Luxury Sailing Holiday in Greece – My South Ionian Adventure.
By Helen Eltringham on 8th December, 2023
I’ve been the crew onboard the luxury yacht and I’ve been (well am!) the Greek Sailing Specialist that helps to organise a luxury sailing holiday but it is not often I get to be the guest…and you know what …it’s blooming marvellous!
I recently set sail in the South Ionian to see what has changed since I last visited the collection of islands that lie to the South of Lefkada.
Read on for a round up of a few of my favourite places to visit on a South Ionian Odyssey.
Lefkada, Lefkas
I landed at Aktion International Airport in Preveza and was met seamlessly by my transfer driver. It was only a short journey to Lefkas Marina where I met my yacht or ‘floating home’ that would take me on my luxury sailing holiday for the week.
I had a late arrival so we stayed safely tucked up in the marina and I dined ashore in Lefkada Town. Lefkada is a mixture of winding streets, bustling town squares and an assortment of brightly painted buildings. The perfect starting point to get you in the holiday mood!
For traditional Greek food I love Nautilus Restaurant in the main town square or for something a bit different try the delicious tuna at Ey Zhn (pronounced Ef Sin!).
Varko Bay, Greek Mainland
After the hustle and bustle of Lefkada Town, a day and night in Varko Bay is pure bliss.
Our crew anchored us in the perfect spot and we spent a very happy afternoon jumping in, swimming to the beach and having a go at the watersports on offer; including paddleboarding and water-skiing. I hate to admit but I’m not a natural!
When the surrounding mountains turned the most glorious shade of pink with the setting sun, our captain poured a perfectly matching glass of rose. Those clever touches were phenomenal throughout the week. After all I do like to match my beverage to my surroundings! A true highlight.
Fiskardo and Foki Bay, Kefalonia
To me Fiskardo on the island of Kefalonia has everything and is a must visit on any luxury sailing holiday.
The only village on Kefalonia to survive the earthquake of 1953 is the perfect coastal retreat and now a yacht lovers dream.
Once we arrived in Fiskardo we were whisked away by tender to the caves at Foki Bay. Wet shoes or sandals are a must for exploring the cool rocky formations. A swim back to the tender and a zoom back to our yacht was followed by a glorious lunch onboard.
The afternoon flew by with a swim, a mooch around the boutiques and of course plenty of yacht watching from the bow!
With so many restaurants to choose from I would recommend taking a wander to pick a menu or atmosphere that suits you the best. We chose Roula’s for feta drizzled with local honey followed by the traditional Greek favourite Moussaka.
Little Vathi and Abeliki Bay, Meganisi
I could write a whole book about Meganisi, but I will try and restrain myself to a couple of paragraphs!
We visited the island more than once during our weeks sailing holiday. There are so many bays to choose from. Although you are close to both Lefkas and the mainland you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere.
For swimming and relaxing I love the bays of Abelike and Port Atheni. Your crew will take longlines ashore to create your own ‘private swimming pool’.
For an overnight stop my favourite place is Little Vathi. Dine at the Rose Garden or one of the many fish tavernas that line the waterfront. If your holiday aligns with a full moon you can see the fishermen changing their nets on the quayside.
For breakfast it has to be The Pistrina Project and if you can sneak a cocktail in try Boom Boom bar!
Are you tempted by a Luxury Sailing Holiday in the South Ionian?
My week of sailing reiterated why I love the South Ionian so much. There are so many great bays and villages to visit that in my week I really only scratched the surface.
My perfect itinerary includes some popular spots where you can enjoy that wonderful Greek hospitality and some equally wonderful peaceful spots where you really appreciate that ‘liveaboard’ lifestyle.
If you wish to visit any of the places above contact me to start planning your own luxury sailing adventure.
For more inspiration take a look at our South Ionian itinerary The Odyssey or our one way trip Greek Island Explorer.
Written by Helen Eltringham
Top Travel Tip
If holidays are precious and treasured, then sailing holidays are the jewel in your crown.
Don’t spend one more holiday on a quayside looking at the yacht in the background. Instead, be the people having the time of their lives on that yacht!
– Helen
