Messolonghi Southern Explorer Flotilla – 10th April 2027 – 14 nights

A two week exploration of the Southern Ionian and the Western Peloponnese

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.

Area & Routes

Yachts

Prices & Special Offers

Flights etc

Sail & Stay

Assos Southern Explorer

Area Information

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.

Weather Icon for winds and other weather conditions for the flotilla

Weather & Sailing Conditions

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.

Messolonghi Southern Ionian Explorer – 14 nights

Day 1 Saturday

Messolonghi

A historic lagoon town with a relaxed waterfront and strong links to Lord Byron and the Greek War of Independence. The starting point for our Southern Ionian adventure.

Day 2 Sunday

Krioneri (15 nm)

A peaceful little harbour beneath the dramatic cliffs of Mount Varasova, offering a wonderfully scenic first stop on the shores of the Gulf of Patras.

Day 3 Monday

Nafpaktos (12 nm)

A beautiful historic town centred around its tiny Venetian harbour, with cobbled streets, waterfront cafés and an impressive castle overlooking the Gulf.

Day 4 Tuesday

Patras (12 nm)

A lively waterfront city with a distinctly Greek character, offering plenty to explore ashore and a striking passage beneath the spectacular Rio–Antirrio Bridge.

Day 5 Wednesday

Zakynthos Town (50 nm)

The lively capital of Zakynthos, with an attractive waterfront, elegant squares and a great choice of cafés, bars and traditional tavernas.

Day 6 Thursday

Katakolo (25 nm)

A colourful little harbour on the western Peloponnese, with waterfront tavernas and a relaxed atmosphere. Our base for exploring nearby Ancient Olympia.

Day 7 Friday

Katakolo: second day ashore

A second day ashore provides time to explore Ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games and one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites.

Day 8 Saturday

Agios Nikolaos, northern Zakynthos (35 nm)

A small harbour on the unspoilt northern coast of Zakynthos, surrounded by rugged scenery and crystal-clear waters, with the famous Blue Caves close by.

Day 9 Sunday

Argostoli, Kefalonia (25 nm)

Kefalonia’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 10 Monday

Assos, Kefalonia (30 nm)

One of Kefalonia’s most picturesque villages, set beneath a dramatic Venetian fortress and surrounded by steep green hills and beautifully clear Ionian waters.

Day 11 Tuesday

Sivota, Lefkada (25 nm)

A deeply sheltered natural harbour surrounded by lush green hills, with waterfront tavernas lining the bay and a wonderfully relaxed Ionian atmosphere.

Day 12 Wednesday

Kastos (18 nm)

Small, peaceful and wonderfully unspoilt, Kastos offers clear waters, a charming little harbour and the simple pleasures of a traditional Ionian island.

Day 13 Thursday

Vathy, Ithaca (18 nm)

Set at the head of a magnificent natural harbour, Ithaca’s capital combines traditional island character, waterfront tavernas and the enduring mythology of Odysseus.

Day 14 Friday

Messolonghi: return to base (40 nm)

Our final passage returns us to the sheltered lagoon of Messolonghi, bringing two weeks of exploration to a fitting close with a final evening together.

Epidavros Bavaria C42 Saronic Explorer

Yachts

Our Kefalonia fleet in the 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:

  • Dinghy with outboard (often electric on larger yachts)
  • Full electronic instrumentation
  • Autopilot
  • Shore power
  • Cabin Fans

Dates, Prices & Special Offers

YachtDeparture DateRoutePrice
Sun Odyssey 33i - 201410th April 2027Southern Explorer Route£1,995
Bavaria 37 - 201410th April 2027Southern Explorer Route£2,295
Bavaria 37 - 201710th April 2027Southern Explorer Route£2,495
Bavaria C38 - 202510th April 2027Southern Explorer Route£2,795
Bavaria 41 - 201510th April 2027Southern Explorer Route£2,795
Bavaria C42 - 202410th April 2027Southern Explorer Route£3,295
Sun Odyssey 449 - 201910th April 2027Southern Explorer Route£3,395
Bavaria 46 - 201610th April 2027Southern Explorer Route£3,495

Yacht Security Deposit

Yacht Security Deposits & Yacht Damage Waiver (YDW)
Choose Yacht Damage Waiver for peace of mind
Yacht SizeDepositYDW (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

Seafarer Price Guarentee Icon

The Seafarer Price Guarantee – We will not be beaten on price!

As an independent company, we are able to keep our prices highly competitive – if you see a like for like product featured elsewhere cheaper, let us know and we will beat it! This 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.

Whats Included

Small Yacht IconFully Equipped Charter Yacht

Lead crew in pirate costume iconAssistance of the lead crew

Diesel Fuel IconOne full tank of fuel

Dinghy with Outboard IconDinghy & Outboard (some electric)

Linen and Towels IconBed Linen & Towels

Spray Cleaning Bottle IconEnd Cleaning

Notebook Icon for cruising notesArea Cruising Notes

Coffee and Water cups iconWelcome Pack

Bowl of Punch IconPunch Party (weekly)

Optional Extras

Stand Up Paddleboard IconStand Up Paddleboard – £100 per week

Child Safety Netting- £100 per charter

Skipper/Captain holding yacht wheel iconSkipper – £1,695 per week

Yacht Host IconHost – £1,295 per week

Note: Mooring charges (except at flotilla base), canal fees, extra fuel or water; food, drink’s and items of a personal nature such as laundry are not included. For sail & stay, transfer costs from yacht base to your accommodation are usually excluded and payable locally unless you are booking a flight-inclusive package.

Skippered Flotilla Sailing

While these yachts are generally skippered by guests themselves who hold the correct qualifications we can also provide a skipper for those with no prior sailing experience. This will still have all the benefits of sailing as part of a flotilla, meeting others in the evenings or during the day, organised activities for the kids as well as all the usual benefits of yachting, like exploring, swimming in secluded bays during the day, and the simple joy of travelling under sail. Click here for more details.

Booking a Flotilla Holiday

To book or check availability get in touch with our experienced team on one of the links below.

Getting there and away

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ATOL protection

Your flight inclusive holiday with us (should you choose this option) is financially secure as we are ATOL licensed, making the entire package ATOL protected. We have been trading since 1995 so you can book with total confidence.

plane icon for flights and transfers

Flights

Direct Saturday flights to Athens International Airport from London (Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton & Stanstead), 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.

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Bus & Taxi

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.

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