Messolonghi Southern Explorer flotilla, April 2027
Two weeks from Messolonghi to Zakynthos, Katakolo for Ancient Olympia, Kefalonia and Ithaca, and back to Messolonghi.
Sailing from Messolonghi to Zakynthos, Katakolo and Kefalonia offers a fascinating journey through the waters of western Greece, combining beautiful Ionian islands with an opportunity to explore one of the country’s most important archaeological sites. From Messolonghi, the route heads south and west towards Zakynthos, known for its dramatic coastline, turquoise bays and sheltered anchorages.
Continuing north towards Katakolo, sailors can leave the coast behind for a memorable excursion inland to Ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games and one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites. The voyage then continues across the Ionian Sea to Kefalonia, where rugged mountains, secluded coves and picturesque harbours such as Fiskardo provide a perfect setting for exploring by boat. The combination of sailing, ancient history and the distinctive landscapes of the Ionian islands makes this a particularly rewarding coastal passage.
Explorer itinerary
Two weeks from Messolonghi through the Gulf of Patras to Zakynthos and Katakolo, then north through Kefalonia, Lefkada and Ithaca and back to Messolonghi. Full details of each day are below.
Explorer and delivery flotilla routes may vary from the published plan because of weather and operating conditions. However, our flotilla crew will keep you fully briefed.
Sailing around Kefalonia and Ithaca offers an unforgettable exploration of the heart of the Ionian Islands, where rugged mountains, emerald waters and sheltered bays create ideal conditions for island cruising. Along the coast of Kefalonia, the route can take in secluded anchorages, dramatic cliffs and picturesque harbours, including the charming village of Fiskardo at the island’s northern tip.
Just across the water, Ithaca is steeped in maritime tradition and Homeric legend, with peaceful coves, traditional villages and unspoilt coastal landscapes to discover by boat. From quiet anchorages to lively waterfront tavernas, sailing between these two islands provides a wonderful balance of relaxation, exploration and the timeless character of the Ionian Sea.
Day 3A beautiful historic town centred around its tiny Venetian harbour, with cobbled streets, waterfront cafés and an impressive castle overlooking the Gulf.
Day 4A lively waterfront city with a distinctly Greek character, offering plenty to explore ashore and a striking passage beneath the spectacular Rio–Antirrio Bridge.
Days 6 and 7A second day ashore provides time to explore Ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games and one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites.
Day 9Kefalonia’s lively capital combines a bustling waterfront with cafés, restaurants and plenty to explore ashore, all set against the dramatic scenery of the island.
Day 10One of Kefalonia’s most picturesque villages, set beneath a dramatic Venetian fortress and surrounded by steep green hills and beautifully clear Ionian waters.
Day 12Small, peaceful and wonderfully unspoilt, Kastos offers clear waters, a charming little harbour and the simple pleasures of a traditional Ionian island.
The weather in April can be changeable, with typical daytime temperatures in the mid 20s with slightly cooler evenings. Wind strength is typically force 3 to 5, although be prepared for stiffer breezes at this time of year. We can expect localised stronger winds and the associated sea state, particularly further south.
The fleet
Our Kefalonia fleet ranges from 33 to 46ft with yachts from Jeanneau and Bavaria. You can find the full details of each yacht on the slider below including mainsail type, cabin layout, and interior photos.
All yachts are equipped as standard with the following:
Sailing yacht · Ionian, Greece
Lazy Bag mainsail
Sailing yacht · Ionian, Greece
Lazy Bag mainsail
Sailing yacht · Ionian, Greece
In-mast furling mainsail
Sailing yacht · Ionian, Greece
In-mast furling mainsail
Sailing yacht · Ionian, Greece
In-mast furling mainsail
Sailing yacht · Ionian, Greece
Lazy Bag mainsail
This two-week explorer flotilla departs from Messolonghi on 10 April 2027. Prices are per yacht.
| Yacht | Departure Date | Route | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Odyssey 33i - 2014 | 10th April 2027 | Southern Explorer Route | £1,995 |
| Bavaria 37 - 2014 | 10th April 2027 | Southern Explorer Route | £2,295 |
| Bavaria 37 - 2017 | 10th April 2027 | Southern Explorer Route | £2,495 |
| Bavaria C38 - 2025 | 10th April 2027 | Southern Explorer Route | £2,795 |
| Bavaria 41 - 2015 | 10th April 2027 | Southern Explorer Route | £2,795 |
| Bavaria C42 - 2024 | 10th April 2027 | Southern Explorer Route | £3,295 |
| Sun Odyssey 449 - 2019 | 10th April 2027 | Southern Explorer Route | £3,395 |
| Bavaria 46 - 2016 | 10th April 2027 | Southern Explorer Route | £3,495 |
| Yacht Size | Deposit | YDW (1 week) | YDW (2 weeks) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 35ft | £1,000 | £120 | £180 | |
| 36ft to 39ft | £1,500 | £180 | £270 | |
| 40ft to 45ft | £2,000 | £250 | £375 | |
| 46ft and over | £2,500 | £300 | £450 |
Our promise
We will not be beaten on price.
Because we are an independent company, we keep our prices highly competitive: if you see a like-for-like product cheaper elsewhere, let us know and we will beat it.
Specifically, the guarantee applies to yacht and accommodation rates on our Beach Club, Flotilla, Learn to Sail and Cabin Charter programmes operated by Seafarer, and is subject to availability at the time of booking.
| Stand-up paddleboard | £100 per week |
| Child safety netting | £100 per charter |
| Skipper | £1,695 per week |
| Host | £1,295 per week |
Not included: mooring charges (except at the flotilla base), canal fees, extra fuel or water, food and drinks, and personal items such as laundry. For sail and stay holidays, transfers from the yacht base to your accommodation are usually excluded and payable locally, unless you book a flight-inclusive package.
These yachts are usually skippered by guests who hold the right qualifications, but we can also provide a skipper if you have no previous sailing experience. You still get all the benefits of sailing as part of a flotilla: meeting others in the evenings or during the day, organised activities for children, and all the usual pleasures of yachting, from exploring and swimming in secluded bays to the simple joy of travelling under sail.
To book or check availability get in touch with our experienced team on one of the links below.
Call or email us
Request a quote
Tell us your dates and party size, and we’ll then come back to you with availability and prices.
Travel
How to reach Messolonghi, where this flotilla starts and finishes.
At a glance
Direct Saturday flights to Athens International Airport from London (Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton & Stansted), Edinburgh and Manchester along with many European and Worldwide airports. Wide range of flights available during the week. Direct flight from London to Preveza also available for your outbound journey.
Direct Seafarer transfers from Preveza Airport to the base which takes roughly 90 minutes. Regular buses from Athens and a variety of destinations all over Southern & Western Greece.
Peace of mind
Every payment you make to us is financially protected, from deposit to balance. Holidays with flights are covered by our ATOL licence, and holidays without flights by our ABTOT membership. Trading since 1995.
All flight-inclusive holidays are fully ATOL protected
Additional protection for bookings without flights
Independent reviews of Seafarer flotilla holidays, collected by Feefo.
Early booking offers for 2027, last minute savings on RYA training and shared sailing, plus beach club and Caribbean yacht charter offers. The struck-through figure is the usual price.
Our price guarantee covers flotilla, beach club, RYA training and cabin charter holidays, and flight-inclusive holidays are ATOL protected.
July & August 2027: save up to£489a week per yacht, with 10% off the usual price of every July and August 2027 departure. Every yacht’s offer price is in the flotilla’s price tables.
2027 from£695per person per week, standard room, accommodation only
Subject to availability at the time of booking. Excludes the service / end cleaning fee and fuel, charged as used.
Subject to availability at the time of booking. Excludes the service / end cleaning fee and fuel, charged as used.
Subject to availability at the time of booking. Excludes the service / end cleaning fee and fuel, charged as used.
Subject to availability at the time of booking. Excludes the service / end cleaning fee and fuel, charged as used.
Subject to availability at the time of booking. Excludes the service / end cleaning fee and fuel, charged as used.
Subject to availability at the time of booking. Excludes the service / end cleaning fee and fuel, charged as used.
Subject to availability at the time of booking. Excludes the service / end cleaning fee and fuel, charged as used.
Offers apply to the yachts and places listed and are subject to availability. Yacht prices are per yacht; training and shared sailing prices are per person unless stated. Early booking offers apply to new bookings made before the date shown. Caribbean yacht charter prices are for the yacht and dates shown, subject to availability at the time of booking, and exclude the service / end cleaning fee and fuel. Offers updated 29 October 2026.