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The route, day by day
About 80 nautical miles over the week — gentle for a 7-day charter. The route flexes with the wind and with what your group wants; your captain will adjust it on the day.
| Day | From → To | Distance | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lefkas base → Meganisi | ~10 nm | Sheltered Vathi and Spartochori bays |
| 2 | Meganisi → Kastos | ~12 nm | The quietest island in the Ionian |
| 3 | Kastos → Ithaca (Kioni) | ~15 nm | Horseshoe harbour, tavernas on the quay |
| 4 | Ithaca → Kefalonia (Fiskardo) | ~10 nm | Venetian village, the best anchorages of the week |
| 5 | Fiskardo → Sivota (Lefkada) | ~18 nm | Bays and beach clubs |
| 6 | Sivota → Nidri / Tranquil Bay | ~8 nm | Waterfalls ashore, Skorpios nearby |
| 7 | Return to Lefkas base | ~8 nm | Morning sail back |
Why the Ionian suits catamarans and first-timers
Short distances mean rarely more than two hours between stops. Winds are typically light in the morning and build to a comfortable 12–18 knots in the afternoon — enough to sail properly, gentle enough for beginners. A catamaran’s shallow draft opens up bays a deep-keeled monohull cannot reach, and it stays level at anchor, which matters if anyone aboard is prone to seasickness.
What the week costs
- Catamaran with a captain, per week: €5,690–9,200 in May, June, September and October; €8,150–12,000 in July and August. Entry-level boats start near €4,650.
- Charter pack, fuel, mooring and provisioning: budget €1,500–2,500 for the week.
- Refundable security deposit: typically €2,000–4,000, blocked and returned.
- Best value months: May, June and September — the same sailing, roughly a quarter cheaper.