7-Day Southern Ionian Sailing Route
Route Overview
This 7-day southern route covers Ithaca and Kefalonia — the Ionian’s larger, more dramatic islands. Expect longer passages (up to 15nm), more sailing time, and spectacular coastlines. Best suited to sailors with some experience or those wanting more ambitious sailing than the northern route.
Best for: Intermediate sailors, those wanting longer passages, sailors who’ve done the northern route
Best time: May to September (avoid October if you want reliable winds)
Total sailing time: 18-22 hours across the week (3-4 hours per day)
Day 1: Lefkada to Nidri/Tranquil Bay (8nm, 1.5-2 hours)
Departure: Lefkada Marina, 10:00-11:00
Route: South past Nidri to Tranquil Bay (Vlicho Bay)
Anchorages:
- Tranquil Bay: Protected anchorage, tavernas ashore
- Vlicho Bay (alternative): Large bay, multiple tavernas
Highlights: Easy first day, close to Lefkada, good provisioning at Nidri if needed
Notes: This is a short first day to settle into the yacht. Alternatively, push on to Meganisi (Vathy) for your first night — same distance as Day 1 of northern route.
Day 2: Nidri to Kioni, Ithaca (15nm, 3-3.5 hours)
Departure: 08:00-09:00 (early start for longer passage)
Route: South from Nidri, east to Ithaca north coast
Anchorage:
- Kioni: Beautiful village harbor, tavernas, shops, stern-to mooring
Highlights: Homer’s Ithaca, prettiest village harbor in the Ionian, excellent tavernas
Swimming stops: Meganisi south coast bays (Atherinos, Limonari)
Notes: This is your first longer passage. Leave early to have full day in Kioni. Harbor gets busy in peak season — arrive by 14:00 for best spot. If full, anchor in bay outside.
Day 3: Kioni to Fiskardo, Kefalonia (7nm, 1.5 hours)
Route: South from Kioni around Ithaca’s south tip to Kefalonia north coast
Anchorage:
- Fiskardo: Famous harbor village, Venetian architecture, upscale tavernas and shops
Highlights: Most beautiful village in the Ionian, excellent restaurants, protected harbor
Notes: Fiskardo is the jewel of Kefalonia — arrive early (by 14:00) in peak season. Harbor fees apply (€20-30). Many superyachts visit here — it’s a see-and-be-seen destination. Excellent provisioning if you need to stock up.
Day 4: Fiskardo to Agia Efimia, Kefalonia (9nm, 2 hours)
Route: South along Kefalonia’s east coast
Anchorage:
- Agia Efimia: Working harbor town, tavernas, shops, ferry port
Highlights: Authentic Greek town (not a tourist village), good tavernas, safe harbor
Swimming stops: Multiple bays on route — Agia Kiriaki, Agia Paraskevi
Notes: Agia Efimia is quieter and more authentic than Fiskardo. Good provisioning, bakery, several tavernas. Can be rolly in harbor from ferry wash — stern-to on east quay is best.
Day 5: Agia Efimia to Sami, Kefalonia (8nm, 1.5-2 hours)
Route: Continue south along Kefalonia east coast
Anchorage:
- Sami: Large harbor town, shops, restaurants, ferry port
Highlights: Explore Melissani Cave (underground lake, 2km from harbor), Drogarati Cave
Notes: Sami is a working port with good facilities. Not as picturesque as Fiskardo but interesting to explore. Melissani Cave is a must-visit (taxi from harbor, €15-20 round trip, entrance €10). Can be rolly from ferries — anchor in bay south of harbor for calmer night.
Day 6: Sami to Vathi, Ithaca (12nm, 2.5-3 hours)
Route: East across to Ithaca, then north to Vathi (capital)
Anchorage:
- Vathi (Ithaca): Capital of Ithaca, deep harbor, shops, tavernas
Highlights: Ithaca’s main town, Odysseus connections, Archaeological Museum
Notes: Vathi is a working harbor (not a tourist village). Deep water (8-15m) — long anchor chain or stern-to mooring. Good provisioning, several tavernas, interesting to explore. Harbor can be rolly in strong winds — alternative anchorage at Sarakiniko Bay (5nm north, quiet and sheltered).
Day 7: Vathi to Lefkada (18nm, 3.5-4 hours)
Departure: Early start (08:00) for longest passage back to base
Route: North up Ithaca east coast, then west across to Lefkada
Arrival: Lefkada Marina by 13:00-14:00
Swimming stops: Possible at Meganisi or Skorpios if you have time
Notes: This is your longest day. Alternative: Break the return journey with overnight stop at Meganisi (Vathy) on Day 6, then short hop to Lefkada on Day 7.
Alternative Variations
More relaxed version:
- Day 6: Sami to Kioni (skip Vathi)
- Day 7: Kioni to Lefkada via Meganisi
Extended version:
- Add day at Poros (south Kefalonia) between Sami and return journey
- Add day at Assos (west Kefalonia) for different scenery
Combine with northern route: See our 14-day grand tour
Practical Notes
Provisions: Stock up at Lefkada Marina before departure. Re-provision options at Fiskardo (best selection but expensive), Sami (good supermarkets, reasonable prices), Vathi (basic supplies).
Water: Available at all harbors. Sami and Fiskardo have good water pressure.
Fuel: Top up at Lefkada. You’ll use 40-50% of your tank on this route (longer passages = more motoring).
Weather: More exposed than northern route. In Force 6+ winds, passages between islands can be uncomfortable. Check forecast daily.
Harbor fees: Expect to pay at Fiskardo (€20-30), Sami (€15-25), Vathi (€15-20). Other anchorages free.
Best anchorages: Fiskardo (most beautiful), Kioni (prettiest), Agia Efimia (authentic)
Most challenging: Day 7 return passage (18nm, longest)
Busiest: Fiskardo (July-August), Kioni (weekends)
Passage Planning
Day 2 (Nidri-Kioni, 15nm):
- Depart 08:00, arrive 12:00-13:00
- Mostly NW winds — good sailing
- Sheltered passage
Day 7 (Vathi-Lefkada, 18nm):
- Depart 08:00, arrive 13:00-14:00
- Can be lumpy in afternoon NW winds
- Consider breaking at Meganisi if tired
Weather Considerations
Best conditions: Force 3-4 NW winds (excellent sailing)
If winds are stronger (Force 5-6):
- Passages are still safe but more rolly
- Consider staying an extra day in sheltered harbor if forecast is Force 7+
If winds are lighter (Force 1-2):
- Expect to motor more
- Budget extra fuel
This route offers more sailing and more variety than the northern route — perfect if you want a bit more adventure.