The South Ionian

The South Ionian covers the islands of Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos, along with the smaller islands of Meganisi, Kastos, Kalamos. Together they form one of the most widely sailed cruising areas in Greece, with short inter-island passages, clear water and a consistent summer wind pattern.

Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian and carries the most complete range of services. Zakynthos, the southernmost island of the group, receives the heaviest tourist traffic in summer.

The attractions follow a course from Ithaca in the north, south through Kefalonia, and on to Zakynthos.

On Ithaca, Homers School at Agios Athanasios is an active archaeological site where excavations have uncovered Mycenaean remains and a Hellenistic complex, with inscriptions interpreted as evidence of a cult centre dedicated to Odysseus.

On Kefalonia, boat tours of the Melissani caves near Sami feature an underground lake exposed to daylight through a collapsed roof. Nearby, Nautical Museum of Sami houses a collection of hand-built ship models ranging from ancient triremes to the Titanic. Drogarati Cave is a large dry cave noted for its acoustics, which has on occasion been used for concert performances.

On Zakynthos, the Blue Caves at Cape Skinari make a good day stop in settled weather; accessible by dinghy, they take their name from the refraction of sunlight through the cave entrances. Shipwreck Beach on the northwest coast holds the rusting hull of the MV Panagiotis, a coaster that ran aground in 1980, set against vertical limestone cliffs of around 200 metres.

The dominant summer wind is the Maistro, a northwesterly afternoon breeze typically at Force 2 to 5, dying down toward evening with calm mornings.

The South Ionian is one of the busiest charter areas in Greece and popular anchorages fill quickly in July and August. At Shipwreck Beach, landing and approaching within 40 metres of the beach are prohibited due to ongoing rockfall risk.

The National Marine Park of Zakynthos in the Bay of Laganas is a protected loggerhead turtle sanctuary with strict zoning. Zone A is closed to all entry, Zone B permits passage but not anchoring, and Zone C permits anchoring in designated areas only. Nesting beaches carry additional restrictions from May to August.

Anchoring is now prohibited in One House Bay, Atokos (for environmental reasons), and around Formikoula island (to protect the Monk seals).

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Episkopi ★ 5.0 Kalamnos A mooring rope allows anchoring without swinging into others. Visitors appreciate the taverna offering fresh fish and cold beers, contributing to a charming experience. Limited space accommodates only a couple of boats.
	Kapsolimionas, Kefalonia ★ 5.0 Kefalonia This anchorage provides good holding in sand with depths of 5-11 meters. Visitors appreciate the clear water and natural surroundings. It accommodates several monohulls, often feeling secluded at night with minimal boat traffic.
	Kioni bay ★ 5.0 Ithaca Anchoring in Kioni Bay provides good holding in mud. Multiple Reviews indicate peaceful conditions and proximity to town with shore tie opportunities. The quay can fill quickly, making early arrival advisable to secure a spot.
	Ambelaki Bay(East) ★ 5.0 Meganisi The anchorage features ample room for mooring and offers protection from southern winds. Clear waters entice visitors, while an accessible walk to Vathy provides shopping options. Expect some activity from day trippers, which settles at night.
	One tree bay ★ 4.8 Anchoring is available with good protection from N and NW winds. Visitors have noted clean water for swimming, although the beach bar has received criticism for noise and quality. Expect increased activity from day trip boats, particularly in summer.
	Port Vathi ★ 4.8 Ithaca Anchoring in Port Vathi offers good holding with a sandy and muddy bottom. The bay is spacious, but visitors report discomfort during strong NW winds. Essential amenities are nearby, including provisions and restaurants.
	Antisamos ★ 4.7 Kefalonia Anchoring is possible in a large bay with clear water and ample space. Visitors appreciate the peaceful surroundings, although some note the beach umbrellas and occasional disturbances from nearby establishments. Anchoring spots are predominantly sandy and offer good holding, particularly on the south side.
	Ormos Oxias ★ 4.6 Anchoring conditions are favorable with sufficient depth and good holding reported. The beach features a restaurant offering mooring options, though mosquito swarms have been noted during sunset. Visitors appreciate the tranquil environment and friendly service.
	Klimatsias Beach ★ 4.6 Kefalonia Anchoring at Klimatsias Beach provides clear waters and a mostly undisturbed environment. The anchorage is regarded for its scenic cliffs and good holding conditions. A nearby walk leads to a market and offers rewarding views.
	Limin Petalas ★ 4.6 The anchorage provides excellent shelter with good holding. Visitors appreciate the peaceful environment, but the lack of facilities requires consideration. Access to shore can be challenging due to terrain and wildlife, which may limit outings.

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Marinas

	Iris Hotel ★ 4.7 Lefkada Mooring is available for a fee of 20 euros per night, including access to hotel facilities. New lazy lines are provided for docking, and services include water and electricity. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff and amenities like a pool and washing facilities.
	Argostoli (Ghost) marina. ★ 4.3 Kefalonia Usage of the marina is prevalent, characterized by a lack of facilities and several abandoned boats. Shelter from northerly winds can be inadequate, although many visitors report feeling safe. The proximity to town is convenient, making it a notable spot for exploring.
	Agia Pelagia Optimum Marina ★ 3.9 Kefalonia A small marina offers basic facilities and friendly staff. Berths are available, though some are allocated to larger boats, causing potential mooring complications. The harbour provides shelter from winds, and visitors can access nearby amenities, including tavernas and transport to Argostoli.
No image	IBA Pontoon ★ 3.7 Lefkada Docking assistance is highlighted positively by multiple visitors. However, service responsiveness has faced criticism, with one visitor experiencing delays and a lack of follow-up during maintenance service requests. This has affected overall satisfaction with the operational efficiency.
No image	Zakinthos ★ 3.0 Zakynthos Assistance is available for docking, although service costs may include additional fees for mooring. A mixed environment exists with concerns regarding the public access and safety. Visitors report nearby amenities, including shops and medical services.

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Moorings

	Costas Mooring buoys ★ 4.1 Zakynthos Mooring buoys at Costas provide well-supported mooring assistance. Visitors commend the helpfulness of the staff, particularly in securing the mooring and laying the anchor. The area also offers dining options but may feel busy and under development.
	Porto Skrofa Buoys ★ 4.0 Mooring buoy availability appears satisfactory with multiple options reported. Cost is generally set at Eur20, independent of dining choices. Visitors recommend early arrival as buoy occupancy increases during peak times.

Harbours

	Trocolo Pontoon ★ 5.0 Lefkada Friendly and professional service is consistently reported at the pontoon. Facilities include water, power, and internet access. Prices vary, with a recent charge of 55 EUR for a 13m yacht noted.
	Stavros ★ 4.9 Lefkada Free mooring is available when dining at the restaurant, including electricity, water, and showers. Docking assistance is noted, though space may be limited during busy periods. Reservations are recommended due to frequent crowds.
	Abelike Bay - Minas restaurant ★ 4.7 Meganisi Mooring is free, though limited due to flotilla reservations. The restaurant features a pleasant atmosphere, while the quality of main dishes lacks consistency. Visitors may consider the cleanliness of facilities and the breakfast experience positively.
	Karnagio Taverna Pontoon ★ 4.7 Meganisi Mooring is available with assistance at the pontoon. Visitors mention a pleasant dining experience with good food and cold beer. A shaded area for relaxing drinks was noted, especially appreciated during warm afternoons.
	Lixouri ★ 4.5 Kefalonia Mooring is now charged at 10 euros per night with free water available. The town features supermarkets, bars, and restaurants, making it convenient for visitors. However, the harbour lacks all-around shelter, and conditions can become rough in strong winds.

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Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Boatyards

No image	Konidaris Boatyard 2 ★ 5.0 Lefkada The yard features reliable service. Aris and the team are fast, responsive, and helpful. Visitors have expressed satisfaction with the work completed.
	Konidaris Boatyard ★ 4.8 Lefkada The boatyard offers competent service and reasonable pricing. Reviews mention efficient staff and a willingness to assist with various tasks. Some experiences regarding external service providers were mixed, particularly for specialized jobs.

Chandlers

No image	Agia Efimia Chandler ★ 5.0 Kefalonia A chandler available with a variety of fishing, clothing, and chandlery items operates briefly from a limited store area. Visitors have highlighted surprising availability and excellent customer service, including assistance with transportation of purchases. Staff engagement appears proactive and personable.
	Fiscardo Chandlers ★ 5.0 Kefalonia Excellent service is mentioned across multiple reviews. The shop offers a wide selection of supplies, including diving and fishing gear, with quick shipping available for items not in stock. Visitors appreciate the knowledgeable staff and efficient installation services.
No image	JFK MARINE SUPPLIES & SERVICES ★ 5.0 Lefkada Well-stocked with essential supplies, this chandler can quickly order items not in stock. Visitors reported prompt service when trying to source uncommon parts, with delivery arranged within a short time frame. Items typically arrive within days for ordered supplies.
	Argostoli Chandlers ★ 5.0 Kefalonia Service capability includes a well-stocked inventory. Visitors reported timely deliveries, with ordered parts arriving within a few days. Friendly staff assist with inquiries, including special orders via WhatsApp.
	Nydri Marine Services ★ 5.0 Lefkada This chandler maintains a large selection of supplies, including a second-hand section. Excellent service is noted by visitors. Operations are available until 5 PM on weekdays and 3 PM on weekends.

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Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Greece: