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.

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.

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.
The Northern Ionian Explorer Route - 19th April 2026

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
Dates, Prices & Special Offers
| Yacht | Departure Date | Route | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bavaria 33 - 2007 | 19th April 2026 | Explorer Route | £1,684 |
| Sun Odyssey 36i - 2008/12 | 19th April 2026 | Explorer Route | £2,005 |
| Bavaria 37 - 2007 | 19th April 2026 | Explorer Route | £2,005 |
| Bavaria 37 - 2015 | 19th April 2026 | Explorer Route | £2,300 |
| Bavaria 40 - 2011/13 | 19th April 2026 | Explorer Route | £2,517 |
| Oceanis 41.1 - 2017 | 19th April 2026 | Explorer Route | £2,842 |
| Bavaria C38 - 2025 | 19th April 2026 | Explorer Route | £2,749 |
| Bavaria C42 - 2024 | 19th April 2026 | Explorer Route | £3,014 |
| Bavaria 46 - 2016 | 19th April 2026 | Explorer Route | £3,014 |
| Bavaria C46 - 2023 | 19th April 2026 | Explorer Route | £3,224 |
| Bavaria 50 - 2008 | 19th April 2026 | Explorer Route | £3,014 |
Yacht Security Deposit
Yacht Security Deposits & Yacht Damage Waiver (YDW)Choose Yacht Damage Waiver for peace of mind
| 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 |

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
Fully Equipped Charter Yacht
Assistance of the lead crew
One full tank of fuel
Dinghy & Outboard
Bed Linen & Towels
End Cleaning
Area Cruising Notes
Welcome Pack
Punch Party (weekly)
Beach Party (for two-week guests)
Optional Extras
Stand Up Paddleboard – £200 for two weeks
Child Safety Netting- £100 per charter
Skipper – £2,590 for two weeks
Host – £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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.






