Yacht charter in Cephalonia 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 vacation in Greece. Renting a boat in Kefalonia puts you right in the middle of calm, turquoise waters, with easy access to neighboring islands like Ithaca, Lefkada, and Zakynthos — ideal for a relaxed sailing trip with family or friends.

What types of boats can you charter 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 option, 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.
• Chartering a catamaran is perfect for those who prioritize comfort and living space. Thanks to its stability and spacious cabins, it is the ideal choice for an effortless vacation if you're looking for a higher-end experience.
• A motorboat rental is often more budget-friendly: the perfect option for a day rental.

Boat rental options in Kefalonia

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

• Bareboat charter: if someone in your group is an experienced sailor, they can take the helm. You'll have the boat to yourselves, so you can fully enjoy your cruise in Greece with friends or family.
• Skippered charter: this is the perfect solution if no one in your group wants to take the helm, or if you want a worry-free vacation. The professional skipper handles the sailing and, thanks to their knowledge of the region, will guide you to the best places to anchor.
• Crewed charter: this service is generally included for luxury boats over 20 meters. For a catamaran charter in Greece between 10 and 20 meters, it is offered as an option. A typical crew includes a captain, a cook, and a hostess. They will be entirely dedicated to your comfort and will make sure your trip is unforgettable.
• Cabin charter: you rent a single cabin on an intimate, boutique sailing yacht shared with other passengers. A professional crew handles the sailing, meal preparation, and onboard service. It's the ideal option if you're traveling as a couple or if you don't have the budget to rent the whole boat.

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

Renting a sailboat in Kefalonia costs roughly $1,400 to $5,550 per week depending on size and season; a catamaran runs from about $4,050 to $9,500. The table below shows an estimate of average prices for a skippered yacht charter in Kefalonia. Note that these rates may vary depending on the season, availability, the type of model, and the age of the boat, among other factors.

The average prices calculated at destination level may be significantly higher than these rates, as they include yachts and crewed boats.

The price includes: the boat rental and the main onboard equipment (the sails, the galley equipment, the Wi-Fi, the dinghy, the linens and 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 mandatory pack.

In addition, there is a security deposit, most often between $1,750 and $3,500 depending on the boat (more for a catamaran), held for the duration of the rental.

We recommend opting for our cancellation insurance when you rent 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'll 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 close together and the sea is generally calm. The sheltered anchorages, the short distances, and the absence of strong winds make it ideal for a round-trip itinerary, with time to savor each bay.

Around the island of Kefalonia

Kefalonia alone is worth several days' sailing along its coast. To the north, the charming harbor 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 multicolored 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," known locally as katavóthres. Finally, on the Lixouri side, Xi beach amazes with its reddish sand topped by white cliffs sculpted by the rain.

Neighboring islands

Once you've explored the main island, several neighboring destinations are within just a few hours' sailing:

• Yacht charter in Ithaca, the nearby island of Ulysses to the northeast (6 to 8 nautical miles depending on the departure port), takes you to authentic, unspoiled harbors such as Vathy, Frikes, and Kioni, as well as small coves accessible only from the sea.
• Yacht charter 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 trip, a classic route takes you north from Kefalonia to Ithaca and Lefkada, stopping at sheltered coves along the way, before looping back to your home 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 northwest, rarely exceeding force 4 (18 knots / ~21 mph). 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 sailing trip.

Passages are short in the Ionian Islands: it's 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 draft, 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, a calm sea, and fewer people than in high season.

In Kefalonia, the dominant climate is the Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters — ideal for a sailing vacation from April to October. In summer, the temperature ranges between 77°F and 88°F (25–31°C). The water temperature stays above 68°F (20°C) from June to October and is around 77°F (25°C) 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.

Required documents for a bareboat charter in Kefalonia

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

For a bareboat charter, you'll also need a co-skipper on board (they won't need to hold a boating license).

Useful information for your boat rental 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 is used in Kefalonia?

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

How do you get to Kefalonia?

Kefalonia has its own international airport, Kefalonia Airport (EFL), located about 6 miles 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 neighboring islands of Lefkada, Ithaca, and Zakynthos.

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

As soon as we receive your rental request, one of our advisors will call you to discuss your sailing plans. They'll then email you a few boat suggestions. Once you've chosen the boat that suits you, you can pay a deposit through your customer account to confirm the rental and reserve the boat.

What's the difference between a bareboat charter and a skippered charter?

With a bareboat charter, you sail the yacht yourself — you'll need a valid boating license and a co-skipper on board. With a skippered charter, a professional skipper handles the navigation, knows the local waters, and takes you to the best anchorages — perfect if you don't hold a license or simply want a hands-off vacation.

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

Expect to pay between $1,400 and $5,550 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 license to rent in Kefalonia?

Yes. A European boating license, translated into English or Greek, is required to skipper both a sailing yacht and a motorboat. A co-skipper must also be present on board.

How many days do you need to sail around Kefalonia?

A week is the classic choice: it gives you enough time to explore Kefalonia's coast and reach Ithaca and Lefkada at a relaxed pace. With 3 to 4 days, you can focus on Kefalonia and one neighboring island.

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 under sail.

Is Kefalonia suitable for sailing beginners?

Yes, Kefalonia is one of the best destinations in Greece for sailing beginners. The Ionian Sea is sheltered from the Meltemi winds that affect the Aegean, offering calm conditions with moderate thermal breezes (Beaufort 3–4). Anchorages are close together, and ports are well-equipped for charter boats.