Ionian Bareboat Yacht Charter Itinerary

This Island Sailing Ionian bareboat yacht charter itinerary and log was sailed  by Judy Johnson & Richard Murray on yacht 'Alina', a brand new model Bavaria 32 Cruiser yacht.

Lefkas Marina - Skorpios Island

2:15 pm: Left the Island Sailing base in Lefkas marina. Anchored off Skorpios Island in a sheltered bay, good holding. Pleased with boat; very comfortable and handles well. Very comfortable overnight with a calm sea and full moon. Good snorkeling. The night air fragrant with the scent of Mediterranean herbs.

Skorpios Island – Sivota, Lefkas

Up at 10am. Sailed south downwind then SW towards Sivota. The wind got up to 5 so we had a real blast and boat heeled over. She handles well on reef 1. Anchored at Sivota, dinner ashore by dinghy. Had a good meal at the water’s edge. Everyone is friendly and laid back.

Sivota, Lefkas

Got up late then went ashore for shopping. Decided to have a lazy day and stayed put as everyone else had left. Dinghied across to small beach and spent the afternoon swimming and sunbathing. Heaven.

Breakfast: Crunchy oats, dried apricots, yoghurt and honey
Lunch: Bread, cheese, salami, tomatoes, Tzatsiki
Supper: Ashore, at 'The Old Store' - nice friendly staff.

Sivota - Fiskardo, Kefallonia

Sailed from Cape N to Katsiki – what a run! The cliffs are amazing and the sea the bluest I’ve ever seen. Anchored in the cove and spent the day diving, snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing.

Mid afternoon motored on to Ormos Giaios a stunning coast reminiscent of Durdle Door and Lulworth. The wind came up by the time we had motored back to the Cape so set sail and beam reached to Fiskardo on Cephallonia.

Arrived at Fiskardo at 7pm in such pure, clear light. Anchored on west side of harbour in water so clear we could watch fish at the bottom. An amazing sunset and ever changing light on surrounding mountains and sea. The air fragrant with herbs. Spectacular!

Fiskardo – Ag. Euphemia, Kefalonia

Went ashore for supplies in Fiskardo. It has a lovely feel to it and is ‘upmarket’. After lunch we sailed towards Sami on a good SE wind 3-4. Stopped for a swim in a beautiful cove (Agriossiki). Snorkelled for an hour – so many different species – what a highlight. Debated whether to stay on anchor but in freshening winds made for Euphemia arrived 6pm. Didn’t like the look so motored to Sami in lively seas. No room in Sami so motored back to Euphemia and anchored in harbour 7pm. Had a wonderful meal with traditional Greek folk band – a really lovely evening at ‘Taverna Spiros’.

Ag. Euphemia – Vathi, Ithaca

Winds very strong NW. Set off for Ithaca winds 4-5 095°. Had a brilliant sail across the channel with white horses everywhere. The wind dropped at the south end of the island then picked up with vigour as we sailed north 6-7 knots and reefed main and headsail. Passed many tempting coves, arriving at Vathi 4pm, made a nice supper and read lots.

Vathi – Gidhakiou, Ithaca - Vathi

10am! Total calm and very hot so motored to Gidhakiou and anchored in the cove. Spent the whole day snorkeling, swimming, diving, reading. The most beautiful cove in the world with turquoise water and amazing rock formations as a backdrop. Motored back to Vathi to shop and explore town.

A very lively town. Ate at a so-so taverna but enjoyed the setting and watched the world go by. Had a late beer in the square then home to bed.

Vathi – Kioni, Ithaca

Motored back to our delightful cove and spent most of the day swimming. Left at 4pm on a good NW wind 3-4 so sailed to Kioni – a delightful place. Difficult mooring due to depth but with lots of ingenuity from Richard we managed to tie a line back onto nearby rocks.

9.30pm and still quite windy with occasional swell. Lovely setting and sunset. Supper aboard.

Kioni - Sivota, Lefkas

4pm set sail for Sivota. Good NW 5 so beam reached all the way arriving at 6pm. Had a very pleasant evening and meal at Yianni’s. Sea like a mirror so slept very well.

Sivota – Vassiliki, Lefkas - Vathi, Ithaca

Got a few souvenirs in Sivota then motored to Vassiliki. A beautiful bay with large beach and turquoise sea. Lots of colourful catamarans and windsurfers to watch. Had a swim; sea colder here! 24°c. Lunch on board and set sail for Ithaca at 2.30pm winds SE 3-4. Good sail and arrived in time for an evening swim at favourite cove. Went into Vathi town after supper on board and people watched whilst drinking beer in the square. ‘Kayak’ pistachio ice-cream is yummy. Sea temp 29.5°!

Vathi – Port Athene, Meganissi

Went into Vathi town and had a look at the cathedral. Had melon for breakfast, mmm yummy. Motored to ‘our’ cove for swim, dive and snorkel. Had lunch at 2pm. Set sail for Meganissi at 3.15pm Slow start so motored first hour then got a good wind 3-4. Arrived Meganissi, Port Athene 6.45pm. Took a stroll to the lighthouse. There was a lovely sunset. The light and scenery here are amazing.

Bareboat Yacht charter Greece: Highlights

Best Ionian Sail: Ag. Euphemia, Kefalonia to Vathi, Ithaca

Best Greek meal: Spiros Taverna Ag. Euphemia, Kefalonia

Best Ionian harbour: Fiskardo, Kefalonia and Kioni, Ithaca

Best Ionian town: Vathi, Ithaca: It’s a place where people actually live. Lots of good art and sculpture, kids on bikes, a museum and exhibitions.

Most stunning Ionian scenery: Katsiki, Lefkada

Best swimming cove: Gidhakiou near Vathi, Ithaca

Best snorkel: Ak Agriossiki, Kefalonia

Best Ionian sunset: Kioni, Ithaca and Meganissi

Loved: The dive platform, the thick towels, shower room and LED lighting AND the good quality anchor on the brand new Bavaria 32 Cruiser