Greece · Ionian Sea
Ionian Sea
Lefkada, Meganisi, Kefalonia and Ithaca – green, sheltered and family-friendly.
Lefkada im Ionischen Meer, Griechenland · Photo: ERWEH · CC BY-SA 2.0 de, Wikimedia Commons
The sailing area
Ionian Sea · Greece · Ionian Sea
The Ionian Sea is Greece’s gentlest cruising ground. The islands are green and wooded, the distances short and the winds usually moderate – perfect for catamarans and crews with children.
Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a swing bridge. Around Meganisi, Kalamos and Ithaca, countless bays offer places to moor with a line ashore secured to the rocks. Kefalonia impresses with Fiskardo and the beaches on its western coast.
Nautical chart with anchorages
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Anchorages in Ionian Sea
Bays, harbours and mooring fields in Greece. Coordinates are approximate and not for navigation. Google Maps shows a place search, not a verified anchoring position.
- 1
Abelike Bay (Meganisi)
Bay · 38.657° N, 20.786° E
Deeply indented bay, mooring with a line ashore.
Search in Google Maps - 2
Port Atheni (Meganisi)
Bay · 38.635° N, 20.797° E
Several inlets, a taverna with its own jetty.
Search in Google Maps - 3
Sivota (Lefkada)
Harbour · 38.620° N, 20.683° E
Fjord-like natural harbour with tavernas.
Search in Google Maps - 4
Vasiliki (Lefkada)
Harbour · 38.628° N, 20.607° E
Windsurfing spot, strong winds in the afternoon.
Search in Google Maps - 5
Kalamos – Harbour
Harbour · 38.625° N, 20.927° E
Quiet island, welcoming harbour tavernas.
Search in Google Maps - 6
Kioni (Ithaca)
Harbour · 38.449° N, 20.690° E
Picturesque village, stern-to mooring with a bow anchor.
Search in Google Maps - 7
Fiskardo (Kefalonia)
Harbour · 38.459° N, 20.576° E
Venetian village, arriving early pays off.
Search in Google Maps - 8
Foki Bay (Kefalonia)
Bay · 38.451° N, 20.587° E
Small bay south of Fiskardo, olive groves.
Search in Google Maps - 9
Suggested itineraries
A Week in the Ionian Islands from Lefkada
7 days · approx. 105 sm
Easy passages between green islands, ideal for families and catamaran newcomers.
- Lefkada
- Meganisi
- Kalamos
- Kastos
- Ithaca (Kioni)
- Fiskardo
- Sivota
- Lefkada
Coordinates are approximate and do not replace an official nautical chart or an up-to-date harbour guide.
Passage planning for Ionian Sea
If you're planning a sailing trip in Ionian Sea you should familiarise yourself with the wind, weather and local conditions beforehand. The best time to visit is usually during the season May to October. The difficulty level for this sailing area is “Beginner” – so plan your daily legs to leave enough time for changes in the weather, breaks and relaxed anchoring.
Wind and weather
Typical conditions in this sailing area: Thermal NW wind from midday (3–5 Bft), often calm in the morning. Check the latest weather report and the forecast for the next few days every morning. Many bays only offer shelter from certain directions. Having an alternative anchorage up your sleeve makes any sailing trip much more relaxed.
Anchoring with a catamaran
A catamaran like our Lagoon 42 can reach shallower bays thanks to its shallow draught. Still, pay attention to the seabed: seagrass meadows are protected and provide poor holding. Sandy patches are the better choice. Let out enough chain, rig an anchor bridle and check that the anchor is holding securely after setting it.
Before casting off
For Greece get up-to-date nautical charts and a harbour guide, and find out about local fees, protected areas and regulations. The map and coordinates on this page are planning aids, but do not replace navigation on board.