The Ionian Sea is one of the top destinations in Greece and the charter offer has been growing continuously for years. Now the German charter company Sun Charter is also expanding its presence there. The Wolfrathshausen-based company has had a larger base on Corfu for many years, but for years around half of its customers have preferred to start their holidays in Lefkada, as it is right in the heart of the region. Sun Charter is now relocating some ships to Lefkada, which are managed there in co-operation with the Greek charter company "Ionian Catamarans". To begin with, three new C-series Bavarias, a 34, a C 42 and a C 45 will be available there at the start of the season. The boats are based in the Lefkada marina. Information about the yachts and the base can be found on the Sun Charter website
Also new for 2023:The charter area guide "Ionian Sea" has been published in a 4th, updated edition for the start of the season. The book is tailored to the needs of charter crews as it is lighter and more compact than many of the other area guides and divides the area into sections using very clear maps. In addition, the highlights of the area are presented and specific route suggestions are given as well as anecdotes from 25 years of experience in the area by YACHT travel department head Andreas Fritsch. In addition, there is of course all the important nautical information and also tips on where it gets particularly crowded in the high season and what the alternatives are. The book is available here.
Cruise suggestion from Lefkada
If you sail in summer and want to avoid the harsh Meltemi winds of the Aegean, the Ionian Sea is the place to be. At this time of year, a lighter, often north-westerly breeze dominates there, which is influenced by the thermals. Pleasant wind forces of three to four are the rule, with some pronounced lulls overnight - something that many crews at anchor really appreciate. Starting from Lefkada, in the heart of the area, has become more popular than starting from Corfu further north.
This is not surprising, as you have a greater choice of islands and destinations from Lefkada. And there is no need for the often somewhat tough journey from Corfu to Paxos and then further south. If you depart directly from Lefkada, you can start island hopping straight away. Meganisi, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Kalamos - a new island awaits you every day.
Day 1: Lefkada-Meganisi (13 nm)
A relaxed start down the Levkas Canal to the north side of Meganisi. If you want to go to a harbour there, head to Vathy: a pretty village around a bay. Or you can go to Spartochori, spectacularly situated on a rock, directly above the jetties of two tavernas. The jetties are good, the tavernas average. But if you stay there, you have to stop for a bite to eat. The place above is picturesque, the view over the area a dream. If you want to anchor, you have a free choice in the north of Meganisi. The most beautiful bay is Ormos Ambelakia. Drop a shore line, swim and chill out. From there, a path leads to Vathy if you don't want to cook in the evening.
Day 2: Meganisi-Kalamos (13 nm)
Left or right round Kalamos, that is the question here. Both are possible. In the north near Episkopi there is often a nice wind nozzle: good with little wind. On the western cape of the island, stronger gusts form in the late afternoon - be careful! Port Leone is a beautiful bay, surrounded by steep mountains and an old ghost town with a chapel on a mountain. There are three bays that are suitable for anchoring. If it is full, you can also deploy a shore line. If you are moored near the ruined tower, you may experience some swell at night. The nearest, albeit mediocre, restaurant is 20 minutes further on in the harbour. There, landlord George organises the incoming yachts. Because of gusts of wind, lay out plenty of chain and weigh anchor well!
Day 3: Kalamos-Vathy/Ithaca (19 nm)
A trip past the island of Atokos, preferably along the eastern side, where there are good bathing bays. Then on to the large harbour bay of Vathy, one of the most beautiful places in the area. Ideal for anchoring. The strong north-easterly downdraught often dies down completely in the evening and the bottom holds very well. Alternatively, go to the quay wall in the south or west. But there is car traffic there. In the morning, you have a great view of the town and the mountain to the west from the boat.
Day 4: Vathy-Antisamos (14 nm)
A beautiful day of sailing around the southern tip of Ithaca across to Kefalonia. In the south-east of the island there are great bays for swimming, for example at Pera Pigadi. The destination is the spacious Antisamos anchorage, which is beautifully situated in front of steep, densely vegetated mountain slopes and has a nice beach with a bar at the top. The best anchorages are on the southern shore close to land. The bay is unsafe in easterly winds. Alternatively, two miles further into the harbour of Sami. Nice place with many tavernas. From here you can easily visit the Melissani stalactite caves by taxi or moped.
Day 5: Antisamos-Sivota (22 nm)
A longer beat along the east coast of Kefalonia northwards and on to the south coast of Lefkada. It's almost always a cross, there's a wind gust in the channel and it gets stronger in the afternoon. If you don't like that, you shouldn't start too late. Sivota is a perfectly sheltered, very deep bay surrounded by mountains. A busy natural harbour, ideal for anchoring. However, there are also moorings in a small marina on the east side and in front of the tavernas. In the season, life here pulsates late into the night, with nice bars and restaurants.
Day 6: Sivota-Lefkada (14/16 nm)
On the last day, we head northwards between Meganisi and Lefkada, cruising between the small islands. Finally, the passage through the Levkas channel. Tip: On Fridays, the marina petrol station is regularly extremely busy, so it's best not to arrive too late!
Area character Ionian Sea
In Greece you have to come to terms with some of the peculiarities of the area: The yacht is often moored in municipal harbours, i.e. without mooring lines, instead in front of bow anchors. Sanitary facilities or marineros to help with mooring are only available in Lefkada. Mooring fees are low, at around a third of what you have to pay in Croatia or Italy. There are many well-protected anchorages throughout the area. However, there are now many fleets stationed in the region, significantly more than in the Aegean. And it can get crowded, especially when a flotilla calls at a harbour or bay.
Wind & Weather
Classic thermal area in summer. The wind gradually builds up in the late morning, reaching around 3 to 4 Beaufort from a north-westerly direction. The wind often dies down quickly around 6 p.m. and it is usually almost calm at night. In the early and late season, the wind often shifts to south-easterly directions, but can also be interrupted by long lulls. Low pressure from the west can then bring bad weather with lots of rain and thunderstorms.
