Sailing Kefalonia

Sailing Kefalonia

Flotilla, learn-to-sail and yacht charter holidays · Ionian Islands, Greece

Kefalonia is one of the most rewarding places in Europe to sail. The southern Ionian offers moderate breezes, no tides, short hops of only a few hours between islands, and a string of sheltered bays and traditional harbours, so there is always somewhere calm to anchor for lunch and a swim. It suits first-timers and seasoned sailors alike.

These holidays are run by a team that has sailed from Kefalonia for over twenty years, using a small fleet of well-maintained yachts and a friendly, hands-on support crew. Choose to join a flotilla with a lead crew, learn to sail with your own skipper, take a shared yacht on your own, or charter a yacht and set your own course. Guests are encouraged to sail rather than motor, which is better for the environment as well as more fun.

• Location: Kefalonia and the central Ionian Islands, Greece
• Bases: Sami (flotilla and charter) and Lixouri Marina (learn to sail and singles)
• Season: May to October
• Yachts: 32 to 43 feet, 2, 3 and 4 cabins
• Changeover: usually Thursday
• Airport transfer: about 60 minutes from Kefalonia airport

Choose your holiday

Kefalonia Flotilla

Sail with a small flotilla of seven yachts and a friendly lead crew who help where needed and recommend the best tavernas. You are free to plot your own course by day, and the route starts and finishes at Sami.

7 nights, 6 sailing days · Yachts of 37–43 ft · For sailors with some experience

Learn to Sail

The ideal first step into yacht sailing. You have your own yacht, with no sharing, and a private skipper who teaches you the ropes and steps off each evening for your privacy. There is an option to work towards an ICC qualification.

7 nights, 5 sailing days · Yachts of 32–36 ft · No experience needed

Singles Sailing

A learn-to-sail week for solo travellers, with a private cabin on a shared yacht and a skipper on board on sailing days. A friendly way to learn and to meet like-minded people.

7 nights, 5 sailing days · Private cabin · Spring and autumn departures

Yacht Charter

For experienced sailors who want complete freedom. Take a fully equipped yacht from Sami and explore Ithaca, Lefkas, Meganisi, Kalamos and beyond at your own pace.

7 nights, 6 sailing days · Yachts of 32–43 ft · Qualified skipper required

The yachts

A small fleet of well-equipped yachts, presented immaculately on arrival with a safety briefing, a starter pack and a stand-up paddleboard.

The Central Ionian flotilla route

A classic one-week route that starts and finishes at Sami, with short legs, anchorages for lunch and a swim, and a different harbour each night.

The itinerary is subject to change with the weather.

What’s included

Flights, transfers, towels and personal spending are not included. A skipper can join a flotilla or charter for extra days.

Qualifications

To skipper a yacht on a flotilla or charter, you need an ICC (International Certificate of Competence), an RYA Day Skipper practical certificate or similar experience, and a competent crew member. If you are rusty, a refresher day with a skipper is available. On the learn-to-sail week, no experience is needed, and you can work towards an ICC through an online theory course beforehand and an assessment afterwards.

Food

Meals are not included on these holidays, which makes the most of the Greek tavernas. Expect classic Greek dishes, tomatoes at their best, freshly grilled sardines and local wines (Kefalonia grows 48 varieties of grape). Both bases have mini-markets and bakeries for stocking the yacht fridge, and a taverna is never far from your mooring.

Getting there

Fly to Kefalonia airport, about three hours from the UK, then transfer by taxi or minibus in about an hour to Sami or Lixouri. Yachts are ready to board from 3pm on arrival day, and the sailing starts the next morning after a briefing. It is a good idea to pre-book an arrival transfer with a meet-and-greet, as the airport can be busy.