The Donkey Route – An Artistic Sailing Journey with Ronen Kaufman
“Sail in the Footsteps of the Donkey” ⛵🎨🐴
Ronen Kaufman – a multidisciplinary artist and skipper – sets out on a unique voyage among the Ionian Islands of Greece (around Lefkada).
This special journey blends art, nature, donkey preservation, and a fresh approach to making sailing more accessible and enjoyable for skippers.
🐴 Why the Donkey?
“The donkey is one of the most beloved and important symbols in Greece.
A calm, patient, and intelligent animal, with a character that is both stubborn and gentle.
For generations, donkeys have accompanied the Greek people – in villages, in the fields, and in childhood stories.
Today, their numbers are declining, and many suffer from neglect and misunderstanding.
I am embarking on this artistic sailing journey to shine a light on their importance and to call for their preservation, out of respect and appreciation.
Sail in the footsteps of the donkey – it’s simple, it’s cool, and it’s fun!
The Greek people warmly welcome those who love donkeys, because the donkey reminds them of their childhood.”
— Ronen
🧭 Sailing Route – A Week in the Ionian Islands: Sailing in the Footsteps of the Donkeys
🗓️ Saturday | Arrival in Preveza
Yacht handover, boat inspection, preparations, and a walk through the town of Preveza.
First overnight stay at Preveza Marina.
Lefkada Bridge opening times: 08:00 | 10:00 | 14:00 | 17:00 | 19:00 (accurate at the time of writing).
🗓️ Sunday | Preveza >> Palairos
⛵ Sail to Palairos.
⚓ Mooring at Porto Spilia (the only place where I haven’t yet painted a donkey!).
📞 Marina phone: +30-26450-51233
Mooring includes water and electricity if dining at the Porto Spilia restaurant. Add a €20 tip for the berth.
🗓️ Monday | Porto Spilia >> Atokos >> Vathy (Ithaca)
⛵ Stop at Atokos (One House Bay).
⛵ Continue to Vathy on the island of Ithaca.
📞 Stathis Politis: +30-6937-816-556
📞 Nikos: +30-6977-743-264
🗓️ Tuesday | Vathy >> Sivota
⛵ Sail to Sivota.
⚓ Mooring at the pontoon of Lotrivi Bar.
📞 Phone: +30-6970-227-705
🗓️ Wednesday | Sivota >> Porto Leone >> Kalamos
⛵ Stop at Porto Leone.
⚓ Mooring at Kalamos with George.
📞 Phone: +30-6970-994-602
Dining at George’s taverna includes free mooring (no water/electricity). George comes out in his boat to guide you in – excellent service!
🗓️ Thursday | Kalamos >> Nidri
⚓ Mooring at Ioan’s taverna.
📞 Phone: +30-6994-512-268
Dining at the taverna includes mooring with water and electricity.
🗓️ Friday | Return to Nidri, finish in Preveza
Don’t miss the perfect treatment at YOGAMAS – highly recommended massage!
📍 Address: Bizaniou 37, Preveza
📞 Athina: +30-6942-405-028
🌐 Website: www.yogamas.gr
(Booking a few days in advance is recommended.)
🎨 On every island – look out for donkey graffiti.
At every stop along the route, I created a donkey graffiti artwork – colorful, local pieces of art that connect culture, nature, and memory.
These donkey paintings have become a symbol of the journey – not only as a call for preservation, but also as an icon of freedom, simplicity, and the courage to stay true to yourself.
⚓ For Skippers
During this voyage, I also put together a skipper-friendly guide – filled with tips for easy sailing, recommended anchorages, local contacts, and everything that can make your sailing experience smoother, safer, and more enjoyable – especially for those new to the world of sailing.
🤝 Join the Movement!
Follow the journey on Instagram: @ronenkaufmanart.
Wherever you arrive, if you show that you’re following the donkey and liking the page, you’ll receive a discount and a warm local welcome.
Share, tag, and enjoy your own sailing adventure “in the footsteps of the donkey”!
You can even win a prize – a signed lithograph from Kaufman’s “Donkey Series.” Just send us a photo with one of the donkeys and you’ll enter the draw to receive your very own original piece of art to hang at home.
Of course, this route is just a suggestion. As skippers, you should always check forecasts and seek additional recommendations before setting out.
