shoulder, some restaurants closing, water 22-24°C.

Costs — 2026 budget

47 ft cruising catamaran, peak July-August, 6-8 guests, bareboat:

— Boat charter €9,000-12,000
— Provisioning €1,100-1,800
— Fuel €250-400
— Marina + mooring €400-800
— Restaurants ashore €1,200-1,800
— Bareboat total: €11,950-16,800.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Ionian easier than the Cyclades for first-time charters?

Yes by a clear margin. The Meltemi softens significantly in the Ionian; passages are shorter; bays are deeper and easier to anchor.

Can I one-way Lefkas to Corfu?

Yes with most major operators on prior agreement. Adds typically €500-1,000 to the contract.

Is Kefalonia open for charter overnights?

Yes at Fiskardo, Sami, Argostoli. All three have marina or town-quay options.

Are restaurants open in May?

Most by mid-May. Smaller islands (Kalamos, Meganisi) wait until late May or early June.

Compare regions with the Greek regions comparison.