The largest of the Ionian islands, Kefalonia pairs dramatic mountain scenery with some of the most beautiful anchorages in Greece — making a yacht charter in Kefalonia one of the finest ways to explore the southern Ionian at your own pace.
Rising to Mount Ainos, a national forest park and the highest peak in the Ionian at 1,628 m, the island is essentially four interconnected peninsulas ringed by a deeply indented coastline of sheltered bays. Rich woodlands and extensive vineyards — the source of Kefalonia's celebrated Robola wine — have been renowned since antiquity. Steady summer breezes, short hops between harbours and a mix of buzzing towns and quiet coves make it ideal for both first-time charterers and seasoned sailors.
Why sail around Kefalonia
- Reliable, moderate Ionian summer breezes that suit relaxed cruising and families
- Short, scenic passages between Argostoli, Sami, Fiskardo, Assos and Poros
- World-class anchorages — Myrtos, Antisamos and the cypress-fringed coves around Fiskardo
- Well-equipped marinas and refuelling stations at Argostoli, Sami, Fiskardo, Agia Efimia, Lixouri and Poros
- Easy links to Ithaca, Lefkada and Zakynthos for a longer Ionian itinerary
- Rich food and wine culture ashore — Robola vineyards, local honey and mandoles nougat
Harbours and anchorages
Argostoli and the Paliki peninsula
On the small Fanari peninsula, tucked into a sheltered bay, sits the island's capital and main harbour, Argostoli. Rebuilt after the catastrophic 1953 earthquake, it is a lively modern town with large squares, the paved Lithostroto shopping street and picturesque neighbourhoods. Don't miss the Katavothres sink holes at the harbour entrance, where seawater vanishes into clefts in the rock and reappears near Karavomylos. Across the water on the Paliki peninsula lies Lixouri, the island's second town, with good beaches nearby at Lepeda and red-sand Xi. Lovely swimming near the capital is found at Platys and Makrys Gialos.
Sami, Agia Efimia and the caves
Northeast of Argostoli, Sami is the island's main ferry port and a well-serviced town with tavernas, shops and good beaches at Antisamos and Agia Paraskevi. Nearby are two of Kefalonia's natural highlights: the Melissani lake-cave with its luminous blue-green waters, and the Drogarati cave with its impressive stalactites and remarkable acoustics. A little further north, Agia Efimia offers a pretty harbour and pebble beach where sailing yachts and excursion craft moor before day trips to the beaches of the northeast coast.
Fiskardo, Assos and Myrtos
At the northern tip of the Erissos peninsula, Fiskardo is the island's most celebrated port — the only village left unscathed by the 1953 earthquake, with restored traditional houses, a yacht marina and seaside tavernas set among cypress woods. To the south, Assos perches on a narrow isthmus beneath the ruins of a sixteenth-century Venetian castle, and just below it lies Myrtos, one of the loveliest pebble beaches in all of Greece.
Poros and the south
On the east coast, Poros is a verdant harbour town with a marina and plenty of moorings, close to the medieval Venetian fort of St George and the island's oldest monastery, the Mother of God of Atros. Further south, Skala and the gulf of Katelios offer golden-sand beaches, Roman-era mosaics and the remains of a Doric temple of Apollo.
Sail Kefalonia and the southern Ionian
Bareboat, skippered or crewed — our team matches the right yacht to your dates, crew and route.
When to sail Kefalonia
Warm days, quiet anchorages and light-to-moderate breezes — ideal for relaxed early-season cruising.
Hot, settled weather and the liveliest harbours. Book early and secure moorings ahead in Fiskardo.
Warm sea, thinning crowds and steady sailing — many charterers' favourite time in the Ionian.
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Kefalonia yacht charter FAQ
Where can I charter a yacht in Kefalonia?
Yachts are based at and around Argostoli, the island's main harbour, with additional moorings and refuelling at Sami, Fiskardo, Agia Efimia, Lixouri and Poros. Depending on availability, we can also position a boat from nearby Ionian bases such as Lefkada, Zakynthos or the mainland.
Do I need a licence to rent a boat in Kefalonia?
For a bareboat charter you need a valid sailing or powerboat licence and some logged experience. If you don't hold a licence, or simply prefer to relax, we can supply a professional skipper who knows Ionian waters.
What are the best anchorages around Kefalonia?
Highlights include Fiskardo and its cypress-fringed coves in the north, Assos below its Venetian castle, Myrtos Bay, Antisamos near Sami, and the sheltered harbours of Agia Efimia and Poros. Neighbouring Ithaca is an easy day sail away.
What is the sailing weather like in Kefalonia?
The Ionian enjoys moderate summer breezes that are gentler than the Aegean meltemi, usually building in the afternoon and easing overnight. This makes Kefalonia comfortable for families and less experienced crews, while still offering enjoyable sailing.
How many days do I need to sail around Kefalonia?
A week lets you circle the island at a relaxed pace and add a night or two on Ithaca. With ten days or more you can extend to Lefkada, Meganisi and Zakynthos for a fuller southern Ionian itinerary.
Can I combine Kefalonia with other Ionian islands?
Yes. Kefalonia sits at the heart of the southern Ionian, within comfortable sailing distance of Ithaca, Lefkada, Meganisi and Zakynthos, so it works well as either a start point or a stop on a wider island-hopping route.
