Cruising the Greek Islands by luxury private yacht is the an incredible way to explore one of the most beautiful and charming areas of the Mediterranean. We have spent many years discovering the very best bays, villages and anchorages, resulting in this ‘Greek Island Explorer’ route. This is probably our ultimate itinerary, starting at Corfu and sailing South to Kefalonia, via Paxos, Levkas, Meganissi and Ithaca. For those with little sailing experience, this route is perfect with ‘downwind’ sailing. Those seeking more of a thrill will enjoy our northbound route (Greek Island Explorer in reverse!)
Of course, the itinerary isn’t fixed, and some of our guests seek the quieter bays with crystal clear blue water, whereas some prefer the atmospheric and bustling villages teeming with the Greek tradition of life lived outside. Our knowledgeable crew will adjust the route to make sure your week is perfect.
A true perk of a yachting holiday is poring over the charts with your skipper to decide where to travel to each day. The route is created with you – not for you – to suit your preferences and take advantage of the weather. Below is an idea of what you might expect on an island explorer trip, however…
Arrive and settle in. We’ll head out of the marina as soon as possible to find a nice anchorage for a late afternoon swim and a relaxing dinner on board
After a leisurely breakfast head south down the Corfu channel toward Paxos, stopping in a bay en route for lunch and swim before heading to Paxos for the evening. Now the first big decision – where to moor? Wherever you choose, head ashore to a Greek taverna.
Today you have the option to spend another day around Paxos, or make the short trip to the sister Island of Anti-Paxos. Spend a morning and early afternoon there and then when the wind comes in after lunch, sail the short passage to the mainland and spend a night at anchor in Two Rock Bay.
Today’s a big sailing day! Head south in time for the swing bridge that opens up the Lefkas Canal and the entrance to the southern Ionian islands. For a bustling town we stop at Lefkas but just an hour further and there are some lovely bays on Meganissi. Dinner on board, or stroll to Errikos, the best fish restaurant on the island.
Sail to the prettiest village in the south, Kioni on Ithaca. Take a lunch stop at the spectacular Afales Bay – with the bluest water we’ve found so far! Then into the village for dinner but only after a visit to the bar that serves the best espresso martini this side of Athens.
It’s the last full day but there’s no blues here. A lazy start from Kioni to one of our secret private bays and then around the northern tip of Ithaca and into Fiscardo, the most cosmopolitan of the Ionian villages. Do some people watching and break out the smart togs for an evening ashore.
Time to disembark and head to the airport. Your private driver will take you to Argostoli International, or perhaps you booked a few extra days on Kefalonia before you head home. Either way, make sure to give us a call and tell us what you thought – so we know what to plan for your next trip…
A 7 night/8 day trips starts from £1,845 per person for 8 people in the early and late season to peak of over £6,270 per person for 2 people having a yacht to themselves.
The trip is great for families, especially with teenagers who will love the watersports. The crew will do everything on the boat – but if you want to get involved in the sailing you are very welcome and our skippers love to give informal tuition!
All prices correct at the time of writing. Give us a call or email us at sailing@fleewinter.com to discuss your requirements and get a confirmed price.
Please remember this is a sample itinerary and we are happy to modify it to suit your plans.
Do you fancy having a chat about Greek Island Explorer? Personally, it's one of our favourite things to talk about.