ΙΟΝΙΟΝ SEA

Cleopatra Marina, our base in the Ionian, offers all the modern facilities: provisions super market, restaurants, showers, etc.  It’s the ideal starting point for your Sailing Holidays in the Ionian Sea. White Blue Seas’ base is only 15 minutes away from the Aktion Airport (PVK). We have the perfect yacht for you in Preveza, check availability now !

The Ionian Sea offers the best beaches in Greece with white sand and blue green sea.  It’s a fantastic sailing area for beginners. The islands are pretty close to one another and the ports are easily accessible. Should you arrive on Friday, you will find in the historical town of Preveza has a wide range of accommodations and tavernas.

An absolute must-not-miss is the small picturesque Island of Ithaki; the port is a large bay with long piers, very easily accessible.  Be careful here, you might never want to leave.  The second must see, is the village of Sami on the Island of Kefalonia; made famous by Captain Corelli’s Mandolin It will be a highlight of your Sailing Holiday. Our friend Anna can arrange for a fascinating scenic tour on horse back for you and your crew.

White Blue Seas skippers have made a few suggestions for your sailing route with a departure from Preveza. These are just a few ideas, favorable weather permitting. Every White Blue Seas yachts have a Greek Water Pilot onboard to help you plan your sailing route and to give you precious information on your approach to the islands. The local tavernas can inform you about the route of the flotillas, this is valuable information as the ports are quite small.

We can arrange for your provisions to be on your boat at your arrival, hence giving you an early start on your Sailing Holiday.

The Islands in the Ionian Sea are relatively close by. This offers plenty of time to go under sail even in light breeze and long swimming stops. Out of Preveza, there are two major navigation routes, the North and the South. The North route is more challenging and the distances are long. We have chosen, for you, the South route as you get to see one of Greece’s most exceptional island, Kefalonia. You might want to spend two nights there. To help you plan your navigation route, here’s a few distances:

• Preveza to Vathi, Meganisi: 18nm
• Meganisi to the main port of Kalamos: 12nm
• Kalamos, main port to Vathi, Ithaca: 18nm
• Vathi, Ithaca to Sami, Kefalonia: 17nm
• Sami, Kefalonia to Fiskardo, Kefalonia: 12nm
• Fiskardo, Kefalonia to Sivota, Lefkas: 12nm
• Sivota, Lefkas to Cleopatra Marina Preveza: 23nm
• Fiskardo, Kefalonia to Nitri, Lefkas: 18nm
• Nitri, Lefkas to Cleopatra Marina Preveza: 15nm

The port of Vathi on Meganisi is 3 hours away from our base. Special care needs to be taken in the Lefkas Canal, refer to your Greek Water Pilot. The port is in a large bay, it’s actually one of the world’s largest natural harbor!  You can either berth in the Marina, along the pier or at anchor, the holding is good. Take time to enjoy the numerous small bays with white sand and turquoise water all around the island.

From Meganisi to the main port of Kalamos there’s only 12nm giving you plenty of time to explore the numerous beautiful bays. Plan to arrive early in Kalamos as there are few places in the port. George, the local self acclaimed Harbor Master is very helpful. You will find his number in the Greek Water Pilot.

The picturesque village of Vathi on Ithaca will take your breath away. You’ll never want to leave!  It’s very easy to berth here. The port is a long quay and there is usually a person handling the marine traffic. You can also drop anchor in the large bay. The history of Ithaca dates back to the days of Homer, it’s believed that he ended his voyage there. For an unbelievable culinary experience, we recommend Yefiri Taverna. It’s off the beaten path, well worth the short taxi ride to get there, especially if you like inventive salads, delicious deserts and great wines.

You can spend two years in Kefalonia, for a week-long Sailing Holiday two days will have to do. It is said by many to be the most beautiful island of Greece; we tend to agree. Spend the first night in Sami, it’s truly magical. The next day sail north, tacking all the way, to Fiskardo, 12nm.

John Madden, the Director of the film version of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin insisted on filming on site in Sami and around the Island. The beach of Antisamos, one of the five most spectacular beaches of Greece, was also part of the film’s set. It’s just before Sami, give yourself time for a swim there!

Lefkada is the Island of choice for a memorable last night of island hopping. Sivota is only 12nm from Fiskardo, however it’s 23nm to Cleopatra Marina. Nitri, on the other hand is 18nm from Fiskardo but only 15nm to our base in Preveza. The choice really depends on the weather and your crew. Both have very safe harbors with charming villages.

We will be waiting to greet you upon your return on Friday before 17:00.

A word on the weather is required for your Sailing Holiday in Greece. The Ionian Sea winds are steady and mild, making for an easy Sailing Holliday. Nonetheless, you ought to take caution and be on the lookout for Sea Breeze which can come up to 6 or 7 Beaufort. This last only a short hour or so. As the ports are quite small it is recommended to arrive early, around 4pm no later than 5pm to have a berthing place. At the same time, you avoid the Sea Breeze. If you are anchoring off for the night, keep a watch for the Land Breeze around 10/11pm.  Always look at the weather on a three-day and seven-day forecast.  Poseidon System is Greece’s official sea weather forecast; we recommend that you use it along with your other favorite usual weather app.

You have many options on how to reach Preveza:

• Fly directly to Preveza Airport
• Fly to CORFU, then SKY EXPRESS from Corfu to Preveza
• Fly to KEFALONIA, then SKY EXPRESS from Kefalonia to Preveza
• Fly to ATHENS, then fly to Preveza or take a land transfer or bus to Preveza

Your charter ends on Saturday morning at 9 am. However, you must return the yacht to the base before 5 pm on the Friday in order to do the checkout procedure of the yacht. Once the checkout is finished you can enjoy your boat and sleep in, disembarkation is Saturday 9 am.

Ask us about our yachts available out of our Preveza base.