Ready to sail the Ionian Sea without overplanning every detail? This guide shares a skipper-friendly 7 day sailing itinerary from Lefkada built for a relaxed sailing holiday in Greece. You’ll be starting from Lefkas at Lefkas Marina (near Lefkas Town) and following a proven Lefkas route through the Ionian islands: Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Ithaca (Kioni + Odysseus), and Kefalonia (Fiskardo), then back to Lefkada.
If you’ve been comparing different sailing itineraries, this one is designed for comfort: short hops, plenty of sheltered bay options, and easy alternatives if a harbour gets busy. The sea from Lefkas is ideal for this style of trip—especially with a skipper and the right yacht charter.
For the full planning guide (routes, bays, and practical tips), start with our Sailing in Lefkada guide.
7 day sailing itinerary from Lefkada: what this Lefkas sailing plan covers
This 7-day sailing itinerary is designed for a smooth rhythm: sail in the morning, swim in a bay or cove, then arrive early to a harbour or anchorage for sunset and dinner.
What you can expect:
- Short hours of sailing most days (often 2–4 hours)
- A mix of harbour nights and calm anchorage nights for extra shelter
- Daily swim stops in blue waters, plus a cave swim when conditions allow
- Time ashore in a village for tavernas and evening strolls
This is a classic lefkas sailing itinerary that also works as a flexible sailing vacation for families and first-timers.
Sail Lefkada and the Ionian: why starting from Lefkas Marina works
The island of Lefkas is a brilliant sailing destination because the nearby islands are close together. Ionian sea from Lefkas is generally calm compared to other parts of Greece, and there are many protected bays and harbours.
Before you set sail:
- Provision in Lefkas Town
- Meet your skipper and review the itinerary
- Depart through the Lefkas canal if timing and sailing conditions make it the best option
This is why Lefkas is ideal for relaxed weeks on the water and why it’s ideal for relaxed sailing vacations.
Yacht charter vs bareboat: choosing the right style (bareboat charter)
This route works for skippered and bareboat trips, but the experience is very different.
- Skippered yacht charter: your skipper handles harbour approaches, where to moor, and which bay has the best shelter that day
- Bareboat charter / bareboat sailing: great for experienced crews, but you’ll spend more time on mooring strategy and timing
If you want the easiest version of this itinerary, a skippered ionian yacht charter is the simplest upgrade.
Exploring Lefkada: beaches, coastline, and a quick Sivota stop
Even though this itinerary focuses on island-hopping, exploring Lefkada itself is worth it. The west coastline is famous for dramatic cliffs and some of the most photogenic beaches in Greece. Lefkada also has lush green hills that create incredible views, especially when you’re overlooking the Ionian Sea.
A great optional stop close to base is Sivota (Lefkada). It’s a picturesque village with a protected bay, easy mooring, and waterfront tavernas—perfect for a calm evening early in the week or on the way back.
Southern Ionian sailing: why this loop feels so relaxed
The southern Ionian is perfect for relaxed sailing because distances are short and there are always alternatives nearby. It’s one of the best areas for a first week of sailing in the Ionian, and it’s why relaxed sailing vacations since the distances are manageable is a real advantage here.
In plain terms: sailing vacations since the distances are short means more swimming, more beach time, and less rushing.
Sailing the Ionian sea: bays, coves, anchorages, and villages
This is where the Ionian shines. Most days you’ll have multiple options:
- A sheltered bay for lunch and snorkeling
- A quiet cove for a quick swim
- A comfortable anchorage for a peaceful night
- A lively harbour village with tavernas and a waterfront stroll
You’ll get classic views of the Ionian Sea, plus views over the Ionian and views across the Ionian as you hop between islands.
7 day Lefkas sailing itinerary (day-by-day plan)
Below is the day-by-day outline for this 7 day sailing itinerary from Lefkada. Your skipper will adjust it based on weather, harbour space, and what your group wants most. This is a proven 7-day Lefkas sailing itinerary for a smooth Ionian week.
Day 1: Lefkas Marina to Meganisi (easy first sailing day)
Your first sailing day is about settling in. After boarding at Lefkas Marina in the wider Lefkas harbour area, you’ll sail toward Meganisi for a short hop.
What to do:
- Stop on the side of the bay with the best shelter for your first swim
- Enjoy blue waters and an easy snorkel
- Choose a calm anchorage or a simple harbour night
Meganisi is a great first island because it’s close, protected, and full of easy bays.
Day 2: Meganisi to Kalamos (quiet bays + a cove stop)
Day 2 is a perfect day to explore quieter water. You’ll sail toward Kalamos, often stopping in a bay or cove for lunch and a swim.
Highlights:
- A calm bay for snorkeling and floating lunch
- A relaxed evening in a small village with tavernas
- A peaceful night with good shelter
Kalamos can feel wonderfully quiet, especially if you arrive early.
Day 3: Kalamos to Kastos (small island village charm)
Next, you’ll sail to Kastos, a small island that feels like a hidden corner of the Ionian. It’s ideal for a calm harbour night and a slow evening ashore.
Highlights:
- Short sailing leg + swim stop
- Easy mooring with your skipper’s help
- Dinner at a taverna and a gentle stroll through the village
This is one of the most “switch off your brain” days of the week.
Day 4: Kastos to Ithaca (Kioni + Odysseus)
Day 4 is a classic Ionian highlight: Ithaca, the legendary home of Odysseus. Many crews aim for Kioni, one of the most charming harbours in the Ionian.
What to expect:
- Scenic sailing with views across the Ionian
- A picturesque harbour village atmosphere
- Tavernas right on the waterfront
If Kioni is busy, your skipper can choose a nearby bay for anchorage and come in later.
Day 5: Ithaca to Kefalonia (Fiskardo harbour night)
Day 5 is your “wow” harbour day. You’ll sail to the island of Kefalonia and aim for Fiskardo, one of the prettiest harbours in the Ionian.
Highlights:
- Swim stop in a bay on the way
- Early arrival for easier mooring
- A lively evening with great tavernas and waterfront energy
Fiskardo is a perfect place for photos and a memorable dinner ashore.
Day 6: Kefalonia day sailing (beach time + cave option)
Day 6 is flexible and often the most “vacation” feeling day. Your skipper may plan a gentle loop with extra swim time.
Ideas for the day:
- Spend the day sailing around nearby bays
- Choose a beach stop for a long swim and sun time
- If conditions allow, add a cave swim for something special
- Finish in a calm anchorage for a quiet night
This is the day that often feels like the purest “day in the Ionian.”
Day 7: Return to Lefkada (final day back to Lefkas Marina)
Your final day is about timing and one last swim before returning to base. Your skipper will plan the return so you arrive smoothly at Lefkas Marina.
Plan:
- One last bay stop for a snorkel and a final swim
- Return to Lefkas Marina and wrap up the charter
- Enjoy a final evening in Lefkas Town if you’re staying overnight
If your travel includes the mainland of Greece or a ferry, build in buffer time—your skipper can help you plan the schedule.
Boat in Greece: what you’ll sail (sailing yachts)
On this itinerary you’ll typically charter modern sailing yachts (monohulls) or a catamaran, depending on your group size and comfort needs. Either way, a skipper makes the experience easier—especially in busy harbours.
If you want a comfortable boat in Greece experience with minimal stress, a skippered yacht charter is the simplest way to enjoy this route.
Ready to set sail on your Lefkas route?
If you want a skipper-led 7 day sailing itinerary from Lefkada, we’ll match you with the right yacht and tailor the route to your pace—more beaches, more bays, more quiet anchorages, or more picturesque villages like Sivota.
This is sailing the Ionian and sailing the Ionian sea the easy way: short hops, great food, and a sailing holiday that feels effortless from Day 1 to the final day.
