14-Day Ionian Grand Tour - Complete Circuit

Route Overview

This 14-day grand tour combines the best of northern and southern Ionian routes with the added adventure of Paxos and Antipaxos. You’ll cover approximately 180 nautical miles, visiting six major islands and dozens of anchorages. Perfect for those who want to see everything the Ionian has to offer.

Best for: Intermediate sailors, those with two weeks available, sailors wanting variety

Best time: June to September (best weather windows for longer passages)

Total sailing time: 35-42 hours across two weeks (2.5-3 hours per day average)

Experience level: Some sailing experience recommended (includes passages up to 22nm)

Days 1-7: Northern Circuit

Day 1: Lefkada to Paxos (22nm, 4-5 hours)

Departure: Lefkada Marina, 08:00 (early start for longest passage)

Route: South past Nidri, west around Lefkada south tip, then south to Paxos

Anchorages:

Gaios (Paxos main harbor): Protected harbor, shops, tavernas
Lakka (north Paxos, alternative): Quieter, beautiful bay

Highlights: Longest passage of trip, arrival at Paxos — one of the Ionian’s gems

Notes: This is an ambitious first day (22nm). Alternative: Break the passage with overnight at Sivota (south Lefkada) on Day 1, then Paxos on Day 2. Check weather forecast — this passage is exposed to westerlies.

Day 2: Paxos to Antipaxos (2nm, 30 minutes)

Route: Short hop south to Antipaxos

Anchorages:

Vrika Bay: Stunning turquoise water, sandy beach
Voutoumi Beach: Equally beautiful alternative

Highlights: Caribbean-blue water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling, no permanent residents

Notes: Very short sailing day — perfect for recovering from Day 1. Antipaxos has no villages, shops, or tavernas — bring food and drinks. Can get crowded with day-trippers in peak season (arrive early or late).

Day 3: Antipaxos Exploration & Paxos East Coast

Route: Explore Antipaxos bays in morning, move to Paxos east coast afternoon

Anchorages:

Mongonissi (Paxos east coast): Quiet anchorage near small islet
Ozias Bay: Alternative, sheltered

Highlights: Paxos sea caves (accessible by dinghy), dramatic cliffs

Notes: This is a flexible day — explore Antipaxos fully, then move to quieter east coast anchorage for the night. Alternatively, return to Gaios or Lakka harbor.

Day 4: Paxos to Sivota, Lefkada (18nm, 3.5-4 hours)

Route: North from Paxos to Sivota (south Lefkada mainland)

Anchorage:

Sivota: Beautiful natural harbor, tavernas, protected

Highlights: Dramatic entrance to Sivota, sheltered anchorage, good tavernas

Notes: Sivota is one of the Ionian’s most sheltered natural harbors. Popular with flotillas but still spacious. Good provisioning if needed.

Day 5: Sivota to Meganisi (10nm, 2 hours)

Route: Northeast from Sivota to Meganisi

Anchorages:

Spilia Bay: Dramatic bay with sea caves
Vathy (alternative): Harbor village, tavernas, shops

Highlights: Sea caves at Spilia (explore by dinghy), spectacular setting

Notes: Spilia is unmissable — one of the Ionian’s most dramatic anchorages. Taverna at head of bay. Alternatively, go to Vathy for village atmosphere.

Day 6: Meganisi to Kalamos & Kastos (10nm, 2 hours)

Route: North from Meganisi to Kalamos, then Kastos

Anchorages:

Port Leone (Kalamos): Sheltered bay, taverna
Kastos Village: Tiny harbor, authentic island life

Highlights: Remote island feel, traditional Greece, quiet anchorages

Notes: This is a flex day — you can split it (Kalamos overnight, Kastos next day) or do both in one day (short distances). Kastos is one of Greece’s smallest inhabited islands.

Day 7: Kastos to Ithaca (Kioni) (12nm, 2-3 hours)

Route: South from Kastos to Ithaca north coast

Anchorage:

Kioni: Beautiful village harbor, Homer’s Ithaca

Highlights: Prettiest village harbor in Ionian, excellent tavernas

Notes: This completes your northern circuit. Kioni is the perfect halfway point — stock up on provisions if needed, enjoy excellent tavernas.

Days 8-14: Southern Circuit

Day 8: Kioni to Fiskardo, Kefalonia (7nm, 1.5 hours)

Route: South around Ithaca south tip to Kefalonia north coast

Anchorage:

Fiskardo: Famous Venetian village, upscale tavernas

Highlights: Most beautiful village in Ionian, excellent restaurants, Venetian architecture

Notes: Fiskardo is expensive but worth it. Arrive early in peak season. Harbor fees apply (€20-30).

Day 9: Fiskardo West Coast Exploration

Route: Explore Kefalonia’s northwest coast

Anchorages:

Assos: Dramatic bay with castle, quiet village
Foki Bay (alternative): Quiet, no facilities

Highlights: Assos castle, stunning scenery, quieter than Fiskardo

Notes: This is an optional exploration day. Assos is beautiful but exposed to westerlies — only go if forecast is Force 1-4. Alternative: Stay in Fiskardo for second night and explore by land.

Day 10: Assos to Agia Efimia (12nm, 2.5 hours)

Route: South along Kefalonia east coast

Anchorage:

Agia Efimia: Working harbor town, authentic Greece

Highlights: Real Greek town (not tourist village), good tavernas, safe harbor

Notes: Agia Efimia is a refreshing change from touristy Fiskardo. Good provisioning, bakery, reasonable prices.

Day 11: Agia Efimia to Sami (8nm, 1.5-2 hours)

Route: Continue south on Kefalonia east coast

Anchorage:

Sami: Large harbor town, ferry port

Highlights: Melissani Cave (must-visit), Drogarati Cave, working port atmosphere

Notes: Short sailing day allows full afternoon for Melissani Cave visit (taxi from harbor, €15-20 round trip, cave entrance €10). Underground lake with sunlight streaming through collapsed roof — spectacular.

Day 12: Sami to Vathi, Ithaca (12nm, 2.5-3 hours)

Route: East across to Ithaca, then north to capital

Anchorage:

Vathi: Ithaca’s capital, deep harbor, shops

Highlights: Odysseus connections, Archaeological Museum, working harbor

Notes: Vathi is less touristy than Kioni. Deep water (8-15m) — ensure sufficient anchor chain. Good provisioning for final few days.

Day 13: Vathi to Meganisi (15nm, 3 hours)

Route: West from Vathi across to Meganisi

Anchorages:

Vathy (Meganisi): Harbor village, tavernas
Abeliki Bay (alternative): Quieter bay, taverna

Highlights: Back to familiar waters, relaxed penultimate day

Notes: This returns you to Meganisi for final night. Alternative: Go to Skorpios anchorages for secluded final night.

Day 14: Meganisi to Lefkada (6nm, 1-1.5 hours)

Route: North to Lefkada Marina

Departure: 10:00-11:00

Arrival: Back at base by 13:00-14:00

Highlights: Final swim stop at Skorpios or Madouri islands if time allows

Notes: Easy final morning. Aim to return early to allow plenty of time for check-out (2-3 hours typical).

Alternative Variations

Add Corfu (requires 16-17 days):

Day 1: Lefkada to Paxos (22nm)
Day 2: Paxos to Corfu (18nm)
Days 3-4: Explore Corfu
Day 5: Corfu to Paxos (18nm)
Continue as above from Day 2

Skip Paxos (if weather looks poor for Day 1 passage):

Start with northern circuit (Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Ithaca)
Then southern circuit (Kefalonia)
Saves the exposed Lefkada-Paxos passage

More relaxed pace:

Add rest days at Paxos, Fiskardo, Sami
Skip some passages and spend more time in fewer places

Practical Notes

Provisions:

Major stock-up at Lefkada Marina before departure
Re-provision at Gaios (Paxos, Day 1-3), Fiskardo (expensive), Sami (good prices)
Fresh bread available at most villages

Water:

Fill tanks at every opportunity
Lefkada, Gaios, Fiskardo, Sami, Vathi all have good water

Fuel:

Top up at Lefkada before departure
Expect to use 60-70% of tank over 14 days
Fuel available at Gaios, Fiskardo

Harbor fees:

Expect €15-30 per night at organized harbors
Total fees: €150-250 over two weeks
Many free anchorages also available

Best anchorages:

Antipaxos (Vrika Bay) — stunning turquoise water
Spilia (Meganisi) — dramatic sea caves
Kioni (Ithaca) — prettiest village
Fiskardo (Kefalonia) — most beautiful architecture

Most challenging passages:

Day 1: Lefkada to Paxos (22nm, exposed)
Day 4: Paxos to Sivota (18nm)
Day 13: Vathi to Meganisi (15nm)

Weather Windows

Critical passages requiring good weather:

Day 1 (Lefkada-Paxos): Check forecast, avoid if westerlies Force 6+
Day 9 (Fiskardo-Assos): Exposed to west, skip if poor weather

Sheltered passages (safe even in Force 6):

All northern circuit (Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Ithaca)
Kefalonia east coast

Contingency plans:

If Day 1 weather poor: Start with northern circuit, try Paxos later or skip it
If stuck somewhere: Most harbors are comfortable for multiple nights

What Makes This Route Special

This 14-day grand tour gives you the full Ionian experience:

Caribbean-blue water at Antipaxos
Dramatic cliffs and caves at Paxos and Meganisi
Tiny remote islands at Kalamos and Kastos
Homeric legend at Ithaca
Venetian elegance at Fiskardo
Natural wonders at Melissani Cave

You’ll sail approximately 180nm but it won’t feel rushed — plenty of time for swimming, exploring villages, and enjoying tavernas. This is the definitive Ionian sailing holiday.

Tips for Success

Start early on long passages: Days 1, 4, 12, 13 — early start (08:00) makes them comfortable
Provision well at Lefkada: Saves time and money later
Be flexible: Weather might require route changes — embrace it
Book Melissani Cave taxi in advance: Popular in peak season
Arrive early at popular harbors: Fiskardo, Kioni, Gaios — aim for 14:00 arrival in July-August
Carry Greek coins: Useful for small harbor fees and tips
Download offline charts: Mobile coverage is good but not 100%

Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to truly experience the Ionian. You’ll return home with memories of turquoise bays, ancient villages, spectacular sunsets, and the simple pleasure of sailing between Greek islands at your own pace.