The Ionian Islands
Sat 27th June - Sat 4th July 2026

About the Ionian

This is a one week trip to a favourite Greek cruising ground.  The Ionian islands are to be found off the west coast of the Greek mainland and are one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations. In contrast to the barren central Cyclades group, these islands are famed for their lush green interiors thanks to relatively heavy winter rains. More winter rain falls in Corfu than London!

There are about 25 islands in the Ionian and we’ll be concentrating on the southern sector including Lefkas, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zante. The busier of these being complemented by quiet ports and secluded bays in the less accessible islands.

 
Kioni - Ithaca

Itinerary

Starting from Lefkas our trip will be a gentle sail round these picturesque islands with plenty of time for stopping off in bays at lunchtime for a swim. In the evenings after the obligatory sundowners we’ll go ashore to find a taverna.

Kefalonia

Kefalonia is known to millions from the best-selling novel, and later film, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. The romantic film set in the Second World War starred John Hurt, Nicholas Cage & Penelope Cruz.

Fiskardo - Kefalonia
Skorpios

Skorpios

Skorpios is best known for its connection with the late Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis who lived on the island. He married former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy there on 20th October 1968. The private island, valued at $100m, is now owned by a Russian billionaire.

Melissani Cave

Melissani Cave, Cave of the Nymphs – hidden in the forests of Kefalonia, the lake is a mix of sea and fresh water. The cave is about 500m from the sea, and the water level is a metre higher than sea level. The brackish water rises from a 30m deep cave system on one side of the cave and flows silently to the other end before seeping through narrow crevices out into the sea.

Melissani Cave
Navagio Bay - Zakinthos

Zakynthos

Zakynthos – the island now famed for the shipwreck of the Panagiotis stranded on Navagio Beach since 1981. It is one of 3 shipwrecks in Greece which are renowned for being the most stunning in the world.

Sailing Conditions

With short sailing distances and fair weather this trip should not be demanding. Winds are generally light but pick up in the afternoons to F3-4. Temperatures can reach 35 degrees by day and drop to a warm 22 degrees by night.

 
Kioni - Ithaca

Important Trip Information

Embarkation: 1700 onwards on Sat 27 June 2026

Set sail: 1000 on Sun 28 June 2026

Arrival Back in Lefkas: 1700 on Fri 3 July 2026

Disembark: 0900 on Sat 4 July 2026

The Sundowners member price of the trip for the yacht charter is:

Standard Berth £600

Single Occupancy Preferred £900 Click for details

which includes the following:  Basic Yacht Charter

Not included in the sailing event price are:  flights, transfers,  personal insurance, victualling, meals ashore, diesel, water, mooring fees, towels (10€/person), outboard (50/80€/boat), inflatable life jackets (20€/person), the “Charter Pack” and any personal expenditure.

Mandatory extras:

Charter Pack  250€ – 360€ per boat

Damage waiver 350€ per boat (with deposit reduced to 700€)

The Club’s standard terms and conditions apply.  In summary:

  • Paying your deposit commits you to the trip and to paying all payments as and when required.
  • If you withdraw from an event you are still liable for the full cost unless a replacement participant is found.
  • If a replacement is found there will be an admin charge made for the change of participant.
  • You agree to bear the shared cost of any security deposit loss levied by the charter company for loss or damages.

The full cost of the deposit is 3,000€ – 3,500€per boat.

HOW TO GET THERE

Return flights to Preveza with EasyJet are available for approx £317 inc 23kg bag.  

Do not book flights until advised to do so by the event organisers.

June/July Weather
Average Temperatures
25C
High Temperature
31C
Low Temperature
21C
Rainfall
5mm in month
Rainfall Days
1 Day

Payment Schedule

Payment Due Date Shared Cabin Single Cabin

Deposit

Immediately

£200

£200

Mid Payment

5 Jan 2026

£200

£200

Final Payment

30 Mar 2026

£200

£500

   

Total Cost

£600

£900
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