Yachtcharter Lefkada

The green island of Lefkada with its unique Greek flair of dreamlike anchor bays, varied coastal areas, lush vegetation and traditional harbor villages is the perfect starting point for a sailing trip in the Ionian Sea. Away from mass tourism, the beautiful classic side of Greece awaits you both on land and at sea.

Lefkada's quaint old town invites you to stroll among historic buildings and in its lively streets with tavernas and shops. In addition, a number of picture-book beaches such as Gialos Beach or Egremni Beach near Athani enrich the image of the island. From „the white pearl of Greece“ there are many possibilities for varied tours. From here you can reach the neighboring islands of Itháki and Kefalonia in a short distance in the direction of Süden, and those who bring along two weeks of time can sail even further to Zakynthos. To the north of Lefkada, with longer distances, lie Paxos, Antipaxos, which can be included in a one-week itinerary, and the large island of Corfu, whose attractive southern tip can be included on a two-week itinerary.

Since this Greek area is not in the area of influence of the Meltemi, its moderate winds and easy sailing conditions make it attractive for those who prefer relaxed sailing, and families and less experienced crews will also get their money's worth. Thus, the Ionian Sea is the beginner's area for Greece. In terms of infrastructure, you need to be prepared for anchoring in bays and coves rather than mooring at jetties in well-equipped marinas.

Climate: Mediterranean with temperatures between 24 and 32 degrees
Winds: Maestro
Sailing season: May to October

Yacht charter Lefkada

Lefkada, formerly known as Lefkas, is located in the Ionian Sea on the west coast of Greece and midway between Corfu to the north and Zakynthos to the south. It is connected to the mainland by a floating bridge in the Levkas channel. This bridge, which you can use toll-free, also takes you directly to the island's capital of the same name, where the marina is also located. Alternatively you can start on Lefkada from Nydri on the east side.

A yacht charter Lefkada is also suitable for family cruises and less experienced sailors. In the area there are relaxed, steady wind conditions from northwest to west-northwest with up to 5 Beauforts. In the evenings and mornings you have to reckon with decreasing wind and calm. The moderate climate and many hours of sunshine every day provide perfect conditions for strolling in bays and many visits to the beach. In terms of infrastructure, you have to be prepared for anchoring in bays and harbors rather than mooring at jetties in well-equipped marinas.

In Greece you need as skipper and as co-skipper a Sportbootführerschein See (SBF See). For the co-skipper it is also sufficient to confirm his/her sailing skills in writing on site in the form of a port statement. You should nevertheless discuss the regulations with your charter company before the start of each cruise in Greece due to changed regulations regarding the SBF-See.

Arrival: The most convenient way to reach Lefkada is from the airport Aktio in Preveza on the Greek mainland. There are direct connections to Preveza from Germany, such as from Hamburg. From the airport you have to plan a 30-minute shuttle transfer over a floating bridge to the Marina Lefkada. You can book this in advance in our customer area.

Around Lefkada - Greece's untouched nature island

1 week: Lefkada - Nydri - Meganisi - Sivota - Ithaka - Kalamos - Nydri - Lefkada

Unlike other Greek islands, Lefkada, like the other Ionian islands, has been spared from mass tourism, which can be felt especially in the towns of Lefkada and Nydri. The azure waters of the Ionian Sea combined with the varied coastline of sandy beaches and pebbly coves, as well as bizarre-looking white cliffs, make for a beautiful and impressive backdrop from the water.

In the paradisiacal interior of Lefkada, which used to be called Lefkas, you will discover green overgrown paths, untouched and gentle hilly and forest landscapes as well as mountains of over 1100 m height. Extensive olive groves, forests of cypress and pine trees, olive and lemon trees and the view of the water will enchant everyone. In addition to this panorama, there are old untouched villages, which are still deeply connected with the original customs and traditions. On a hike you can explore this beautiful natural landscape on various designated routes and circuits, for example to the Dimosari waterfalls, through the Melissa gorge, to lagoons or through vineyards to the plateau in Eglouvi.

In the island capital of the same name, Lefkada, you won't find yourself among classic whitewashed houses, because after two earthquakes not only the town but the whole island had to reinvent itself architecturally, yet there are some historic buildings like churches to see. The islanders have taken the opportunity to create a lively street network with many taverns, stores and bars. There, it is worth tasting the local specialties and joining the attractive hustle and bustle. Stroll through the pedestrian zone Ioannou Mela and find a cozy spot along the harbor promenade.

Of the sights, the largest medieval castle in the region, Agia Mavra Fortress, is a popular destination. In addition, cultural events are held throughout the year on Lefkada, bringing the island's history and tradition to life.

On the east coast, Nydri, the tourist center of the island, is an escape from Robinson life. Here you can expect a large shopping area, nightclubs and a wide culinary selection in restaurants and taverns.

In the south, in the sheltered bay of Sivota, the tables of the taverns are simply moved to the harbor pier in the evening. The small place is touristically seen still almost an insider tip and captivates with its particularly original Greek way of life.

Those who want to escape further from the hustle and bustle, drive to the beaches along the west coast, such as Porto Katsiki, one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe 2019, and Kathisma with white sand and warm turquoise water. Due to the magnificent conditions, Lefkada is also a true paradise for surfers and any kind of water sports. The bay of Vassiliki is not only in Greece the hotspot of all surfers, because bathers and snorkeling enthusiasts come in the bays and beaches of Lefkada just as much at their expense. Unfortunately there are no moorings along the west coast of the island.

You can start your trip from the large marina of Lefkada or from the smaller marina in Nikiana, with possibilities to go north towards Paxos and Antipaxos and in case of two weeks Corfu. To the south, Kefalonia and Ithaca await you in a short distance, and if you have more time, you can sail further to Zakynthos. Optimal conditions for a calm sailing trip are especially given in July and August, which is attractive for families. The sea can be rougher in the north, while milder conditions prevail in the south.

In the tourist center of Nydri, it also gets more crowded boat-wise during the peak season. ©gatsi/AdobeStock

In the south of the Ionian Islands - A sailing trip in the green and nostalgic.

In the south, Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, awaits you with beautiful beaches, an impressive mountain panorama and traditional villages. Excursions to the Melissani Caves in Argostolion to the enchanting peninsulas in the south of Kefalonia bring the beautiful side of the island close.

In the immediate vicinity is the "Island of Odysseus", Ithaca. Colorful landscapes, beaches and bays with deep blue water and wide mountain landscapes invite you to an alternative and active vacation.

For a two week cruise you can plan the green Zakynthos, which is located in the southernmost part of the district. Here you will find the characteristic picturesque beaches and bays, maritime romance with historic shipwrecks and a national park for the protection of turtles to Venetian architecture and history.

If you want to learn more about a sailing trip around the southern islands of the Ionian Sea, feel free to check out our Nikiana page.

Turquoise sea and sandy beaches can also be found on Ithaca. ©jankost/AdobeStock

Northern Ionian Islands - exploring the diverse archipelago

1 week: Lefkada - Antipaxos - Paxos - Petriti (Corfu) - Corfu - Plataria - Preveza - Lefkada

The small island of Antipaxos, 30 nautical miles north of Lefkada, is also not to be missed. It is a hidden jewel, completely untouched, with unique white beaches and picturesque nature. Snorkeling and diving opportunities are offered at the northern end of the island in the form of the two main beaches Voutoumi and Vrika. In the interior of the island, vineyards, fruit and olive trees and isolated houses await you. On Antipaxos you can enjoy complete peace and relaxation in untouched nature.

A short distance north of Antipaxos is Paxos, a picture-perfect island far away from the crowds of tourists. However, since these are rather small harbor towns with few berths, they are not so easy to get hold of during the season. Therefore you have to be prepared to use bays for anchoring. The three main villages of Gaios, Lakka and Laggos are idyllic, life takes place in the tavernas, stores and bars right on the waterfront. The east and west coasts complement each other with beautiful sandy beaches and bays on the one hand and rugged, rocky coastlines with cliffs and sea caves on the other.

If you can spare two weeks, you can sail further north to the southern coast of Corfu, the main island of the Ionian Islands. Here Greek antiquity is combined with Venetian flair. Between fishing ports and small towns, the old town of Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is particularly impressive. The extremely green island with its flowering valleys, densely overgrown olive and cypress groves, white sandy beaches and mountains give the island a magnificent natural panorama.

Even though the area has more small harbors with few moorings, there are many anchorages to compensate, like here on Antipaxos. ©Pat/AdobeStock

Yacht charter Lefkada - set sail with 1aYachtcharter!