Sailing Around Kefalonia: A Southern Ionian Guide
Flotilla guide · Kefalonia
Sailing around Kefalonia combines relaxed Ionian conditions with dramatic coastlines, varied passages and easy access to neighbouring islands. From Agia Eufimia, Seafarer’s flotillas follow two contrasting routes across the Southern Ionian. One explores northern Kefalonia and Ithaca, while the other heads south towards Zakynthos.
Moreover, the routes run on alternating weeks, so you can combine both into one two-week holiday. That means more harbours, longer passages and a broader view of this part of Greece.
Here, we explore what exploring Kefalonia by yacht feels like, where each route leads, and how they compare.
In short
Sailing around Kefalonia with Seafarer starts from Agia Eufimia and follows two routes on alternate weeks. The Assos route explores northern Kefalonia and Ithaca, while the Zante route heads south to Zakynthos with longer passages. Winds are usually Force 2–5 and daily distances average around 15nm, so the sailing stays relaxed. Sail one week, or combine both into a two-week holiday on our Kefalonia flotilla.
2
routes, sailed on alternate weeks
F2–5
typical winds, stronger in open water
15nm
average daily distance
28nm
longest scheduled passage, back to Sami
On this page
The sailing
What is sailing around Kefalonia like?
Sailing around Kefalonia offers a relaxed Ionian experience, but with a little more variety under sail. Winds are generally gentle to moderate, usually around Force 2–5, although conditions can strengthen in open water.
However, exposed stretches can also bring more swell than the sheltered waters east of Lefkas and Kefalonia. That makes the area appealing for sailors who want relaxed cruising without every passage feeling identical.
Distances are manageable, with Seafarer’s routes averaging around 15nm per day. Nevertheless, some legs are longer, including the 23nm crossing to Zakynthos Town and 28nm return to Sami.
Alongside the sailing, the area mixes lively harbours, traditional villages, quiet bays and dramatic island scenery. As a result, sailing around Kefalonia feels slightly more adventurous, while remaining firmly within the approachable Ionian sailing style.
Route 1
Route 1: Kefalonia, Assos and Ithaca
This route focuses on the island’s north and west coast, alongside neighbouring Ithaca.
1
Agia Eufimia
The week begins at Seafarer’s Kefalonia base, on the island’s sheltered eastern coast. Melissani Cave, with its underground turquoise lake, is just a short trip from the harbour.
2
Vathi
First, sail across to Ithaca’s main town, tucked inside a long natural harbour.
3
Fiskardo
Next, return to Kefalonia for its colourful northern harbour and lively waterfront.
4
Assos
Continue around Kefalonia’s northern tip towards the dramatic west coast and picturesque Assos.
5
Polis Bay
Cross back to Ithaca for a more relaxed stop and the flotilla beach party.
6
Free sailing
Friday gives you flexibility to explore somewhere new or revisit a favourite anchorage. On Ithaca, the old windmills of Kioni and the little harbour of Frikes are well worth a visit.
7
Agia Eufimia
Finally, return to base and complete the week back where the route began.
Keep in mind, weather can affect the itinerary. If Assos is unsuitable, the lead crew may choose Vassiliki instead.
Route 2
Route 2: Kefalonia and Zakynthos
Sailing around Kefalonia on the Zante route heads south, combining longer passages with lively island stops.
1
Agia Eufimia
The week begins at Seafarer’s base before the flotilla sets sail south.
2
Poros
Sail 15nm to Poros, a harbour on Kefalonia’s south-eastern coast.
3
Zakynthos Town
Cross 23nm to Zakynthos Town, the island’s capital and liveliest overnight stop.
4
Agios Nikolaos
Then, continue 13nm north, with an optional high-speed boat trip to Shipwreck Bay and the Blue Caves.
5
Sami
Afterwards, the longest scheduled passage covers 28nm back to Kefalonia and the sheltered harbour of Sami.
6
Free sailing
Friday offers flexibility, with Ithaca, Lixouri or Argostoli among possible choices depending on conditions.
7
Agia Eufimia
Return to base for the last evening together beside the water.
Overall, this southern route feels more expansive, with longer open-water legs and a stronger sense of progression.
Two weeks
Why choose one route when you can sail both?
If one week feels too short, sailing around Kefalonia can easily become a two-week adventure.
The Assos route explores northern and western Kefalonia, together with several memorable stops around Ithaca. Meanwhile, the Zante route heads south, bringing longer passages and a completely different rhythm.
By combining both weeks, you experience far more of the Southern Ionian without changing your sailing base. You also keep the same flotilla format, while discovering new harbours, islands and sailing conditions.
As a result, sailing around Kefalonia for two weeks feels more varied without becoming complicated. It is an easy way to turn two contrasting itineraries into one longer, more complete sailing holiday.
In summary
Discover more of the Southern Ionian
Sailing around Kefalonia offers enough variety to make either route feel rewarding on its own.
However, combining both weeks gives you a fuller picture of the Southern Ionian. You can explore Ithaca, Zakynthos and different sides of Kefalonia without changing your sailing base.
Whether you choose one week or two, the experience blends independent sailing with the reassurance of flotilla support.
A Kefalonian harbour, Assos from above, Shipwreck Bay on Zakynthos, and the flotilla in port
Local flavours
Kefalonia has its own specialities, so look out for Kefalonian meat pie (kreatopita) and slow-cooked kleftiko on taverna menus.
Common questions
Sailing around Kefalonia: your questions answered
What are the sailing conditions like around Kefalonia?
Relaxed, with a little more variety than some Ionian areas. Winds are generally gentle to moderate, usually around Force 2–5, although conditions can strengthen in open water. Exposed stretches can also bring more swell than the sheltered waters east of Lefkas and Kefalonia.
How far do you sail each day on the Kefalonia flotilla?
Around 15nm a day on average. Some legs are longer, including the 23nm crossing to Zakynthos Town and the 28nm return to Sami, which is the longest scheduled passage on the Zante route.
Where does the Kefalonia flotilla start and finish?
In Agia Eufimia, Seafarer’s Kefalonia base on the island’s sheltered eastern coast. Both routes begin and end here, so you keep the same base whether you sail one week or two.
Can I combine both Kefalonia routes into a two-week holiday?
Yes. The two routes run on alternating weeks, so you can sail the Assos route and the Zante route back to back. You keep the same base and flotilla format, while discovering new harbours, islands and sailing conditions.
What happens if the weather rules out a stop such as Assos?
The lead crew adapt the route. Weather can affect either itinerary, and if Assos is unsuitable, the lead crew may choose Vassiliki instead. On the Zante route, the free sailing day also depends on conditions.
Ready to sail the Southern Ionian?
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