Sailing the Ionian Sea: Lefkada to Ithaca & Assos
Serene, family adventures or party fuelled journey sailing the Ionian Sea? You take your pick, the Ionian Sea is Greece’s calm, sun-kissed sailing paradise — a stunning collection of emerald islands, pine-clad cliffs, and peaceful harbours. Lefkada is the starting point of the sailing itinerary, Ithaca, Kefalonia the usual suspects, Kioni and Assos one of the many gems – it can be done as a couple, bunch of friends and/ or families, we tested it all and the conclusion is one super week hopping around Greek villages and bays soaking in the authentic island life and slow-luxury experiences.
Lefkada: the perfect starting point, lots of direct flights from London and Europe. Easily accessible via a small bridge from the mainland, with the well-equipped Lefkas Marina is the starting base – before setting sail, the team will be busy stocking up local Lefkadian wine, honey and olive oil — perfect for picnics on deck. Should you have day, one can also discover Lefkada’s natural beauty:
- Porto Katsiki and Egremni Beach – world-famous for turquoise waters framed by dramatic white cliffs.
- Agios Nikitas – a charming, car-free village with family-friendly swimming and fresh fish tavernas.
Lefkada sailing marinas
- D-Marin Lefkas – within the town of Lefkada, D-Marin Lefkas is a large marina offering 620 berths for yachts up to 40m in length with a maximum draft of 4m; 280 dry berths as well, basic maintenance facilities and a fuelling station; proximity to the town of Lefkada is brill.
- Sivota Marina – easy access to the marble shores of the Ionian Sea and lies in a beautiful cove among lush green hills and rich forests. With an average depth between 2m and 5m, Sivota has 90 berths for yachts of up to 40 m in length/ one of our favourite places for dining, clubbing and waking up next morning to grab a coffee and local sweets in the harbour.
Sailing South: Meganisi and Kalamos: from Lefkada, sail toward Meganisi, a green jewel with calm bays and fjord-like coves. Anchor overnight at Abelike Bay or Spartochori, then continue to Kalamos and Kastos, where simplicity reigns — just sea, sky, and peaceful Ionian evenings.
Family highlights sailing the Ionian: Calm, shallow bays make these stops perfect for paddleboarding, snorkelling, and safe swimming for children.
Ithaca: The Mythical Heart of the Ionian. Sailing into Ithaca feels timeless — this is the home of Odysseus, and it retains a mythic calm. Drop anchor in Vathy, Kioni, or Frikes, each with neoclassical harbours and warm Ionian charm.
Things to do in Ithaca:
- Explore Vathy’s shops, cafés, and folklore museum.
- Lunch or dinner in Kioni overlooking moored sailboats.
- Rent a scooter for a scenic drive to mountain viewpoints or snorkel and dive in its beautiful turquoise waters
ZenPartyTravel moment sailing the Ionian islands: Ithaca invites you to slow down — to swim, nap, and simply be together as a family. Partying until sunrise is the other option of slowing down and in here we had some mythical Greek parties we have been raving about for years.
Greek Island Mythology for Kids: Where Legends Come Alive. World-famous as the island to which Odysseus desperately tried to return in the classical Greek tale written by Homer – Odyssey, the history of this famous island is best explored by visiting the island’s capital, Vathi. The town sprawled along the deep and sheltered bay has been the main harbour of Ithaca since the 16th century; you will find a well-protected marina in Vathi, offering 100 berths for vessels up to 10 m in length; take a stroll through the narrow streets and for history Geeks, indulge into the rich history with the local Archaeological and Naval museums.
Kefalonia : Fiscardo and the enchanting village of Assos
From Ithaca, cross to Kefalonia, the largest and most diverse Ionian island. While Fiskardo is popular with sailors, venture a little further to Assos, one of Greece’s most beautiful coastal villages.
What we loved about Assos:
- Sheltered horseshoe bay ideal for mooring; great snorkelling and caves.
- Bright, pastel architecture and pine-covered hills.
- Short walk to the Venetian Castle , seriously breathtaking views.
Lunch and/ or dinner at Nefeli Anait or Platanos Taverna and stay overnight. In the morning, the bay’s glass-calm surface and pink dawn light create the perfect ZenPartyTravel moment.
When to sail the Ionian Sea
The Ionian is best explored from May to October, when warm days and gentle maistros winds create ideal sailing conditions. Quick Facts:
- Distance: ~70 nautical miles (Lefkada to Assos via Ithaca).
- Duration: 5–7 days for a relaxed family route.
- Wind: Gentle NW breeze, smooth seas.
- Yacht type: Bareboat or crewed — both ideal for families.
ZenPartyTravel & Ionian Sailing: each day on the Ionian Sea unfolds at nature’s pace — from dawn swims off the stern to star-filled evenings with the sound of waves lapping against the hull.
This is family sailing in Greece at its finest: safe, scenic, and soul-soothing. From Lefkada’s marina to Ithaca’s mythical calm and Assos’s pastel serenity, this journey captures the essence of slow travel, connection, and coastal bliss.
Plan Your Ionian Sailing Escape: ready to chart your own course?
- Explore Lefkada yacht charters or Ionian Sea sailing holidays.
- Combine sailing with luxury family villas in Kefalonia or boutique stays in Ithaca.
- Bring your family aboard — the Ionian’s calm waters and charming harbours are waiting.
Plan your Ionian sailing adventure with curated itineraries here with the best of the best: PartySails, Yacht Week’s Alex, our friend for over 20 years and amazing master of ceremonies for all options.
For more sailing adventures in Europe, head to Menorca articles; for our favourite Greek family holidays at Elounda head here; for best beach bars of Paros and Antiparos head here, whilst for Mykonos head here!
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