Greece - Southern Ionian - Lefkas - Wild beach on trip from lefkada

Catamaran Charter
Lefkas

A catamaran charter from the picturesque town of Lefkas serves as a gateway to the enchanting Ionian Islands .

This attractive, bustling town is a destination in itself, and a perfect starting point to explore the unique charm of the entire Ionian archipelago.

Nestled close to the mainland, the cruising ground is reasonably well sheltered and the individual islands are all manageable distances apart, making the area an island hopping paradise and perfect for sailors of all levels.

Lefkas and the Ionian Islands have something to offer everyone and are a fantastic place for a catamaran charter due to their unique blend of natural beauty, ideal sailing conditions to suit all levels, and rich cultural heritage.

What Makes Lefkada Special?

Ionian Islands Access

Lefkas is close to several other beautiful Greek islands, such as Meganisi, Kefalonia, and Ithaca. A catamaran charter in Lefkas lets you easily explore these neighbouring islands and experience their unique charm.

Pristine Beaches

Lefkas boasts various stunning beaches, including Porto Katsiki, Egremni, and Kathisma, known for their white sand and turquoise waters.

Rich Cultural Heritage

Lefkas has a rich history and is known for its ancient sites, such as the ancient city of Nirikos and the Monastery οf Faneromeni.

Charming Harbour Towns

Lefkada island is home to charming harbour towns, such as Nidri and Vasiliki, where you can anchor your catamaran and explore by foot.

Perfect Sailing Conditions

The Ionian Sea offers excellent sailing conditions, with calm waters, consistent winds, and numerous sheltered anchorages. This makes it an ideal destination for catamaran charters, regardless of your sailing experience.

Authentic Greek Cuisine

The Ionian Islands boast a rich culinary tradition, with local dishes that highlight the flavours of fresh seafood, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables. Indulge in traditional Greek cuisine at waterfront tavernas and experience the authentic taste of the Mediterranean.

Tranquil Bliss

In the Ionian Islands, tranquillity isn't a fleeting moment; it's a way of life that envelopes you from the moment you arrive, relax and enjoy.

Traditional Villages

Explore picturesque mountain villages like Karya and Egklouvi or small fishing villages Kioni as your cruise the Ionian Islands.

Island Hopping

Lefkas and Lefkada Island offer easy access to other Ionian islands like Kefalonia, Ithaca, and Corfu.

Greece - Southern Ionian - View of the colourful village of Assos in Kefalonia

Beautiful Scenery

Lefkas is known for its stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and lush green landscapes, making it a picturesque destination for a catamaran charter.

Not To Be Missed

Vasiliki Bay

Known as a windsurfing paradise, Vasiliki Bay offers crystal-clear waters and a picturesque bay surrounded by mountains where you can explore the charming village and relax on the beach.

Kefalonia Island

Kefalonia is famous for its rugged landscapes, stunning beaches, and charming villages. Visit the picturesque village of Fiskardo, explore the Melissani Cave, and relax on beautiful beaches like Myrtos and Xi.

Sivota

This small fishing village on the southeastern coast of Lefkada offers a picturesque harbour and beautiful beaches. Explore the traditional whitewashed houses and enjoy seafood at local tavernas.

Scorpios Island

Owned by the Onassis family, Scorpios Island is a private island accessible only by catamaran and is a fantastic spot to anchor for lunch.

Kioni

Nestled along the eastern coast of Ithaca, this postcard-perfect harbour village and its sheltered bay is surrounded by verdant hillsides, traditional whitewashed buildings with colourful shutters, and the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.

Meganisi Island

This stunning island, located just south of Lefkada, offers beautiful, secluded bays and picturesque villages. Visit the charming village of Vathi, enjoy swimming in stunning beaches like Spilia and Agios Ioannis, and explore the island's lush landscapes.

Fiscardo

Located on the northern tip of the island of Kefalonia, it is a stunning harbour town known for its picturesque beauty. Lined with colourful Venetian-style buildings, the waterfront contrasts beautifully with the azure waters of the Ionian Sea.

Visit Ithaca Island

Discover Homer's legendary island with its peaceful harbours, archaeological sites, and lush landscapes.

Kefalonia Island

Kefalonia is a jewel in the Ionian Sea which enchants with azure waters, stunning beaches like Myrtos, lush landscapes, charming villages, and warm Greek hospitality.

Greece - Southern Ionian - Scenic aerial view of the hidden beach with shipwreck by the turquoise sea on Zakynthos island, Greece stock photo

Shipwreck Beach

Situated on the island of Zakynthos, this iconic beach (Navagio Beach) is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and the wreck of a smugglers' ship that washed ashore.

Best Times To Visit

When embarking on a catamaran charter from Lefkada, timing is everything.

For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, and September are genuinely the golden moments. During these periods, Greece unveils its charm without the peak season crowds.

The Greek islands also come alive during the summer with a vibrant atmosphere that bustles with life and is hard to beat.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 9.8°C (50°F) 5.5°C (42°F) wind direction 203degSSW
FEB 8.9°C (48°F) 3.6°C (39°F) wind direction 181degS
MAR 11.7°C (53°F) 6.6°C (44°F) wind direction 215degSW
APR 12.8°C (55°F) 7.6°C (46°F) wind direction 235degSW
MAY 18.0°C (64°F) 12.4°C (54°F) wind direction 140degSE
JUN 22.9°C (73°F) 16.4°C (61°F) wind direction 229degSW
JUL 28.6°C (83°F) 20.7°C (69°F) wind direction 267degW
AUG 26.9°C (80°F) 19.6°C (67°F) wind direction 183degS
SEP 23.9°C (75°F) 17.2°C (63°F) wind direction 177degS
OCT 20.4°C (69°F) 15.1°C (59°F) wind direction 221degSW
NOV 15.0°C (59°F) 10.6°C (51°F) wind direction 242degWSW
DEC 11.5°C (53°F) 7.1°C (45°F) wind direction 209degSSW
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Languages

The official language of Greece is Greek with English being widely understood in the tourist areas.

Currency

The official currency of Greece is the Euro.

Tipping

Tipping is a common practice in Greece and very much appreciated for good service, typically you leave 10%.

Boat Types In Lefkada

Is A Catamaran Right For Your Trip

Stability

Catamarans have two hulls, making them more stable than a regular monohull boat, both while sailing and at anchor. So if you don't like heeling over while under sail, a catamaran is the ideal choice.

Privacy

The split-hull design allows for better separation of living spaces, with cabins in each hull providing more privacy for guests. A perfect option for two families or larger groups.

Shallow Draft

Catamarans have a shallower draft (less boat below the water), allowing them to access shallow anchorages and get closer to beaches than a typical monohull.

Deck Space

The wide deck space provides ample room for sunbathing, outdoor dining, and relaxation.

Accessibility

With easy access from the rear deck to the water, swimming and water sports activities are a cinch - not to mention getting in and out of the tender to go ashore.

Sailing Characteristics

Catamarans sail differently from monohulls. They don't heel (tilt) as much, which can be more comfortable for some passengers but may provide less of a "sailing feel" for purists.

Layout

Catamarans often feature a raised helm station with excellent visibility, and many have a flybridge for additional outdoor living space.

Group Size

Catamarans can often accommodate larger groups comfortably, making them popular for family charters.

Comfort at Anchor

The wider stance of a catamaran makes it more stable at anchor so any rolling motion is reduced - making for relaxing meals and calm sleep.

PERFECT LANDING

Space

Catamarans offer more living space both above and below deck due to their wide beam. This means they tend to have larger common areas and more spacious cabins.

Charter Types In Lefkada

Bareboat Catamaran Charters

A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Lefkada and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.

We select our fleet of yachts from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.

Skippered Catamaran Charters

With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Lefkada and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.

However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.

On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.

Crewed Catamaran Charters

Crewed yacht charters from Lefkada come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.

Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.

How To Book

How To Book Your Catamaran Charter From Lefkada.

Greece is one of the most popular charter destinations in the Mediterranean. Therefore, it is best to book your dream boat in advance, typically six months ahead, to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.

You can search for your dream catamaran via the the link, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the build your trip link to get them working on creating the perfect trip.

Pure Thoughts

Lefkas offers a rich tapestry of archaeological sites and landmarks for those interested in history.

Explore the ancient city of Nirikos and the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, which dates back to the 6th century BC. You can also visit the charming monasteries of Faneromeni and Agios Ioannis Antzoussis, perched on hilltops with panoramic island views.

The central location of Lefkada in the Ionian Islands means you can head south to islands such as Ithaca and Meganissi, or sail north to Corfu and Paxos.

Embarking on a catamaran charter from Lefkas allows you to navigate the stunning Ionian Islands at your own pace. From Skorpios, the private island once owned by Aristotle Onassis, an excellent lunch spot, to the breathtaking beaches of Kefalonia and Paxos, each island boasts its own unique charms.

Some of the stand out islands and locations include Ithaca, known as the legendary home of Odysseus, where you can explore the quaint villages of Vathy and Kioni ,with Kioni often being described as one of the prettiest villages in Greece. Vathy, on Meganisi (not to be confused with Vathy on Ithaca), is a stand out natural harbour which offers good holding for anchoring and is a charming village.

On Kefaloni, Fiskardo, has wonderful well-preserved and colourful Venetian architecture but be warned it gets busy in the summer so arrive early to secure an anchoring spot. Apart from visiting the main hot spots that are plenty of well sheltered locations to anchor, and appreciate this stunning location away from the hustle and bustle.

From secluded anchorages and pristine beaches to charming villages and fascinating historical sites, Lefkas and the surrounding areas have something to offer everyone

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Type Of Catamaran Can I Charter From Lefkada?

There are typically five main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Greece, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, Gulets and Luxury Yachts (including Superyachts)

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Catamaran?

If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.

When Are The Best Times To Charter A Catamaran From Lefkada?

For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, and September are genuinely the golden months, but the summer months are also popular, though the anchorages are busier.

What Happens If There Is A Problem With My Catamaran Charter?

The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.

How Long Does A Catamaran Charter Typically Last?

The typical times for a yacht charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.

How Do Charter Fees Work When Chartering A Catamaran?

Once you've found your perfect yacht, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.

How Do I Choose The Right Catamaran?

When chartering a yacht from Lefkada, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.