Sailing Around Kefalonia: A Southern Ionian Guide

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.

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.

This route focuses on the island’s north and west coast, alongside neighbouring Ithaca.

• Agia Eufimia: The week begins at Seafarer’s Kefalonia base, on the island’s sheltered eastern coast.
• Vathi: First, sail across to Ithaca’s main town, tucked inside a long natural harbour.
• Fiskardo: Next, return to Kefalonia for its colourful northern harbour and lively waterfront.
• Assos: Continue around Kefalonia’s northern tip towards the dramatic west coast and picturesque Assos.
• Polis Bay: Cross back to Ithaca for a more relaxed stop and the flotilla beach party.
• Free sailing: Friday gives you flexibility to explore somewhere new or revisit a favourite anchorage.
• 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.

Sailing around Kefalonia on the Zante route heads south, combining longer passages with lively island stops.

• Agia Eufimia: The week begins at Seafarer’s base before the flotilla sets sail south.
• Poros: Sail 15nm to Poros, a harbour on Kefalonia’s south-eastern coast.
• Zakynthos Town: Cross 23nm to Zakynthos Town, the island’s capital and liveliest overnight stop.
• Agios Nikolaos: Then, continue 13nm north, with an optional high-speed boat trip to Shipwreck Bay.
• Sami: Afterwards, the longest scheduled passage covers 28nm back to Kefalonia and the sheltered harbour of Sami.
• Free sailing: Friday offers flexibility, with Ithaca, Lixouri or Argostoli among possible choices depending on conditions.
• 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.

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.

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.

Explore our Kefalonia flotilla and find the route that suits your next sailing holiday.