A Week of Gentle Sailing: Preveza to the South Ionian Islands

Arrive in Preveza in the afternoon and begin your Ionian sailing adventure in a calm, welcoming setting. After landing at Aktion (PVK) Airport, a short transfer brings you to YOLO Charters’ base, conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from the yachts at the main port. Check-in is smooth and unhurried, with a clear boat briefing and helpful local tips that set the tone for the week ahead.

Once onboard, take time to settle in and prepare the yacht. Preveza is an excellent place to provision, with supermarkets, bakeries, wine shops and local markets all within walking distance. Stock up on fresh produce, bread, cheeses, seafood and drinks, so you can start the trip fully prepared and relaxed.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a leisurely walk along Preveza’s seafront promenade. The marina buzzes gently with activity as fishing boats return, locals gather for coffee and the smell of grilled seafood drifts from nearby tavernas. Stop for a drink at a waterfront café and ease into the Ionian rhythm — slower, warmer and centred around the sea.

For dinner, choose a taverna near the port and enjoy fresh fish or traditional Greek dishes just steps from the water. Afterward, return to the yacht for a peaceful night onboard. With provisions stocked and the crew rested, you’ll be ready to set sail early the next morning and begin your journey south through the Ionian.

Cast off at first light and motor through the Lefkas canal, a narrow channel linking the Gulf of Ambracian to the Ionian Sea. Entering the canal requires caution – before entering, lower your sails and keep clear of rocky shoals; lateral buoys mark the route. Once in open water, head south along Lefkada’s eastern coast. After about three hours you’ll reach Fraxia Bay, a quiet inlet fringed by pine forest where the anchor holds well. Take a swim and admire views toward the private islands of Skorpios and Skorpidi (landing is prohibited because of private ownership. Continue to Python Cove, shaded by cliffs, where you can take long shorelines to the rocks. For the night, choose between the lively village of Sivota – a landlocked bay with quayside tavernas – or sail a few more miles to Vassiliki, famous for windsurfing.

Hoist the sails for a longer leg to Cephalonia, the largest of the Ionian islands. Heading south through the Strait of Ithaka, you’ll be rewarded with towering slopes, pebble beaches and water in every shade of blue. On the east coast of Cephalonia, opposite Ithaka, there are several tranquil coves; Goat Bay, Piglet Bear Bay and Kapsolimionas Bay are local favourites. Drop a long line ashore and enjoy the solitude. Continue to Agia Effimia, a pretty village with quayside berths (VHF 74). Expect gusty winds when entering and be careful not to cross anchors. Reward yourself with a fresh fish dinner and a glass of Cephalonian wine at one of the waterfront tavernas.

Start the day by exploring Cephalonia’s famous inland highlights if you wish, then return to the yacht and set sail toward Ithaca. Along the route, stop for a swim near quiet beaches or small coves with crystal-clear water.

Sail east toward Ithaca, the legendary island of Odysseus. Choose your overnight stay based on the mood of the crew. Vathi, the island’s capital, offers a protected natural harbour, a lively waterfront and plenty of tavernas. Alternatively, continue north to Kioni, a smaller and very picturesque village built amphitheatrically above a deep blue bay.

Both options provide a wonderful evening atmosphere, excellent food and a strong sense of Ionian island life.

Depart Ithaca and sail east toward the uninhabited island of Atokos. Drop anchor in one of its turquoise bays and enjoy swimming in some of the clearest waters of the trip. The island feels wild and untouched, offering a true escape from everyday life.

After lunch, continue toward Kalamos or Kastos. Kastos is small, quiet and ideal for a peaceful evening, while Kalamos offers a slightly larger village with a very welcoming local atmosphere. Moor in the small harbour, enjoy a relaxed dinner and experience authentic island hospitality.

Sail north toward Meganisi, stopping along the way in calm bays for swimming and paddleboarding. Meganisi is famous for its many protected anchorages, making it a highlight of the South Ionian.

Choose a bay or small harbour for the night, such as Port Atheni or Spartakhori. Walk up to the village for panoramic views, enjoy dinner at a traditional taverna and, if you’re lucky, experience live music or spontaneous Greek dancing. This is often one of the most memorable evenings of the week.

Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Meganisi before sailing back toward Lefkada and Preveza. Stop for one last swim along the coast or enjoy lunch at a seaside taverna before heading north.

Pass through the Lefkas Canal once more and return to Preveza in the afternoon. Refuel, tidy the yacht and spend your final evening ashore. Celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell dinner in town, sharing stories from a week filled with sun, sea and unforgettable moments.