Northern Ionian Explorer Flotilla

Explore the Northern Ionian islands of Corfu and Paxos

Our early season Northern Ionian explorer flotilla is a great way to kick off your Mediterranean sailing season. Our flotilla starts from Nikiana on Lefkas and heads north, exploring the mainland and islands of Paxos and Corfu. We plan to rest in Corfu for a day and enjoy exploring on foot the fantastic old town, in itself an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Due to its strategic location in the Ionian Sea, Corfu became a prized possession for major powers throughout history. The Venetians ruled the island for over 400 years, leaving a lasting legacy evident in its architecture, cuisine, and fortifications, including the impressive Old and New Fortresses. Following Venetian rule, Corfu came under French and then British control, each period adding layers of cultural influence, such as the Liston promenade and the Ionian Academy. In 1864, Corfu was united with Greece, marking the end of foreign domination. Today, the island’s blend of Greek, Venetian, French, and British heritage creates a unique cultural identity that captivates visitors from around the world.

The second week sees us heading south from Corfu, through the Lefkas canal and on to Meganisi, Kefalonia and Kalamos islands before returning to Nikiana at the end of an adventurous two weeks under the Ionian sun.

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Area & Routes

Yachts in line icon for yacht available on Flotilla

Yachts

Coin Icon for dates and prices

Prices & Special Offers

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Flights etc

Yacht and Hotel icon for combining a hotel stay with a flotilla holiday

Sail & Stay

Southern Ionian Explorer Ithaka Anchorage

Area Information

Greece’s northern Ionian Islands, from Corfu to Lefkas, are a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. These islands are known for their lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters, making them a paradise for nature lovers and sailors. Corfu, the largest and most cosmopolitan, boasts Venetian architecture, charming old towns, and lively resorts. Just south, the tranquil islands of Paxos and Antipaxos offer a more secluded experience, with Paxos famous for its olive groves and picturesque harbors, while Antipaxos is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches. The northern Ionian Islands are also steeped in mythology and history, with remnants of ancient Greek, Venetian, and British influences adding to their allure. Accessible and diverse, this region is perfect for travelers seeking relaxation, exploration, and a taste of authentic Greek island life.

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Weather & Sailing Conditions

The summer sailing season in Greece enjoys fantastic weather, with clear skies and warm temperatures from April through to October. You can expect daytime temperatures of between 20 to 25 degrees in April, with slightly lower temperatures in the evening. Sailing conditions are generally moderate with wind strengths between force 2-5.

Ionian flotilla holiday routes may vary during the season according to weather and operating conditions. Our flotilla crew will keep you fully briefed each day.

The Northern Ionian Explorer Route - 19th April 2025

Southern Ionian Explorer Sailing Kalamos

Yachts

Our fleet in Nikiana ranges from 33 to 50ft with yachts by Jeanneau, Beneteau 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
  • Full electronic instrumentation
  • Autopilot
  • Shore power
  • Cabin Fans
  • Solar Panels
Cabin Configuration
Cabins
2
3
4
5

Dates, Prices & Special Offers

YachtDeparture DateRoutePrice
Bavaria 33 - 200719th April 2025Explorer Route£1,695
Sun Odyssey 36i - 2008/1219th April 2025Explorer Route£1,795
Bavaria 37 - 2007
19th April 2025Explorer Route£1,795
Bavaria 37 - 2015
19th April 2025Explorer Route£1,950
Bavaria 40 - 2011/13
19th April 2025Explorer Route£2,295
Oceanis 41.1 - 201719th April 2025Explorer Route£2,895
Sun Odyssey 42i - 2012
19th April 2025Explorer Route£2,395
Bavaria C42 - 202419th April 2025Explorer Route£2,950
Bavaria 46 - 201619th April 2025Explorer Route£2,950
Bavaria C46 - 202319th April 2025Explorer Route£3,295
Bavaria 50 - 200819th April 2025Explorer Route£3,295

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

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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

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)

Salad and Kebabs icon for beach partyBeach Party (for two-week guests)

Optional Extras

Stand Up Paddleboard IconStand Up Paddleboard – £200 for two weeks

Child Safety Netting- £100 per charter

Skipper/Captain holding yacht wheel iconSkipper – £2,590 for two weeks

Yacht Host IconHost – £1,890 for two weeks

Note: Mooring charges (except at flotilla base), 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

There are a multitude of ways to travel to our base in Nikiana, whether you are joining us for the week or combining it with a larger trip. We are located in Nikiana Harbour, right in the heart of the village, which is easily reachable by both public and private transport. Seafarer flotillas in the Ionian run from Sunday to Sunday with yachts being available to embark from around 14.00 onwards on the first day and disembarking around 9.00 at the end of the flotilla.

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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.

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Flights

Sunday charter flights available from Gatwick alongside scheduled flights from Heathrow, Stanstead, Luton, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. Flights to other European centres available both on Sundays and other days during the week.

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Bus & Taxi

Direct Seafarer transfers from Preveza airport that takes roughly 30 minutes. Regular buses from Nikiana harbour to Nydri, Vassiliki and Lefkas town, from Lefkas town there are regular buses to Athens and Corinth plus less frequent services to Thessaloniki and Igoumenitsa.

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Ferry

Regular ferries from Kefalonia to Vassiliki (40 minutes from base) and from Meganisi to Nydri (10 minutes from base). Less frequent ferries from Corfu, Paxos, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zante to Lefkas town (15 minutes from base).

Lefkas Flotilla Nikiana Beach Club Stay and Sail

Sail & Stay Holidays

Introducing Nikiana Beach Club

Enjoy dinghy sailing, windsurfing and other watersports right in Nikiana. Our beach club offers a small and friendly setting which is perfect for a week before or after a week on the Lefkas flotilla. Prices start at £495pp for a week including flights from London meaning sail and stay holidays can offer great value for an amazing two week trip to the Ionian. More details in the link below.

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Seafarer