Yacht charter Preveza

   By Lila Kergall 

February 7, 2022

Contents

1. Practical information for your yacht charter from Preveza
2. What to do in Préveza?
3. Where to sail from Préveza?
4. The best anchorages when leaving Préveza
5. What sailing itineraries should you follow?
6. What are the weather conditions?

"Our week's vacation was dedicated to sailing and discovering the archipelago. There are some very good kitesurfing spots north of Lefkada." Jean-Luc, who was sailing in the Ionian Islands from Préveza on an Oceanis 343, told me. Although this sailing area is not exposed to the strong winds encountered in other areas of Greece, it is still an ideal playground for sailing enthusiasts. The possibility of short trips and the infinite number of anchorages will delight vacationers looking for peace and relaxation.

Located at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf, Preveza is an ideal starting point for your next sailing trip in the Ionian Islands. With its rich history, splendid beaches and green, mountainous landscapes, this western part of Greece will make each of your stopovers more surprising than the last!

Let yourself be swept away in thegreek islands, to discover the majestic coasts and treasures of the archipelago made up of the 7 main islands of Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos and Kythira.

1. Practical information for your yacht charter from Preveza

Renting a boat in Péveza: with or without a skipper?

If you are hesitating about choosing a skipper for your yacht charter in Greece, here is some useful information that could help you make your choice!

Here is the advice of Konstantinos from Istion Yachting: "Chartering with a skipper always offers a guarantee and an unmatched level of experience, because the skipper knows the ins and outs, the secret places that an ordinary skipper might not be familiar with. Secret coves, unexplored waters and green islets that are only accessible by boat and could prove difficult to access are more attainable under the direction of a certified skipper."

Average rates according to the season and the size of the boat

Below is a table with an average price estimate for a week's yacht charter from Preveza. These prices may vary depending on the model and age of the boat, and the season.

The port of Préveza

The yacht charter in Préveza is ideal for starting your cruise in the Ionian Sea, as the base is only 6 kilometers fromAktion Airport. The Préveza Marina, located a few minutes' walk from the city center, has 300 berths for boats with a maximum length of 35 meters and a maximum draft of 4 meters. You will start your trip with peace of mind from the marina, as it was refurbished in 2019 and is renowned for the quality of its service and cleanliness. Numerous services and amenities are available: electricity, fresh water, Wi-Fi, secure access to toilets, showers and laundries. There is a petrol station at the entrance to the marina, and you will find places to eat in the surrounding shops, cafés and restaurants.

Our main partners on site

The base in Préveza has fewer boats than other neighboring bases such as Lefkada or Corfu. Note, however, that access to the Prévéza base is easier and faster, as it is only a 10-minute drive from the airport!

Our main partners at the Prévéza base are as follows:

• Istion Yachting is a company founded in 1992 on the island of Kos. In 30 years, this rental company has succeeded in positioning itself as a leader in the nautical sector in Greece, offering more than 230 boats in multiple bases in the region. Their customer-centric approach is reflected in their willingness to provide a customized and personalized service! The quality of their service has been validated by Filovent customers, who have given them an average satisfaction rating of 16.5/20 at their various departure bases. istion Yachting offers 7 boats with one hull (Sun Odyssey, Bavaria, Oceanis, Hanse) and 3 catamarans (Bali, Lagoon) for charter through Prévéza.
• Kekeris Yacht is a family business that considers its customers more as friends than as mere consumers. With an average satisfaction rating of 16/20 for charters from Prévéza, Kekeris Yacht is positioned as a charter company that is attentive, reliable and always available for its customers. This rental company offers various models of boats with one hull at the Prévéza base (Bavaria, Oceanis, Elan Impression).

2. What to do in Preveza?

Before setting sail, we suggest you take the time to visit Préveza and its surroundings. Located in theEpirus region, the small picturesque town with three castles will immerse you in a world that is at once modern, traditional and historical. Lose yourself in the cobbled streets as you discover the cultural and historical sites. History buffs will find what they are looking for at the Museum of the Naval Battle of Artion or the Natural History Museum. In the narrow streets of the city, you will come across a multitude of churches such as that ofAgios Charalamblos orAgios Athanasios, built during the Venetian occupation.

Konstantinos from Istion Yachting recommends a visit to the wetland of the Amvrakikos basin. It is well worth the detour. Classified as the "Amvrakikos Wetlands National Park" in 2008, this preserved natural site will dazzle you with its biodiversity and the many species of birds that inhabit it. Don't panic! After all these visits, you can have something to eat in one of the many traditional taverns in the old town.

If you have a few days before your departure, take the time for an excursion to the banks of the famous Acheron River. The coastal river of Epirus, 54 kilometers long, waters the Ionian Sea 38 kilometers north of Preveza. Canoeing, horseback riding and nature walks await you!

3. Where can you sail from Préveza?

Formerly known as Heptanesse, the Ionian Islands are an archipelago made up of seven main islands and numerous islets. "We set off on a cruise from Preveza and chose a sailing itinerary that lowered us to the southern part of the Ionian Islands. There are lots of little islands to discover; it's a very interesting archipelago for sailing," Jean-Luc, who had set off on a cruise on an Oceanis 343, told me. Leaving Préveza, you have two sailing itineraries to choose from: adjustment of course and speed to the north to discover the island of Corfu, or to the south to discover a multitude of islands and islets.

Corfu

The largest island in the Heptanese, Corfu is located just 38 nautical miles north of Preveza. Throughout history, the Venetian, French and then English occupation of Corfu has given this Greek island its unique cosmopolitan character, resulting from the mixture of cultures and civilizations.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island surprises with its green, mountainous landscapes and is surrounded by a sea of such a piercing blue that it is also known as the Emerald Isle. Wander through the narrow streets of Corfu Town, past Venetian buildings and historic churches. The atmosphere of this city has attracted many artists such as Laurence Durelle and Goethe.Empress Sissi even had her summer residence built there at the end of the 19th century, and you can visit it!

Finally, enjoy the sublime beaches of Corfu: on the west coast of the island, relax on Glyfada beach, perfect for families as it offers water sports and multiple bars and restaurants from which you can admire the sunset. More difficult to access, the small cove of Mirtidiotissa, wilder and less frequented, is also worth a visit.

During your sailing itinerary in the northern Ionian Islands, two unmissable stops are a must on your sailing itinerary. First of all, you must stop over on the island of Paxos, where you can anchor your boat in the crystal clear waters of Mongonissi Bay. Then you can anchor your boat on the islandof Antipaxos, to the south-east of Paxos. We suggest the anchorage at Roda for its translucent waters, rocky seabed with underwater caves and a breathtaking view of the sunset!

Lefkada and its surroundings

The island of Lefkada (also called Leucas in English) is the closest to Preveza. "In this part of the Ionian Islands, when you go from Lefkada to Ithaca, you feel like you're sailing in an inland sea. There are lots of beautiful little ports and plenty of places for anchored boats". This is how Emmanuel felt when he set off on his cruise from Préveza on a Hanse 400. Located 7 nautical miles from your departure base, you will reach the island of Lefkada by crossing the bay to a canal that will take you to the Ionian Sea.

Yacht charter from Lefkada, the island's capital, is also very popular for starting a cruise in the Ionian Islands. The city center is a pleasant place to visit with its many churches and museums. For the more athletic among us, various activities are available such as cycling or hiking in the mountains as well as paragliding on Kathisma beach. Lovers of kitesurfing and thrills will also find what they are looking for in the north of the island of Lefkada on the beaches of The Bridge, The Church or Milos. For vacationers looking for relaxation and leisure, head to the large beach of Pefkoulia, known for the fineness and softness of its sand.

Continue south towards the island of Meganisi. There are many anchorages available on this sparsely populated island. The best way to visit it is by sea since there are very few roads on land. Pierre advised me to stop off in Vathi: "The town of Vathi is great for an evening out, it's really lively! There are plenty of places to eat in the old town." You can enjoy the local specialties and sample the best fish in this fishing village.

To the southeast of Meganisi are two small islands. During his cruise in the Ionian Islands on a Sun Odyssey 39, Pierre stopped at the small port of Kalamos Island and the port of Kastos Island.

Ithaca

More difficult to access, the island of Ithaca has a wilder character, with numerous beaches and coves. The two main ports are those of Vathi, the capital of Ithaca, and Kioni, a smaller village accessible by sea.

The island of Ulysses is full of archaeological sites such as the Palace of Ulysses and the Grotto of the Nymphs. As Homer relates in his Odyssey, Ulysses began his journey in the Greek island of Ithaca and returned there 20 years later, as promised to his wife Penelope. Hiking enthusiasts will find what they are looking for on this island. The steep mountain range that inhabits the island offers multiple hiking possibilities. You can get information at the Vathi tourist office to help you choose your route. Some beaches are only accessible by boat, such as Gidaki, one of the island's best known for its turquoise waters. You'll find small straw huts there where you can eat on the beach.

Kefalonia

Kefalonia is the second largest of the Ionian Islands. It has so much to see! Here is a selection of the most spectacular places that will leave you with memories engraved in your memory.

a 15-minute walk from the town of Sami, the Melissani caves are a must-see on the island of Kefalonia. You will have the opportunity to enter the underground lakes by boat. The rays of light passing through the cave and reflecting in the water give this place a magical quality.

Turquoise waters of the open-air Melissani Caves (Photo by Photo by Matthieu Deperraz)

on land, the Mount Ainos National Park, whose highest point rises to 1,628 meters above sea level, is an ideal site for hiking. The park is known for its huge fir forest and the breathtaking views of the towns of Sami and Argostoli in Kefalonia, and the islands of Ithaca and Lefkada.

In the north of Kefalonia, we suggest the small fishing village ofAssos. Located on a peninsula, it has been tested by Pierre, a Filovent customer: "In the village of Assos, you must go up to see the Venetian ruins, there is a superb point of view!". At the top of the peninsula there is indeed a Venetian citadel and the castle of Assos which dominates the sea.

Zakynthos

The island of Zakynthos attracts a large number of tourists in summer. That doesn't make it a place to be avoided, on the contrary!

To the northwest of Zakynthos is the famous Shipwreck Bay. Accessible only by boat, this beach appears on many postcards. Once you arrive, you will be amazed by the beauty of this bay. With its secluded beach nestled between large cliffs and turquoise water, Shipwreck Bay is a must-see stop on your cruise through the Ionian Islands. There you will find the famous wreck of the MV Panayiotis, which ran aground there in October 1980.

During your stopover in Zakynthos, take the time to visit the Blue Caves, which are among the wonders to be discovered. For lovers of marine animals, we recommend that you visit the island of Marathonissi, also known as"turtle island" because of its shape, which resembles the animal. It is the only island in the Zakynthos National Marine Park that is accessible to the public.

"In the north of the island of Zakynthos, we moored at the port of Nikolaos. There is a great restaurant with its feet in the water called Storia," Pierre told me. We recommend that you book to enjoy lunch or dinner at the side of the boat.

4. The best anchorages from Prévéza

As you can see, there are countless anchorages to choose from in the Ionian Islands sailing area. This area is known for offering some of the most beautiful anchorages in Greece. Below you will find a few anchorages that have been tried and tested by Filovent customers!

One house bay

Jean-Luc shared with me the anchorage of One House Bay on Atokos Island. This tranquil anchorage offers deep sandy bottoms, turquoise water you'll never get tired of and beautiful white limestone cliffs! If you are lucky, you might come face to face with a family of pigs that come to visit the beach from time to time. Be careful, the bay is not very well protected from the wind.

Filiatro Bay

"On the island of Ithaca, the anchorage at Filiatro is sublime! There is an excellent restaurant called Kirki, we had a great time." These are the words of Pierre when he told me about his two-week cruise in the Ionian Islands.

Filiatro Bay is made up oftwo coves with very clear water. The Kirki restaurant is located in the South Cove, on Filiatro beach, and you can enjoy Greek and Mediterranean cuisine there.

Atheras

In the northwest of the island of Kefalonia, do as Jean-Luc did and drop anchor at Atheras beach. The bay is fairly well protected from the wind and the seabed is not very deep. Let yourself be charmed by the calm of this anchorage and, above all, go and try the fish and mussels on offer at Taverna Gialos!

Alaties beach

Located in the northwest of the island of Kefalonia, Alaties beach will amaze you with the uniqueness of its landscape. White rocks emerge from translucent azure water, providing a backdrop of dazzling colors. The seabed is rocky near the beach, but don't hesitate to anchor a little further out and return to shore in a dinghy. The Alati All-Day Mediterranean restaurant overlooks the bay and offers a fabulous view for lunch! Tested and approved by Mickaël and his friends during their week-long sailing itinerary in the Ionian Islands.

5. What sailing itineraries should you follow?

A yacht charter in Preveza offers you many sailing itinerary options in the Ionian Islands. You will need to adapt your sailing itinerary according to the period, the wind conditions and your crew.

Sailing itinerary of Jean-Luc: 8 days of sailing in the southern Ionian Islands (total distance: 128 nautical miles)

• Day 1: Preveza → Nidri, Lefkada (14 nautical miles)
• Day 2: Nidri → Meganisi (6 nautical miles)
• Day 3: Meganisi → Kalamos (19 nautical miles)
• Day 4: Kalamos → Kastos (5 nautical miles)
• Day 5: Kastos → Atokos (7 nautical miles)
• Day 6: Atokos → Kioni, Ithaca (7 nautical miles)
• Day 7: Kioni → Sami (17 nautical miles) → Vasiliki (21 nautical miles)
• Day 8: Vasiliki → Preveza (32 nautical miles)

Sailing itinerary from Istion Yachting: 7 days of cruising from the Istion base to Preveza (total distance: 167 nautical miles)

• Day 1: Préveza → Skorpios (17 nautical miles) → Vathi, Meganisi (3 nautical miles)
• Day 2: Vathi → Papanikoli Cave (7 nautical miles) → One House Bay (8 nautical miles) → Kioni (7 nautical miles)
• Day 3: Kioni -> Filiatro (6 nautical miles) -> Agia Eufimia (12 nautical miles)
• Day 4: Agia Eufimia → Agios Nikolaos (32 nautical miles)
• Day 5: Agios Nikolaos → Sami (30 nautical miles)
• Day 6: Sami → Sivota (23 nautical miles)
• Day 7: Sivota → Preveza (22 nautical miles)

6. What are the weather conditions?

In Greece, particularly in the western part, the dominant climate is Mediterranean. The winters are mild and the summers are hot and dry! The ideal time to enjoy the pleasant climate during your cruise is betweenApril andOctober.

During the summer period, the air temperature is bearable compared to other parts of Greece, as it varies between 20°C and 33°C. The sea temperature is around 25°C at the same time of year, making it very pleasant for swimming.

As for the winds, the Meltem, blowing from north to south, is less noticeable than in neighboring sailing areas such as the Cyclades or the Dodecanese. The Mistral, coming from the northwest, is also a familiar wind in the Mediterranean that you are likely to encounter. In summer, the wind rarely exceeds 18 knots. "In July, the sailing conditions are fairly calm. The thermal wind picks up in the afternoon, but remains fairly light," Pierre tells me . The thermal sea breeze picks up in the late morning or afternoon and will blow until the end of the day.

Acknowledgements

A big thank you to Jean-Luc, Pierre and Emmanuel, Filovent customers who did not hesitate to tell me about their cruise in the Ionian Islands from Lefkas and share their photos with me, which illustrate my article to perfection. I would also like to thank Konstantinos, our partner Istion Yachting, who shared valuable information, photos and sailing itineraries with me.