Kefalonia sits at the southern end of the Ionian archipelago in waters where the prevailing summer winds provide excellent sailing conditions for most of the season. The north-westerly maestro and the afternoon sea breeze combine to give reliably good sailing between Kefalonia, Ithaca, Lefkada and the outer Ionian islands. Eight sailing yachts charter in these waters, and the Kefalonia-Ithaca strait is one of the most frequently sailed passages in Greek charter, offering clear water, manageable swell and iconic scenery throughout. Sailing yachts in the Kefalonian charter area range from 20-metre ketches to 26-metre performance sloops. Most carry four to six guests in three or four cabins, with crew of two or three experienced in Ionian sailing conditions. The unpredictable weather patterns on the exposed west coast of Kefalonia make professional seamanship a genuine asset rather than a formality, and the best charter crews know these waters intimately. Sailing charter rates around Kefalonia begin from 49,000 euros per week for a 20-metre yacht in early summer and rise toward 245,000 euros for the largest vessels in July and August. The provisioning allowance of around 30 percent covers anchorage dues, food, drinks and diesel. Kefalonia’s main marina at Argostoli and the excellent anchorage at Fiscardo provide convenient bases for provisioning. A sailing itinerary centred on Kefalonia covers the north coast to Fiscardo, the channel crossing to Ithaca’s Vathy, the open Ionian passage to Lefkada’s Sivota Bay, the outer Paxi Blue Caves and the remarkable anchorage at Zakynthos’s Keri before returning north.
