From Lefkada: 7-Day Island Hopping Sailing Boat Cruise

Planning a week of sunshine, sea, and scenic islands? This 7-day sailing cruise departing from Lefkada offers a wonderful way to explore some of Greece’s most beloved islands in the Ionian Sea. Designed for those who appreciate authentic experiences, stunning views, and a touch of adventure, this tour provides a balanced mix of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty.

What truly hooks potential travelers are the intimate group size and the chance to sail between islands, feeling the wind in your hair. We particularly like the included meals—which save you the hassle of searching for food—and the opportunity to snorkel in pristine waters. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that dinners ashore are not included, so you’ll need to budget for eating out or cooking on board. This tour suits travelers who love water-based activities, savor local cuisine, and enjoy exploring coastal villages at a relaxed pace.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more personalized experience.
• Includes breakfast and lunch onboard, making daily planning easier.
• Visits a variety of islands, each with unique charm—from Kefalonia to Meganisi.
• Snorkeling gear included, perfect for marine life enthusiasts.
• Flexible dining options, with suggestions for local tavernas and the option to cook onboard.
• Ideal for those seeking a balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

If you’re dreaming of warm sun, blue waters, and charming towns, this 7-day cruise might be just what you’re after. The tour is run by Elysium Yachting and is designed to maximize your time exploring the best of Greece’s Ionian archipelago—without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. You’ll start and end your journey from Lefkada, a lively island with great sailing conditions and a welcoming atmosphere.

The journey promises to be a feast for the senses—crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, scenic coastal landscapes, and villages brimming with local character. With a focus on small groups—limited to eight participants—you’re assured a more intimate and relaxed experience. The tour combines guided exploration with free time to soak up the sun or wander at your own pace.

One of the best things about this cruise is the variety of destinations. Each stop offers something distinctive, from lush Kefalonia to the quaint villages of Meganisi. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed, balancing sailing, exploring, and relaxing.

You’ll visit Kefalonia, known for its dramatic coastline and charming towns. Then, the island of Ithaca invites you into the mythical world of Odysseus with its peaceful harbors and lush hills. Kalamos and Mikros Gialos are ideal for secluded swimming and snorkeling, giving you opportunities to swim among vibrant marine life. The bays of Sivota Village and the scenic villages of Vathi and Spartachori on Meganisi ensure a taste of local life and history.

Throughout the trip, you’ll experience Greece’s warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and lively local culture. The included breakfast and lunch onboard make it easy to stay energized, while the option to dine ashore means you can sample authentic tavernas at your leisure.

Day 1: Lefkada to Kefalonia
Your adventure begins at Lefkada’s marina, where you’ll meet your skipper and fellow travelers. As you set sail, the anticipation builds with views of rugged coastlines and open sea. Kefalonia’s first stop reveals a landscape of dramatic cliffs and lush hills. We loved the way the crew helped us settle into the rhythm of sailing, feeling the wind in our hair as we cruised along.

Day 2-3: Exploring Kefalonia and Ithaca
Kefalonia offers picturesque villages and stunning beaches. You might find yourself swimming in turquoise waters or wandering through small towns with colorful houses. The next day, you’ll visit Ithaca, famous for its tranquil harbors and mythic resonance. Walking through Vathi’s narrow streets, we appreciated the calm pace and friendly locals.

Day 4: Kalamos and Mikros Gialos
Sail to Kalamos, a quiet island with pristine beaches ideal for snorkeling. Mikros Gialos, with its inviting blue waters, is perfect for a laid-back swim. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the marine life here is surprisingly lively—an authentic highlight for many.

Day 5-6: Meganisi and Sivota Bays
Meganisi’s charming villages and secluded bays offer peaceful retreat and scenic beauty. You’ll visit Vathi and Spartachori, both rich in character and history. The tour often includes a barbecue ashore, adding a social and tasty element to the trip.

Day 7: Return to Lefkada
Your journey wraps up with a sail back to Lefkada. Reflecting on the week, travelers often mention how the combination of sailing, exploration, and relaxing in beautiful settings makes this a truly memorable experience.

This tour is all about balance—balancing guided exploration with free time, relaxed sailing with active snorkeling. The small group size means your guide can tailor the experience when possible, ensuring everyone is comfortable and engaged.

Meals onboard, including breakfast and lunch, are included, which simplifies your day. Since dinners are not included, the tour leader can recommend local restaurants, or you can choose to buy supplies and cook together in the galley. The cost of food and drinks for dinners is around 50 Euros per person, a reasonable expense for delicious Greek cuisine.

The vessel itself is equipped with snorkel gear, life vests, and safety harnesses, ensuring both fun and safety during water activities. The timing is flexible, and the tour operates on availability, so it’s advisable to book early.

At approximately $1,694 per person, this tour represents good value for a week of guided sailing, included meals, and visits to multiple islands. When you consider the cost of hiring a private boat and organizing independent day trips, the all-inclusive nature and expert guidance add substantial value. Plus, the experience of sailing rather than just traveling by ferry or plane offers a unique perspective on these islands.

Just remember, dinner costs are extra, but with the skipper’s tips on local spots and the option to cook onboard, you have flexibility in how much you spend on food.

If you enjoy being on the water, exploring charming Greek villages, and snorkeling in clear waters, this trip will appeal. It’s especially suited for travelers comfortable with small groups and sailing, though no prior experience is necessary. Those seeking a more adventurous or active holiday will find plenty of opportunities for swimming and exploring.

However, it’s not ideal for travelers with mobility challenges, as the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. If you love delicious local food and wine, you’ll enjoy tasting your way through the islands, especially with the included meals onboard.

This Lefkada-based sailing tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the Ionian Islands, blending scenic sailing, cultural exploration, and relaxing beach days. Its small group size ensures a friendly, intimate atmosphere, and the included meals make daily planning simple. The variety of islands visited—each with its own character—means you’ll come away with a broad appreciation of Greece’s coastal beauty and hospitality.

Perfect for water lovers, curious explorers, and those looking for a more authentic, less touristy experience, this cruise is a smart choice. While dinners ashore are extra, the flexibility to dine where you like or cook onboard adds to the overall value. If you’re ready for a week of sunshine, sea breezes, and Greek charm, this tour can be a highlight of your Greek adventure.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since unaccompanied minors are not allowed, this tour is best suited for adults or families with older children. It’s ideal for travelers comfortable with sailing and water activities.

What is included in the price?
The price covers 7 days of sailing, breakfast and lunch onboard, bed linen, pillows, bath towels, snorkeling equipment, and safety gear. It also includes a barbecue ashore depending on the weather.

Are there any additional costs?
Dinners are not included, so you’ll need to budget for meals ashore or plan to cook onboard. Approximately 50 Euros per person is suggested for food and drinks for dinners.

What is the group size?
Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience and more space to relax.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

Are there any restrictions for participating?
Weapons, sharp objects, oversize luggage, explosives, and fire-making devices are not permitted. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What language is the tour guided in?
The tour is guided in English.

How do I know where to meet?
The exact meeting point will be emailed 14 days before departure, making it easy to plan your arrival.

This 7-day Lefkada sailing adventure is a wonderful way to enjoy Greece’s stunning coastlines, charming villages, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or a bit of active exploration, it offers an authentic taste of island life—on the water and ashore.