Ithaca two-week updated itinerary

On arrival to the base, you will be shown to your yacht for your 2-week Ithaca flotilla holiday. If you have time, explore the town of Lefkas and indulge in the traditional Greek cuisine. You will have access to facilities here such as fuel, water, trash, laundry and bathrooms.

Discover Lefkas

Thrilling kitesurfing

Head to Milos beach on the western shores of Lefkas for strong winds and high waves perfect for kitesurfing.

Start the day off right with a morning breakfast with the lead crew and your flotilla companions. Head NE to the town of Preveza, at the entrance to the Amvrakikos Gulf, for the night. There is a buoyed channel into Preveza that takes you carefully through the rocky shallows. Preveza itself has an ancient ancestry dating back to 290BC when the King of Epirus built a city here. There are also the remains of the ancient city of Nikopolis to the north, which was built by Octavius after he defeated Anthony in battle when he became besotted by Cleopatra. At the end of August there is the annual Sardine festival, with live music, wine & beer, and of course an abundance of grilled sardines. The lead crew will organize a group meal in one of the restaurants in the town for this night.

Discover Preveza

Countless beaches

Enjoy over sixty kilometres of sandy, pristine beaches and soak up the atmosphere in the beach bars.

The second day includes a long scenic sail that gives you the chance to stretch your sea legs as you navigate to Paxos. This island is known as one of the must-see spots in the northern Ionian and Gaios its capital is no exception. It contains some most stunning anchorages set in stark blue waters. Your lead crew will find you a space on the bustling local town quay, where you will drop your anchor and moor stern to for the evening. It is traditional and quaint and there is a medieval fort that sits on the island of Ay Nikolaos that protects the harbour. Hand-made and painted pottery is sold here, and the traditional Greek dancing is often danced on a fire lit floor with swords. You can enter the harbour from both north and south side of the islet Ay Nikolaos - check your depths first as it’s a little shallow to the south. In the evening, there will be a gin & tonic party before you choose one of the many places for dinner. Harbour fees this evening with water & electric.

Scenic sail to Paxos

Visit charming Lakka

Lakka is smaller than the capital Gaios, but is equally as pretty, with breath-taking views of the harbour and close to the beautiful Plani beach.

Today gives you the chance to have a more leisurely sail with a lunch stop on either Paxos before you leave or one of the several bays close to your evening destination. The main harbour is pretty and a lovely holiday spot with lots of villas & hotels around the hills. You will be anchoring stern to the dock with your anchor and dining ashore with the group. Here lies the ruins of a monastery that sits above the harbour side with a lovely bay beneath.

Explore the scenic town of Sivota

Visit the Cave of Sivota

The Cave of Sivota is one of the most popular natural sites of Sivota Islands.

If you are looking for something different, there is Fanari Bay to the south of Parga where you can free swing at anchor. The bay is at the end of the Acheron river, which is said to be the entrance to Hades, where the souls of the dead are thought to pass into the underworld. It’s known as the River of Styx and there are boat trips you can take up the river. There are also kayaking trips up the river for those interested in more of a challenge. It is a quiet local place, and the restaurants are well supplied with fresh caught fish. Head back to the north of the island of Paxos, to the town of Lakka, which is the most picturesque bay of the trip. Enjoy turquoise waters as you free swing or moor on the dock - it’s usually great holding on a sandy bottom with little or no weed. As there will be no facilities at your next stop make sure to top off your water and provisions on this day.

On Friday head over to Parga, a spot well known for the castle that sits above the town. It was thought to be nigh on impregnable, history mentions the castle as early as 1337, and the references all give the impression its origins are Venetian. The castle splits the town of Parga to the south from the bay of Valtou to the north where the boats will moor. To get into town you can walk up and over the hill past the castle or take your dinghy. In the evening, you can enjoy the regatta with the crew and fellow flotilla companions.

Explore the town of Parga or the island of Monginissi

Paragaea olive oil factory

Tour the old factory, learn more about how olive oil is made and enjoy a tasting.

Dine at the Monginissi Beach Bar

Indulge in Mediterranean cuisine and local specialities with a stunning sea view

Head back to the base in the traditional Greek village of Lefkas to begin the second week of your Ithaca flotilla holiday. Enveloped by the emerald Ionian, Lefkas is draped in miles of heavenly beaches famous throughout the Greek Isles. You will then see the sights of Meganissi, mooring up at the must-see spots. This evening you will enjoy dinner and drinks organised by the lead boat.

Explore Lefkas

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Lefkada

Learn more about the material found in the caves and ancient cities around the island, where the exhibits date from the Middle Palaeolithic Age tens of thousands of years ago to late Roman times.

Put your sailing skills to the test and gain confidence on the water with your free sailing day. Set out for the secluded bays and harbours dotted around the Ionian, stopping at sleepy fishing villages along the way or just simply relax. It’s entirely up to you. No matter what you choose, your lead crew is available to give you top tips and the latest weather reports.

You’ll begin your Meganisi adventure with a 12nm passage across to the mainland town of Paleros. Paleros is a great spot to catch the local flavour of the Ionian Isles, offering summertime puppet shows, theatrical performances and traditional Greek dancing in the town square. Enjoy the traditional flotilla punch party and dine on freshly caught octopus, bream and bass with your flotilla companions at one of the many waterfront tavernas.

Immerse yourself in the Pelaros culture

Suggested lunch spots

Anchor in Varko Bay to enjoy swimming in the warm, clear Ionian. This sheltered bay is the perfect place to stop for your first lunch anchorage of the week.

Today you’ll enjoy a stretch of coastal line-of-sight sailing from Paleros down to the town and eponymous island of Kalamos. The port is a lovely place to moor, scattered with shops, traditional tavernas and Greek bars dotted along the harbour and beachfront.

Discover Kalamos Town

Ancient ruins and spectacular views

Take the walk up from the harbour to the ruins of the monastery for fantastic views over the Ionian towards mainland Greece.

Suggested lunch spots

Drop anchor in one of the many coves dotted along the north end of Kalamos Island and enjoy swimming in the deep turquoise waters, followed by lunch on deck. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins.

Turn due south out of Kalamos Town, and take on a 15nm reach to Vathi, on the famous island of Ithaca, home to Odysseus. Continue down the coast until you reach a narrow waist 200m across. Navigate through the narrow entrance into the Kolpos Molou Bay, which shelters the little town of Vathi, capital of Ithaca. Moor up and revel in this centre of Greek archaeology, folklore and culture.

Discover Vathi

Suggested lunch spots

Take your pick of one of the abundance of quiet bays and beaches along Ithaca’s east coast. Drop anchor at your chosen spot and dive in for a cooling dip.

Use the last of your free sailing days to explore the eastern shores of the Ionian Sea. The bays, beaches and coves of mainland Greece are yours to discover, as is the island of Kastos and the wildlife haven of Mesolongi National Park. Make the most of your final free sailing day and cruise the sailor’s playground of the Ionian Sea.

Sail the gentle waters of the Ionian Sea for the easternmost bay on Meganissi. Glide past fertile, pine-covered islands dotted with red-tiled houses to the bay that crowns Port Athene. Fringed with olive trees, this wide bay is popular for snorkelling or swimming. Sample fresh seafood caught daily and enjoy traditional Greek dancing at the port's only taverna.

Discover Port Athene

Traditional Ionian village

Take the half hour jaunt inland to the traditional Ionian village of Katomeri and explore the gift shops, tavernas, bars, and cafés dotted amidst stone houses colourfully decorated with flowers.

Finish your two-week Ithaca flotilla holiday back in Lefkas, where you have one last chance to enjoy drinks and dinner with your flotilla sailing companions at one of the town’s many restaurants. You might even have time to explore the town’s charming boutiques and jewellery galleries or take a pleasant walk to the Faneromeni monastery for picturesque views over the sea and salt marshes.

Discover Lefkas

Suggested lunch spots

Stop off at the densely-forested Sparti island. Very scarcely populated, this is the ideal place to kick back, relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading up the Lefkas Canal on your final afternoon.