Joining Instructions

• Passport (s)
• Flight Tickets (Check names shown on the flight ticket match those shown on the individual passports)
• Travel insurance documents (make sure you have coverage for sailing)
• The skipper must bring original copies of sailing certificates/licences
• Credit Cards/Debit Cards and local currency (euros). You must bring a VISA or MASTERCARD credit card with you for the yacht security deposit
• Mobile phone set up for roaming in Greece and charger – it is very important that you can keep in contact in case of emergency as VHF signal is only line of sight
• Beach towel (yacht towels are provided for use on the yacht). If you have a late flight home we recommend bringing another towel if you wish as yacht towels cannot be kept after you disembark on the last day
• Snorkels, mask and flippers if you have them, or you can buy them when you arrive in Greece. 
• Soft soled shoes &/or deck shoes
• Light jumper or light fleece
• Waterproof jacket (especially in early and late summer in case of a shower)
• Your choice of device for playing music on board + lead with a 3.5mm jack plug at each end and a USB connection lead
• Two-pin European travel adapter for charging phones etc. (at marinas or even in restaurants)
• 12 volt adapter / car charger for charging phones, etc. on-board (onboard with a car type cigarette lighter socket)

Security Deposit

Details for the security deposit can be found on your booking statement.

Please pay the driver directly in euros (€45 per car). We will advise of price for larger families and groups requiring a mini coach.

Travel & transfer options between Corfu and Lefkas

 

Ferry & Road

From Corfu airport take a taxi to the ferry port which takes 10 minutes and costs around €10. Take the ferry to the mainland port of Igoumenitsa.

Don’t book with the large ferry companies that run international lines over to Italy, such as ANEK, Minoan and Superfast. Smaller ferries run all day, every day throughout the season from very early in the morning until late at night apart from sometimes a one hour or so break around 2.30-4pm ish.

The telephone number for the ferry port at Corfu is 0030 26613 65200, press 9 for English and for Igoumenitsa its 0030 26650 99400, either office can help. If you call the ferry port closer to the time you are travelling they will give you the daily times. You don’t have to book your ferry ticket in advance, tickets can be bought on the day of departure at the ticket office at the ferry port and cost around €11 per person. If you have a hire car most of the ferries also carry cars for around €50.

Once at Igoumenitsa you can travel directly to Lefkas by road (Lefkas is the only island in Greece permanently connected to the mainland via a floating bridge). You can either take the bus (all are modern air conditioned coaches) or a taxi. The bus is a lot cheaper but generally only runs a maximum of once per day so you may prefer to take the taxi.

 

Taxi between Igoumenitsa & Lefkas

If you decide to take a taxi we would recommend Vasilis and Kostas who are based at Igoumenitsa, their number is 0030 6932 567722, website www.taxiigoumenitsa.com. Please let them know that we have recommended them and call them in advance to arrange and check the fare. The taxi journey takes about 1 hour 10 minutes and they will drop you at base office.

Fly direct between Corfu & Preveza/Lefkas

Sky Express fly between Corfu and Preveza/Lefkas airport (Preveza) on certain days in the week. It’s a great flight and takes just 20 minutes. The transfer by taxi from Preveza airport to Lefkas is just 20 minutes which we can arrange for you.  Here is the link to the airlines website www.skyexpress.gr

Flight prices are around €60 - €80 per person each way and a taxi from Preveza airport to Lefkas costs €45 per car (maximum of 4 people per car). If you choose to take the Sky Express shuttle plane we recommend you book in advance in case they get fully booked as it’s a very small plane.

Travel options between Paxos & Lefkas or Corfu

Ferries and flying dolphins run all day every day during the summer months between Paxos and Corfu and Paxos and Igoumenitsa (for onward trip to Lefkas). The trip takes between 1 hour and 75 minutes’. See information above for travel options between Igoumenitsa ferry port and Lefkas. Ferry timetables are not usually released until closer to the time of travel but you can call the port on the numbers above much closer to time to double check. 

There are numerous timetables for the different operators online including www.ionionlines.eu, https://paxos-thalassatravel.com, www.paxos-greece.com or www.corfuferries.gr

Don’t be confused by the myriad of websites for ferries in Greece! Also, may websites are only in Greek! If you need help please ask us.

Travel options between Kefalonia & Lefkas

Fly direct between Kefalonia and Preveza/Lefkas airport with Sky Express www.skyexpress.gr The flight takes 30 minutes and costs around €75 per person. Alternatively, take the ferry between Fiskardo on Kefalonia and Nidri on Lefkas. Ferries run every day, usually 2-3 times. Fiskardo is around 45 minutes in a taxi and Nidri is just 20 minutes taxi ride to Lefkas. As with most ferries the timetable isn’t published until closer to the time https://westferry.gr/

Travel between Zakynthos (Zante) & Lefkas (via Kefalonia)

If you are staying on Zakynthos before or after you yacht charter from Lefkas you need to travel between the ferry port on Zakynthos at Aghia Nikolaos and take the 1 hour ferry hop over to the port of Pessada on Kefalonia. See ferry details here Ionion Pelagos

From Pessada take a taxi to the port of Fiskardo on Kefalonia then the 1 hour ferry from Fiskardo to Lefkas (also known as Lefkada) to the port of Nidri . Ferry details here Westferry We can have a taxi waiting dock side to drive you to the yacht base at Lefkas just a 15-20 minute drive away.  

During the summer months ferries run very regularly (usually twice daily, every day). Ferry schedules are not posted until much closer to the time but you can contact the ferry company in advance.

Hydrofoil between Zakynthos – Kefalonia – Ithaka – Lefkada – Paxos – Corfu

You can also travel every day of the week except Sundays during the summer months between the Ionian islands of Zakynthos (Zante) – Kefalonia – Ithaka – Lefkada – Paxos – Corfu – for more information see details here https://www.ithacagreece.com

When you are on board you will be given a full safety brief and a chart brief if required by one of the knowledgeable base team.

Yes, you will receive a thorough handover of your yacht upon boarding as well as a chart/sailing area briefing if requested and you can familiarise yourself with the yacht and its equipment before setting sail. The base support staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have as well as offering any advice you may need about the sailing area.

For those on a Skippered yacht charter you will meet your skipper, they will show you around your yacht and chat about where you would like to sail.

You will need to return to Lefkas quayside by 18:00 on the penultimate day of your charter.

If you ever want a drink or a bite to eat when more of the cafes and restaurants are closed you can call the local delivery service for the cafe  ‘Taste and coffee’ on 0030 26450 21532. They will deliver food right to your yacht 24/7, just let them know your location. The menu offers finger food, salads, pasta, pizza, burgers and sandwiches as well as a range of hot and cold drinks. 

There are so many great places to eat and drink in Lefkas town (also known as Lefkada), all a short stroll from the yacht base. Some of the places we and other customers like are:

Margarita’s

Ef Zin

Nissi (right in the central square)

Taverna Eutuxia

For something a little more special we also like Thymari  We recommend to call ahead especially at Thymari and Ef Zin.

Gyros (pronounced yeeros) is the Greek staple ‘fast food’. A pitta with a choice of meats, fries and salad for around €3, it’s a must to try! There are a number of places on the town quayside just outside and opposite the that serve it but we like Meating Point just on the mini roundabout as you walk out of the towards the town but our number one choice is Daltons Grill House where you can have a choice of tasty gyros or a wide selection of other tasty meat or salad. You will also find a range of Greek tavernas long the quayside as well, Frini sto Molo have some interesting twists on traditional classics.

For pizza and pasta there’s a fair amount of choice but Festino is a convenient spot on the quay.

There are lots of lovely café bars in and around the central square but there’s also some great little ones dotted around the little side streets too.

The sunsets on the north ‘promenade’ of the town near the little wooden bridge are amazing and there’s a number of café bars with seating for the best view of the sunset. The place to be seen late is The Karma bar

There’s lots of lovely café bars for a great cocktail but for something a little special we like two authentic Cuban bars down the little side streets, Havana Bar and Cubana – they can be quiet as they are hidden gems although some weekends they also have some great live Latin music so can get more lively.

You are spoilt for choice for ice cream and Gelaterias in Lefkas but our ultimate favourite has to be Ciao Gelateria on a little side street just off the main street in town.

Yes, bed sheets, linen and pillows are provided on the boat. If you are chartering for two weeks a change of linen for the second week will be provided. Towels are provided for use on the yacht but we recommend bringing your own beach towel. If you have a late flight home we recommend bringing another towel if you wish as yacht towels cannot be kept after you disembark on the last day.

All plug sockets on the boats are the European 2 pin type however these are only usable when the yacht is plugged in to mains power (230V). If your devices or equipment do not have 2 pin European plugs you'll need to bring a travel adaptor with you. During the week there is a 12v socket, similar to a car cigarette lighter, which can be used to charge phones and other electronic devices if you bring a car charger with you.

We don’t provide masks, snorkels or flippers. You may wish to bring your own or they are readily available and reasonably priced in Lefkas and at many places around the islands where you will visit.

Mooring fees at the Lefkas base for your first and last day are FREE. Most harbours are run by the local municipalities/Greek coastguard and are free to moor in. There are a small number of harbours and small marinas who will charge you a mooring fee depending on yacht size. If there is bad weather forecast it may occasionally be necessary to use a protected harbour with laid moorings depending on the size of your boat.

Some quays where there is water and power available a small fee will be charged if you wish to use it.

Almost all the harbours have shower and toilet facilities, usually attached to a taverna or convenience store. Even when there is a charge it is usually a few euros. Water for the yacht is usually available in most of the popular ports.

An outboard engine for your dinghy/tender can be very useful, with no mooring fees in most harbours some of them can be busy so it is likely that, particularly in peak season, you will be occasionally anchored away from the quay. They are also great for exploring caves and some of the quieter snorkelling spots. However, some people prefer to row!

Every yacht has its own dinghy/tender and an optional outboard engine.

There is a well stocked supermarket 150 metres from the GR Sailing office and further mini markets offering a wide choice of provisions at within 5 minutes’ walk that are usually open 7 days a week. The 'CO-OP' supermarket is the closest just few minutes along the town quayside. You will see a floating pirates ship bar on the quay and the CO-OP is directly opposite in a big yellow building. The CO-OP is open 7 days a week in the main summer months but if you come early or later on on the season they don't open quite as much so you can call them to check on 0030 26450 22319. Opening hours may differ during public bank holidays.

 

There will be many opportunities to provision and shop at many of the ports and harbours you visit around the Ionian islands so you do not have to purchase too much when you arrive. 

Most restaurants, café bars and shops around the islands only take cash (euros). Whilst some restaurants and cafes are starting to get card machines it's still a good idea to always have cash on hand in case the machine isn't working and there are no cash machines where you are! There are cash machines in Lefkas town close to the quayside and around the town. However, over the course of the week, you will probably only visit one or two towns with cash machines so it is advisable to have enough cash before you leave port.

Please make sure you have a large enough limit to cover the deposit for the yacht you have booked.

There are a number of cash/ATM machines on the larger Ionian islands but not on the smaller ones. We would recommend bringing a reasonable amount of local currency (Euros) with you as quite a few traditional Greek tavernas, cafe and small shops on the islands usually only accept euros. There are cash machines in Lefkas town.

It would be advisable to bring a pair of lightweight shoes with non-marking soles for wearing on the boat. You can wear whatever clothes you feel comfortable in but it is a good idea to bring a lightweight waterproof jacket. We do get the odd day of rain, especially at the start and end of the season.

The yachts are generally not equipped with Wi-Fi as standard, however virtually every café, bar and restaurant in Lefkas town and around the islands has free Wi-Fi for their customers.

Mobile phone reception is usually very good throughout the Ionian. You must bring a mobile phone and charger with you for use around the islands and keep your phone available and charged at all times. Whilst VHF is used, you will not always be in range. We also monitor an emergency phone 24 hours a day, should you need to contact us as VHF signal only works in line of sight.

The skippers are of mixed nationalities, mostly Greek or Italian origin and there are also skippers from across Europe but all of them speak excellent English.

When you provision for food remember to get enough for your skipper. In the evening you can choose to invite them out with you or cover their inexpensive meal if you prefer to dine alone. The skippers are extremely professional and personable and provide discreet and unobtrusive assistance throughout your yacht charter and always become welcome additions on the yachts they sail.

As every group is different and interact with people in different ways we recommend speaking to your skipper at the start of the charter and agreeing with them what you would prefer to do in the evenings. It's usually easiest to provide an agreed amount of cash at the start of the charter for the skipper's evening meals for the week (usually around 25 euro per evening meal). If you invite your skipper to join you in the evening they may accept or choose to meet up with fellow skippers or choose to stay on the yacht.

 

It is customary that you tip your skipper. A guideline amount would be around 5-7% of your yacht price, though as this could encompass quite a range we leave it at your discretion and ask that you offer gratuity you think your skipper deserves. We’re sure they’ll add immense value to your charter experience.

If you have a late flight home there are plenty of options to enjoy your final day. You can take a stroll around Lefkas town and explore the little cobbled streets, shops and cafes. Hire cars, bikes and mopeds are all available in Lefkas town if you wanted to explore. All the rental shops are by the GR Sailing offices. We recommend the amazing beaches on the west side of the island as well as the little town called Aghias Nikitas for lunch. A 5 minute taxi ride or good 30 minute walk gets you to Aghis Ioannis Beach famous for the kite surfing. You can hire kit or just enjoy watching! The little beach side cafe bar and restaurant at Milos Beach is nice.

If you would like more information, contact details or advice on things to do in Lefkas before or after you disembark please don't hesitate to ask us. We have tonnes of local knoweldge and are always happy to help!