Destination
Yacht Charter Lefkada
The heart of the Ionian: Meganisi, Kalamos, Ithaca and Kefalonia, all within easy sailing distance.
Overview
Discover Lefkada by yacht
A yacht charter Lefkada trip starts at the gateway to the Ionian's sheltered Inland Sea. Lefkada is joined to the Greek mainland by a causeway and a short swing bridge, so you can reach it by road from Preveza-Aktion airport. It sits at the centre of the Ionian sailing area, with a cluster of small islands just off its east coast.
The sheltered water between Lefkada, Meganisi and the mainland is often called the Inland Sea. It is one of the most relaxed places in Greece to sail, which makes Lefkada popular for first bareboat charters and family holidays.
Why go by sea
- Sheltered inland sea
- Many anchorages close together
- Short hops between islands
- Ithaca and Kefalonia within reach
- Good for first-time skippers
- West coast beaches by sea
Island guide
Around Lefkada
Stops that often appear on Lefkada itineraries.
Nidri
A busy harbour on the east coast facing the islets.
Meganisi
Deep, quiet bays and small villages.
Kalamos
A mountainous island with a small harbour.
Kastos
A tiny island with one village.
Ithaca
Vathy, set in one of the deepest natural harbours in Greece.
Fiskardo
A picturesque harbour in northern Kefalonia.
Sivota (Lefkada)
A sheltered bay on Lefkada's south coast.
West coast beaches
Porto Katsiki and Egremni, best seen from the sea in calm weather.
Yacht categories
Representative yacht categories
Comparable vessels are sourced from our approved partner fleets. The exact yacht, specifications, price and availability are confirmed after your enquiry.
Representative yacht category
Sailing Yachts
Monohull sailing yachts from our approved partner fleets, suited to couples, families and experienced crews.
- Charter types
- Bareboat, skippered or crewed
- Departure areas
- Confirmed on enquiry
Representative yacht category
Catamarans
Twin hull yachts with wide saloons and generous deck space, stable and shallow drafted.
- Charter types
- Bareboat, skippered or crewed
- Departure areas
- Confirmed on enquiry
Representative yacht category
Skippered Charters
Any of the above with a professional skipper on board, no licence required.
- Charter types
- Bareboat, skippered or crewed
- Departure areas
- Confirmed on enquiry
Representative yacht category
Luxury and Crewed Yachts
Larger vessels with captain and crew, service and catering arranged on board.
- Charter types
- Bareboat, skippered or crewed
- Departure areas
- Confirmed on enquiry
Representative imagery. The yacht shown may not be the yacht offered. Astra Yachting will confirm the exact vessel, photographs, specifications, price and availability in writing before any payment.
Guide
Yacht charter Lefkada: the Inland Sea and beyond
Contents
Getting to Lefkada
Lefkada is joined to the mainland by a causeway and a floating swing bridge across the Lefkas canal. The nearest airport is Aktion (Preveza, PVK), around half an hour's drive away. Lefkas Marina is in Lefkada town, next to the canal. The bridge opens at set times, usually on the hour, to let yachts pass between the canal and the open sea to the north.
The Inland Sea: why Lefkada suits a yacht charter
South and east of Lefkada lies a group of islands and channels often called the Inland Sea: Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Ithaca and the north of Kefalonia. Passages between them are usually a few hours, there are many bays to anchor in, and the afternoon north-westerly breeze is usually moderate, which makes for comfortable sailing. Vasiliki bay, at the south of Lefkada, is known for stronger afternoon winds and windsurfing.
The season runs from May to October. July and August are busy, so plan to reach popular harbours such as Fiskardo or Kioni early.
Main stops
Meganisi – Vathi and Spilia (Spartochori) bays, with tavernas on the water. Kalamos and Kastos – quiet small islands with simple harbours. Ithaca – Kioni, Frikes and Vathy, set in steep green bays. Kefalonia – Fiskardo's Venetian harbour and Agia Efimia. Sivota (Lefkada) – a deep, sheltered inlet in the south of the island. Skorpios – the private island once owned by the Onassis family; you can swim in the surrounding waters, but landing ashore is not allowed.
Sample 7-day route
This sample route is an example of a relaxed week. The real route is always set by the skipper and the weather forecast on the day.
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Lefkas – Nidri / Tranquil Bay | Short first leg after check-in |
| Day 2 | Nidri – Meganisi (Spilia or Vathi) | Lunch stop at Skorpios waters |
| Day 3 | Meganisi – Kalamos | Quiet harbour village |
| Day 4 | Kalamos – Kioni (Ithaca) | Green bay with stone houses |
| Day 5 | Kioni – Fiskardo (Kefalonia) | Venetian harbour, arrive early |
| Day 6 | Fiskardo – Sivota (Lefkada) | Sheltered inlet |
| Day 7 | Sivota – Lefkas | Return through the Inland Sea |
How booking works
Booking a yacht charter from Lefkada with Astra Yachting follows the same steps every time. You send your preferred dates, the number of guests, the type of charter you want (bareboat, skippered or crewed) and any must-see stops. We check live availability with the yacht owners and charter fleets we work with, and come back with the yachts that are actually free for your dates, their exact specifications and a written quotation.
Once you choose a yacht, you receive the charter agreement and the payment schedule; our Booking Terms & Conditions and charter FAQs set out each step, from the crew list to embarkation day.
On embarkation day you meet the yacht in Lefkada (Lefkas Marina), go through the check-in and safety briefing, and set off. During the charter you can reach us by phone or WhatsApp on +30 693 918 6245.
What is included and what is extra
Every quotation for a yacht charter from Lefkada lists what the charter fee covers, so there are no surprises. As a rule, the fee covers the use of the yacht for the agreed period, its standard equipment and the yacht's insurance. On skippered and crewed charters it also covers the skipper or crew wages.
Fuel, marina fees, the final cleaning, optional extras and the security deposit are usually charged separately. The FAQs explain each item, and your written quotation lists them for the yacht you choose.
We do not publish fixed prices on these pages because rates depend on the yacht, the week of the season and the charter format. Ask for a quotation and you get the real price for your dates.
In depth
More about chartering in Lefkada
Why charter in Lefkada?
The Ionian generally has lighter summer winds than the Aegean, usually a steady afternoon breeze. Around Lefkada, distances are short, so you can spend more time swimming and less time sailing. See the wider Ionian Islands guide.
A typical week
A classic loop runs Lefkada, Meganisi, Kalamos or Kastos, Ithaca, Fiskardo and back. For a realistic plan, read a first week in the Ionian and how many islands you can visit in a week.
Price and availability
Rates depend on the yacht, the season and the charter format. We confirm the exact yacht, specifications, price and availability in writing after your enquiry. See how much it costs to charter a yacht in Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Lefkas canal bridge work?
The floating bridge at Lefkada town swings open at set times, usually on the hour, to let yachts through the canal. Your skipper or the base will explain the timings at check-in.
Is a yacht charter Lefkada trip suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Inland Sea is one of the most sheltered sailing areas in Greece. If nobody in your group holds a licence, choose a skippered charter.
Can I visit Skorpios?
You can anchor and swim off Skorpios, but the island is private and landing is not permitted.
How far in advance should I book a yacht charter from Lefkada?
For July and August it is best to start looking several months ahead, because the most popular yachts are booked early. Outside peak season there is usually more choice at shorter notice. Send us your dates and we will tell you what is actually available.
Can I have a skipper on a yacht charter from Lefkada?
Yes. Most yachts can be chartered with a professional skipper, and larger motor yachts and catamarans can come with a full crew. See skippered yacht charters and crewed yacht charters.
Which airport is closest to Lefkada?
Preveza-Aktion (PVK) is the closest airport, a short drive from Lefkada town over the causeway.
Is Lefkada good for beginners?
Yes. The sheltered water east of Lefkada and the short distances make it one of the easiest charter areas in Greece.
Do I need a licence?
A recognised licence and experience are needed for bareboat. Otherwise, book a skipper.
Can I visit Ithaca and Kefalonia from Lefkada?
Yes. Both are a comfortable sail from Lefkada and feature on most one-week routes.
When is the season?
Roughly May to October. July and August are the busiest months.
Plan your route
Tell us how you want to sail Lefkada
Send your dates, group size and the kind of trip you have in mind. We come back with the yachts that are actually available, their exact specifications and a written quotation.
Keep exploring
Where to go next
Compare this region with the other cruising areas, pick the charter format that fits your crew, or go straight to the yachts that match your dates.
Request availability