By Shai Rabani – Experienced sailor and passionate explorer of the Greek Isles
Day 1: Athens to Lefkada – The Journey Begins
We touched down in Athens on a warm Friday afternoon, picked up our rental car, and embarked on a scenic drive to Lefkada. Our overnight stay was at the Ionion Star Hotel, a comfortable spot featuring a pool and inclusive breakfast—nothing extravagant, but it served our needs well.
Lefkada town charmed us with its dual promenades, offering picturesque views and a variety of cafés and restaurants. For travelers flying in, Aktion Airport in Preveza is conveniently close, providing easy access to the Ionian region.
Day 2: Setting Sail from Preveza Marina
Saturday morning saw us heading to Preveza Marina, a well-equipped harbor known for its modern facilities and strategic location . We boarded our Lagoon 42 catamaran, completed the check-in process, and divided tasks—some of us handled provisioning while others took care of formalities.
A tip for fellow sailors: when the maintenance crew suggested we forgo our round fenders, trusting solely in the yacht’s stern guards, we acquiesced. In hindsight, retaining those fenders would have been beneficial during certain docking situations.
Navigating out of Preveza Marina requires attention, as the channel is narrow and marked by red and green buoys. Our route southward included passing through Lefkada’s swing bridge, which opens hourly. We were fortunate to find a mooring spot and assistance from friendly locals before the bridge.
Our first sailing leg concluded at Vathy, Meganisi, where we arrived at dusk. The harbor welcomed us with available mooring spaces and a tranquil ambiance.
Day 3: Meganisi to Kalamos – Exploring Hidden Gems
Having previously explored Meganisi, we set our sights on Kalamos. Our initial stop was Porto Leone, a serene bay perfect for Mediterranean-style mooring. We enjoyed a refreshing swim and a leisurely brunch amidst the idyllic surroundings.
Later, we sailed to Kalamos harbor but found it quieter than anticipated. Opting for more vibrancy, we continued to Vathy on Ithaca island. The evening was spent strolling through charming alleyways and dining at a waterfront taverna, the gentle lapping of waves enhancing our meal.
Day 4: Ithaca to Kefalonia – Embracing Nature’s Beauty
Departing Ithaca, we sailed to Antisamos Bay in Kefalonia for a morning swim and breakfast. The bay’s crystal-clear waters and sandy bottom made for a delightful stop, though caution is advised due to some submerged rocks.
By midday, we docked at Sami’s eastern harbor and rented scooters to explore Kefalonia. Highlights included the picturesque village of Assos and the renowned Myrtos Beach. The island’s natural beauty is truly captivating and must be experienced firsthand.
Our day concluded with a lively dinner at a local taverna, featuring traditional Greek music and dancing.
Day 5: Northward to Lefkada – Sailing and Serenity
We charted a course north to Lefkada, pausing at Ammousa Bay for a morning dip and breakfast. The afternoon brought favorable winds, providing an exhilarating sailing experience. Upon reaching Vassiliki, we found calm waters and moored at one of the new piers.
Vassiliki’s narrow streets are lined with quaint boutiques and eateries. We dined at a restaurant offering water and electricity connections—note to future sailors: bring a variety of adapters to accommodate different setups.
Day 6: Return to Ithaca – Discovering Kioni
Light winds accompanied our return journey to Ithaca. Initially aiming for Frikes Bay, we found it crowded and instead secured a splendid mooring spot in Kioni using Mediterranean-style mooring techniques.
As evening fell, we rowed ashore and wandered through the village before enjoying a meal mere inches from the sea. Kioni’s charm and tranquility made it a highlight of our voyage.
Day 7: Final Stop at Nydri – Celebrating the Journey
Our final sailing day led us to Nydri, where we moored at a floating pontoon equipped with water and power connections. We indulged in a touch of luxury at the Ionian Blue Hotel, enjoying the pool and spa facilities.
The evening in Nydri was vibrant, featuring dinner at a taverna with live music and traditional plate-smashing festivities. We capped off the night with drinks at Maraboo Beach Bar, toasting to an unforgettable adventure.
Day 8: Returning Home – Reflections and Farewells
Our return journey faced a slight hiccup as Lefkada’s swing bridge failed to open on schedule, causing delays. With assistance from helpful locals, we managed to moor safely and eventually navigated back to Preveza.
The check-out process was swift, with fuel charges based on remaining levels, sparing us a refueling trip. We returned to Athens for a final night before catching our flight home.
Throughout our voyage, we encountered typical sailing challenges—a loose anchor, a distress call, and a blocked pipe. Yet, these experiences enriched our journey, offering stories and lessons that only the sea can provide.
Here’s to the next adventure on the Ionian Sea!
