7-Day Northern Ionian Sailing Route

Route Overview

This 7-day northern route is perfect for first-time charterers and families. You’ll stay in sheltered waters, sail short distances, and visit some of the Ionian’s most beautiful but least crowded islands. Total distance is approximately 65 nautical miles — relaxed sailing with plenty of time for swimming and exploring.

Best for: Beginners, families, anyone wanting a relaxed cruise

Best time: May to October (avoid strong winds in August if very new to sailing)

Total sailing time: 12-15 hours across the week (2-3 hours per day)

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

Departure: Lefkada Marina, aim for 09:00-10:00 to avoid weekend traffic

Route: Exit marina, head south past Nidri, cross to Meganisi

Anchorages:

  • Vathy Bay: Protected harbor, tavernas ashore, easy anchoring (depth 3-8m, sand/mud)
  • Abeliki Bay (alternative): Quieter, taverna at head of bay

Highlights: Beautiful entrance to Vathy, dramatic cliffs, excellent tavernas

Notes: This is an easy first day to get used to the yacht. If you left Lefkada early, consider stopping for a swim at Scorpios island before reaching Meganisi.

Day 2: Meganisi to Kalamos (8nm, 1.5-2 hours)

Route: North from Meganisi, past Kastos channel, to Kalamos

Anchorages:

  • Port Leone: Sheltered bay on Kalamos east coast, taverna, good holding
  • Episkopi Bay (alternative): Quieter, beautiful setting

Highlights: Remote island feel, traditional Greek life, excellent holding in Port Leone

Swimming stop: Kastos east coast bays (pause en route for a swim)

Notes: Kalamos is quieter and less touristy than Meganisi. Port Leone taverna serves excellent fresh fish — catch of the day grilled simply.

Day 3: Kalamos to Kastos (3nm, 30-45 minutes)

Route: Short hop south to Kastos harbor

Anchorage:

  • Kastos Village: Tiny harbor, stern-to mooring or anchor in bay (depth 2-6m)

Highlights: One of the smallest inhabited islands in Greece, authentic village life, bakery, traditional tavernas

Notes: This is a very short sailing day — perfect for a lazy morning, swimming off Kalamos, then an afternoon arrival at Kastos. Kastos harbor can be tight in peak season — arrive by 15:00 for best spot.

Alternative plan: If you want more sailing, head to Kastos east coast bays (Sarakiniko, Vrisidi) and anchor for the night instead of the village harbor.

Day 4: Kastos to Ithaca (12nm, 2-3 hours)

Route: South from Kastos, cross to Ithaca north coast

Anchorages:

  • Kioni: Beautiful village harbor, tavernas, shops, easy stern-to mooring
  • Frikes (alternative): Quieter, smaller harbor

Highlights: Homer’s Ithaca, stunning village of Kioni, excellent tavernas, safe harbor

Notes: This is your longest day (12nm). Leave by 09:00-10:00 to arrive Kioni by lunch time. Kioni gets busy in peak season — if harbor is full, anchor in the bay just outside.

Day 5: Ithaca to Meganisi (Spilia Bay) (10nm, 2 hours)

Route: North from Ithaca, cross back to Meganisi west coast

Anchorage:

  • Spilia Bay: Dramatic bay with sea caves, taverna, excellent holding

Highlights: Explore sea caves by dinghy, crystal-clear water, spectacular setting

Swimming: Multiple stops possible on route — Ithaca’s east coast has beautiful bays

Notes: Spilia is one of the Ionian’s most dramatic anchorages. The caves at the head of the bay are accessible by dinghy or swimming. Taverna serves good food but gets busy — book ahead if eating there.

Day 6: Meganisi Circumnavigation (8nm, 1.5-2 hours)

Route: Sail around Meganisi — south to Atherinos Bay, then east back to Vathy

Anchorages:

  • Atherinos Bay: Quiet, good holding, no taverna (bring lunch)
  • Vathy (return): Back to where you started Day 1

Highlights: Complete circuit of Meganisi, swim stops in multiple bays, relaxed final sailing day

Notes: This is a flex day. If you want to stay put, spend the whole day at Spilia. If you want more sailing, circumnavigate Meganisi and re-visit Vathy for your last night. Alternatively, head to Skorpios bays for swimming.

Day 7: Meganisi to Lefkada (6nm, 1-1.5 hours)

Route: North to Lefkada Marina

Departure: Leave Meganisi by 10:00-11:00

Arrival: Back at Lefkada Marina by 13:00-14:00 (allows time for check-out)

Notes: Easy final morning. If you have time, stop for a final swim at Skorpios or Madouri islands before returning to base.

Alternative Variations

Extend to 14 days: Add the southern route (Kefalonia, Paxos) — see our 14-day grand tour

More adventurous: Add Paxos (20nm from Kastos) for a longer crossing

Even more relaxed: Skip Ithaca, spend extra nights at Kalamos and Kastos

Practical Notes

Provisions: Stock up at Lefkada Marina (Lidl nearby). Re-provision if needed at Nidri (near Meganisi), otherwise there are limited shops on small islands.

Water: Available at all main harbors. Fill up when you can.

Fuel: Top up at Lefkada Marina before departure. You’ll use approximately 30-40% of your tank on this route (mostly motoring in/out of anchorages).

Weather: This route is sheltered from prevailing NW winds. Safe even in Force 5-6 conditions.

Best anchorages: Kioni (Ithaca), Spilia (Meganisi), Port Leone (Kalamos)

Most beginner-friendly: Vathy and Abeliki (Meganisi), Kastos Village

Busiest: Kioni (Ithaca) in peak season (July-August)

Chart References

  • Greek Hydrographic Service Chart 424 (Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos)
  • Chart 413 (Ithaca)
  • Most yachts have electronic charts (C-Map, Navionics) covering the entire area

Weather Windows

Best conditions for this route:

  • Force 2-4 NW winds (perfect sailing)
  • Mornings are often calm (motor if needed)
  • Afternoons bring reliable sailing breeze

If winds are stronger (Force 5-6):

  • All anchorages on this route remain comfortable
  • You can skip Ithaca and stay in sheltered Meganisi/Kalamos/Kastos area

This is the most sheltered route in the Ionian — ideal for building confidence.