SAILING ROUTE
Zakynthos – Kefalonia – Lefkas – Paxos – Korfu
23/Nov/2022
Travels
Dominicale restaurant
Zakynthos
Zakynthos (Zante) was under Venice from 1484 to 1797, Venetian influence can still be felt in architecture, cuisine, and dialect. Unfortunately, few of its old buildings have remained, due to two devastating earthquakes, in 1515 and 1953.
Zakynthos town has a well-protected harbor and offers good infrastructure for boaters. The town offers good shopping possibilities such as nice restaurants and bars. For dinner, we recommend Dominicale restaurant which is located right next to the sea and serves outstanding seafood.
approaching Navajo at 7am
Probably the most photographed and possibly one of the nicest beaches in Greece is Shipwreck Beach (Navajo) located on Zakynthos’ west coast. It is accessible only by boat, please keep in mind that in high season tourist boats start taking over the beach after 10 am. This is why we suggest an early start.
On the southeast coast, you will find the bay of Laganás which is home to several nice sandy beaches. The bay is a breeding ground for the loggerhead sea turtle, which is an endangered species. Access to certain parts of the beach is restricted during the nesting season, and extensive parts of the bay have navigational restrictions and speed limits, so study the chart carefully as fines can be high. We recommend visiting Votsalo tavern for lunch, a great view, and great food.
Votsalo tavern, terrace and grilled sea bass
Kefalonia
Kefalonia is the largest Ionian island and became famous with the movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”. It has a breathtaking natural landscape with exotic beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and magical underground caves.
The most scenic beaches of the island are Myrtos, Antisamos, Lourdas, and Skala.
Argostoli is the capital of the island. Lithostroto is its marble walkway with a very good selection of shops, bars, and restaurants and a vibrant atmosphere in the evening. Our recommendation for dinner is Il Melograno, a cozy restaurant on plateia vallianou serving excellent Mediterranean food, sometimes with an Asian twist.
Infrastructure in Argostoli for boaters is good, mooring is safe and easy.
Fiskardo is a beautiful, romantic village in the northern part of the island and second, to us, an absolute must-see once you are on the island. Mooring space in this little fisherman´s harbor is rather limited, a reservation is highly recommended. For dinner we recommend Tassia restaurant, go for fresh fish or lobster straight from the grill.
The towns of Sami and Assos are charming too, keep in mind that the second is not recommended to be visited by boat overnight, as the harbor is small and not very well protected towards the north.
Fiskardo harbour
Lefkada downtown
Lefkas
Lefkada is known to be an excellent location for water sports. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, and every beach-related activity are almost a must on that island. For motorized watersports, we recommend spot watersports in Nydri, great skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, foiling, and lots of other cool stuff. Alternatively, charter a boat and sail to the little islets around Lefkada, such as the legendary Skorpios islet.
The most popular beaches of the island are Porto Katsiki beach, Egremni beach, Milos beach Lefkada and Kathisma beach. If you’re more after isolated beaches, head to Mylos, Kalamitsi, and Kaminia.
The towns of Lefkada, Nydri, and Vasiliki offer good protection, shopping possibilities, and infrastructure for boaters.
Kontosouvli at Loukoulos
Lefkada Town is the capital of the island. Walk around its narrow alleys with quite some shops, and visit the Venetian Agia Mavra Castle, museums, and mid-century churches.
For lunch, we recommend Loukoulos, a very simple place but certainly the best kontosouvli in town. Outside the town of Lefkada Rachi is a place definitely not to be missed out, whether it is for a cocktail at the cozy lounge or dinner on the terrace. Amente is a fine dining location with a wonderful view and great food.
Amente dinner terrace
Rachi Lounge Area
Furthermore, Agios Nikitas Lefkada, the Dimosari waterfalls, the lighthouse at Cape Lefkada, the beautiful Faneromeni monastery (ideal location to watch the sunset), and the lesser-known Melissa gorge are worth a visit.
Paxos
Paxos is situated 7 nautical miles south of Corfu and 12 nautical miles southwest of the city of Parga. Gaios is the capital of Paxos, situated in a narrow channel giving you the impression you are inside a fjord. The town offers nice shops, bars, and restaurants. The harbor is well protected but space is limited.
Corfu
Corfu is located in the very northern part of the Ionian sea. English, French and Venetian cultures have left their strong influences making the entire island but particularly the town of Korfu very special. Visit the old fortress, the Achillion Palace, or one of the numerous museums.
For staying overnight we recommend Naok marina in the city center. The marina is not equipped with moorings and electricity but you will enjoy the walking distance to Kerkira town such as the amazing view. If you need some technical assistance or parts you will find all services in D marina Gouvia.
For eating out we recommend Thymari restaurant and Barbas tavern, both serve excellent Greek food and have a very friendly atmosphere.
On the North and West side of Corfu You can find some really beautiful beaches, however be careful with strong NW winds.
Corfu old town