Itinerary

Ionian Islands: 7 Days of Luxury Yachting

Lefkada to Lefkada

Explore Greece’s Ionian Islands with Ziyana Yachts’ 7-day charter — lush green islands, hidden coves, traditional villages, and crystal waters, all paired with seamless luxury service for the ultimate Ionian sailing experience.

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Ionian Islands: 7 Days of Luxury Yachting

The Ionian Islands, often called Greece’s “Emerald Archipelago,” are renowned for their sheltered bays, verdant landscapes, and crystal-clear waters. Unlike the more crowded Cyclades, these islands offer tranquil anchorages, charming fishing villages, and gentle sailing conditions that appeal to both seasoned and leisure yacht guests. Over seven days aboard a Ziyana yacht, guests can swim in serene bays, explore historic villages, and savor fresh, locally caught seafood, all while enjoying seamless luxury and attentive service. This itinerary embodies the Ionian’s relaxed elegance and timeless maritime charm.

7 Days • 6 Nights

Summary
  • Day 1: Lefkada
  • Day 2: Kalamos
  • Day 3: Kastos
  • Day 4: Astakos
  • Day 5: Frikes
  • Day 6: Meganisi
  • Day 7: Lefkada

Day 1

Lefkada

Embarkation Point

Begin in Lefkada, the island that brings the Ionian to life. Known for dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, and world-famous beaches like Porto Katsiki, Lefkada is also uniquely accessible by causeway — a rare trait among the Ionian isles. As you embark, soak in coastal panoramas and prepare for the lush serenity ahead.

Experience Highlights:

  • Cruise past cliff‑lined shores and sea caves
  • Drop anchor near Porto Katsiki or Egremni for a swim
  • Enjoy a scenic onboard dinner as the sun dips over the Ionian Sea
  • Optionally, explore the hilltop village of Agios Nikitas by tender

Day 2

Kalamos

16 NM

Sail to Kalamos, a mountainous, forested island in the Inner Ionian Sea that feels wonderfully removed from the hustle of more touristy spots. The name Kalamos literally means “reed” in Greek, referring to the reeds that once grew abundantly along its shores. Kalamos lies at the heart of the Inner Ionian Marine Protected Area, an ecologically significant zone that supports Posidonia seagrass beds, fish nurseries, and important bird habitats.

Experience Highlights:

  • Anchor in sheltered bays for swimming or kayaking
  • Walk through olive groves and stone-paved paths
  • Enjoy rustic seaside tavernas offering fresh fish
  • Evening onboard under starlit skies

Day 3

Kastos

3 NM

Sail to Kastos, a small Ionian island just southeast of Lefkada, known for its tranquil charm, ancient olive groves, and slow pace of life. Kastos has only one village on the east coast and just a few dozen permanent residents (around 40 by some counts). The island is covered in olive trees, offers peaceful bays and has limited road infrastructure, which gives it a secluded, off‑the-grid feel.


Experience Highlights:

  • Visit Kastos village and its small chapel
  • Swim in pristine bays or paddleboard around hidden inlets
  • Explore olive press ruins and old windmills

Day 4

Astakos

8 NM

Cruise to Astakos, a mainland fishing town with warm hospitality and fresh seafood. The name “Astakos” means “lobster,” reflecting the quality of local catches. Olive groves and gently sloping hills surround the town, offering scenic anchorages.

Experience Highlights:

  • Dock in Astakos and explore the waterfront
  • Try locally caught seafood, including lobster
  • Walk among olive groves or reach viewpoints above the bay

Day 5

Frikes

20 NM

Sail into Frikes, a charming fishing village tucked on the northeastern coast of Ithaca, long linked with Homeric lore as the ancient port of Rithros. The harbor welcomes yachts amid two historic windmills that anchor the waterfront and frame seaside tavernas. Wander along pebbled paths, dip into turquoise coves, or kayak toward hidden sea caves and nearby beaches like Polis and Platys Ammos. 

Experience Highlights:

  • Anchor in the tranquil harbor
  • Stroll village streets and waterfront tavernas
  • Kayak around nearby coves or explore sea caves
  • Sunset drinks onboard with hills framing the bay

Day 6

Meganisi

11 NM

Cruise to Meganisi, a tranquil jewel just off Lefkada, where forested hills and olive groves meet more than 30 km of deeply indented coastline filled with serene bays. Its coastline hosts secluded anchorages like Abeliki Bay and Kapali Bay, where quiet coves offer perfect calm for swimming and snorkeling. Visit charming villages such as Vathy, with its traditional waterfront tavernas, or Spilia, a sheltered bay tucked under pine-clad hills and backed by a pebbled beach. 

For panoramic views, walk up to Spartochori, perched above Spilia, or beyond to Katomeri’s quiet village lanes. Explore coastal caves like the famous Papanikolis Cave or small hidden inlets accessible only by boat.

Experience Highlights:

  • Explore secret bays by tender or kayak
  • Visit Vathy, Spilia, Katomeri and Spartochori for views & local dining
  • Leisurely onboard lunch or dinner in a peaceful cove
  • Swim or snorkel in remote coves like Abeliki, Kapali or Atherinos

Day 7

Lefkada

11 NM

Sail back to Lefkada, completing your Ionian journey with a final swim or slow cruise along western cliffs. Reflect on a week of lush islands, peaceful anchorages, and timeless Ionian beauty.


Experience Highlights:

  • Morning swim from a quiet anchorage
  • Scenic return cruise along rugged Ionian coastline
  • Disembark in Lefkada with a farewell drink under the stars