Boat hire in Kefalonia with or without a skipper

Set in the Ionian Sea, Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and one of the most popular departure bases for a sailing holiday in Greece. Hiring a boat in Kefalonia gives you access to a calm sea with turquoise waters and to nearby neighbouring islands such as Ithaca, Lefkada and Zakynthos, ideal for a relaxed bareboat charter with family or friends.

The types of boat to hire in Kefalonia

Depending on your budget and your sailing plan, several types of boat are available to you:

• A monohull sailing yacht is the most affordable choice, ideal for experienced sailors. The size of this boat makes it easier to enter coves and anchorages. What's more, the sensations of sailing a monohull, particularly the heeling, are unique.
• Hiring a catamaran is perfect for those who prioritise comfort and living space. Thanks to its stability and spacious cabins, it is ideal for an effortless holiday — budget permitting.
• A motorboat is often more affordable and economical: the perfect option for a day hire.

The services offered for your boat hire in Kefalonia

Here are the various services we offer for hiring a boat in Kefalonia:

• Bareboat hire: if someone in your group is a qualified sailor, they can take the helm. You will have the boat to yourselves, allowing you to fully enjoy your sailing holiday in Greece with friends or family.
• Skippered charter: this is the perfect solution if no one in your group wishes to take the helm, or if you want a worry-free holiday. The professional skipper will take charge of the sailing and, thanks to their knowledge of the region, will guide you to the best places to anchor.
• Hire with a full crew: this service is generally included for luxury boats over 20 metres. For a catamaran hire in Greece between 10 and 20 metres, it is offered as an option. A typical crew comprises a captain, a cook and a hostess. They will be entirely dedicated to your comfort and will ensure your trip is memorable.
• Cabin charter: you hire a single cabin on a high-end, human-sized boat shared with other passengers. A professional crew handles the sailing, meal preparation and onboard service. It is the ideal option if you are planning to travel as a couple or if you do not have the budget to hire the whole boat.

How much does it cost to hire a boat in Kefalonia?

The following table shows you an estimate of the average prices for a sailing yacht hire in Kefalonia. Note that these rates may vary depending on the season, availability, the type of model, the age of the boat, among other factors.

These figures cover bareboat hire only. Prices at destination level may be higher, as they include crewed yachts.

The price includes: the boat hire and the main onboard equipment (the sails, the crockery, the Wi-Fi, the dinghy, the bedding and the outboard motor).

The price does not include: insurance, port and mooring fees, the skipper, the hostess, the extras (kayak, stand-up paddle…) and the provisioning (fuel and supplies). End-of-charter cleaning is often included in a compulsory pack.

In addition, there is a security deposit, most often between €1,500 and €3,000 depending on the boat (more for a catamaran), held for the duration of the hire.

We recommend opting for our cancellation insurance when you hire a boat in Kefalonia. This insurance protects all crew members, unlike individual cancellation insurance or that offered by your bank card, which only covers the holder.

We also encourage our customers to opt for the deposit waiver insurance. Even the most experienced sailors can encounter damage at sea. With this insurance, you will be able to recover a large part of your deposit in the event of damage related to sailing.

Where to sail in Kefalonia?

Setting off from Kefalonia, you explore the heart of the Ionian Islands, a green and mountainous archipelago where the stops are within easy reach of one another and the sea generally calm. The sheltered anchorages, the short distances and the absence of strong winds make it an ideal playground for putting together a round-trip itinerary, taking the time to savour each bay.

Kefalonia alone is worth several days' sailing along its coast. To the north, the charming harbour of Fiskardo, spared by the 1953 earthquake, lines up its Venetian houses and waterside tavernas. Nearby, the village of Assos and its Venetian fortress nestle on a peninsula, overlooking crystal-clear water. On the west coast, the famous Myrtos beach, framed by high cliffs and carpeted with white pebbles, is among the most photographed in Greece.

To the east, the port of Sami gives access to the underground lake of Melissani with its multicoloured waters and to the Drogarati cave, before reaching the long Antisamos beach, tucked into a green bay. Further south, the capital Argostoli charms visitors with its Koutavos lagoon, its loggerhead turtles and the famous 'sea mills', those sinkholes known as katavóthres. Finally, on the Lixouri side, Xi beach amazes with its reddish sand topped by white cliffs sculpted by the rain.

Once the large island has been explored, several neighbouring destinations are accessible in just a few hours' sailing:

• Boat hire in Ithaca, the nearby island of Ulysses to the north-east (6 to 8 nautical miles depending on the departure port), takes you to authentic, unspoilt harbours such as Vathy, Frikes and Kioni, as well as small coves accessible only from the sea.
• Boat hire in Lefkada, around twenty nautical miles to the north, opens up a string of islets renowned for their calm anchorages: Meganisi and its caves, the still-wild Kastos and Kalamos, or the private island of Skorpios, the former property of the Onassis family.
• Zakynthos (Zante), to the south, is famous for the spectacular Shipwreck beach (Navagio), its blue caves and the islet of Marathonisi, where sea turtles come to lay their eggs.

For a week-long stay, a classic itinerary involves heading up from Kefalonia towards Ithaca and Lefkada, multiplying the anchorages in sheltered coves, before heading back down gently to your departure port. For inspiration, take a look at our sailing itinerary in the Ionian Islands.

Sailing conditions in Kefalonia

The Ionian Sea offers some of the gentlest sailing conditions in Greece. Unlike the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, swept by the Meltemi, Kefalonia is not exposed to strong winds. In summer, a regular thermal breeze, the Maistros, picks up in the early afternoon and blows from the north-west, rarely exceeding force 4 (18 knots, 30 km/h). It usually drops in the evening, leaving calm nights at anchor.

These conditions, combined with closely spaced stops and sheltered waters, make Kefalonia an ideal area for families, beginner crews and anyone looking for a relaxed bareboat sailing holiday.

Passages are short in the Ionian Islands: it is easy to reach a new stop within a few hours, without long crossings. The main ports (Fiskardo, Sami, Argostoli) offer sufficient depth for charter boats; in the small coves, watch your draught, as the seabed rises quickly near the shore.

When to sail in Kefalonia?

The best month to sail in Kefalonia is June or September: mild temperatures, calm sea and fewer people than in high season.

In Kefalonia, the dominant climate is the Mediterranean climate, with its hot, dry summers and mild winters. It is an ideal climate for a sailing holiday from April to October. In summer, the temperature ranges between 25 ºC and 31 ºC. The water temperature exceeds 20 ºC from June to October and is around 25 ºC at the height of summer.

Here is an average of the temperatures recorded in recent years in Kefalonia:

July and August are the hottest and busiest months. To enjoy the sea while avoiding the heavy crowds and the heat, the months of May, June, September and early October are particularly pleasant for sailing in Kefalonia.

The documents required to hire a boat without a skipper in Kefalonia

In Greece, you will need a boating licence to skipper both a sailing yacht and a motorboat. The European boating licence is accepted if it is translated into English or Greek.

You will also need, as part of a hire, to have a co-skipper on board (they will not need to hold a boating licence).

Useful information for your boat hire in Kefalonia

What language is spoken in Kefalonia?

The official language is Greek, but a large part of the population, particularly in the island's tourist areas, speaks English.

What currency to use in Kefalonia?

The currency used in Greece is the Euro (€), since 1 January 2002.

How to get to Kefalonia?

Kefalonia has its own international airport, Kefalonia Airport (EFL), located a few kilometres south of Argostoli. Direct flights are available in the summer season from several European cities. Out of season, you can reach the island via a stopover in Athens (ATH) followed by a domestic flight. Kefalonia is also accessible by ferry, in particular from Killini and Patras on the mainland, as well as from the neighbouring islands of Lefkada, Ithaca and Zakynthos.

How do I finalise the booking of my boat in Kefalonia?

As soon as we receive your hire request, one of our advisors will call you to discuss your sailing plans. They will then send you boat suggestions by email. Once you have chosen the boat that suits you, you can pay a deposit via your customer account to confirm the hire and reserve the boat.

How much does it cost to hire a sailing yacht in Kefalonia?

Expect to pay between €1,200 and €4,800 per week for a sailing yacht, depending on the size of the boat and the season (excluding yachts and crewed boats).

Do you need a boating licence to hire in Kefalonia?

Yes, a valid boating licence is required to skipper any vessel in Greece — both sailing yachts and motorboats. A European licence translated into English or Greek is accepted, and a co-skipper must also be present on board.

What is the distance between Kefalonia and Ithaca?

About 6 to 8 nautical miles depending on the departure port (Sami or Fiskardo), which is less than two hours' sailing under sail.

Is Kefalonia suitable for sailing beginners?

Yes, Kefalonia is ideal for sailing beginners: the Ionian Sea is calm, the thermal breeze (Maistros) rarely exceeds force 4, and the stops between islands are short — perfect for a first bareboat sailing holiday.