Kefalonia Flotilla, Ionian Greece
A flotilla sailing holiday in Greece from our Ionian flotilla base in Sami on the island of Kefalonia is a fantastic way for friends and family to explore the incredibly beautiful Ionian islands with a few other yachts for company and the support of our fabulous team.
It’s our own small flotilla, we offer great value and you’re free to plot your own course during the day, and our own friendly lead crew will help you when and where it’s most needed, including choosing the best tavernas.
For a 2nd week try a Beach Club holiday.
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Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a beginner, a flotilla sailing holiday in Kefalonia is a fantastic way to discover the beauty of the Ionian Islands. Join a flotilla and sail with a group of like-minded individuals, or charter your own yacht and explore at your own pace. Whichever option you choose, you’re guaranteed an authentic Greek island experience filled with adventure and relaxation.
One person onboard will need some previous yacht sailing experience and a valid practical sailing qualification. But don’t worry, the flotilla skipper is always on hand to give advice and encouragement along the way – particularly with that parking bit!
It’s fantastic value, and our small, well-maintained fleet of flotilla yachts are ready to set sail and discover the nearby Ionian islands of Ithaki, Lefkas, Meganisi, Kalamos and Kastos to name but a few.
The Highlights
- Our own Flotilla (we’re not agents)
- Small flotilla fleet 7 yachts
- 1 FREE Stand up Paddle board
- 1 FREE tank of fuel
- Friendly lead crew
- Great company
- Light breezes
- Traditional harbours
- Easy short daily hops
- No tides
What’s included
- Fully equipped yacht, bed linen and comprehensive starter pack
- 7 nights onboard / 6 days sailing
- Comprehensive arrival yacht briefing/practice sessions
- Daily weather updates and advice
- Lead crew support
- Tender with oars
- 1 Free SUP
- 1 Free tank of fuel
- Yacht cleaning at end
ATOL protected flights & transfers now available on request
The Central Ionian Flotilla route
Fair winds and short sailing distances make the Ionian islands in Greece an ideal location for those seeking a more relaxed sailing holiday with countless inlets, bays and harbours to visit – brilliant fun with your inclusive Stand Up Paddle Board. We’ll visit other islands of Lefkas, Ithaca, Kalamos and Megannissi to name but a few.
Kefalonia Flotilla Gallery
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Our Yachts on Flotilla
Great yachts, immaculately presented with a starter pack and a free SUP & tank of fuel
What our guests say…
KEFALONIA FLOTILLA DETAILS
Special Offers
Nothing at the moment !
CHEAP FLIGHTS from £180pp return (various UK airports)
or call 01548 288459 / info@beyondbeach.com
Note – offers subject to terms and conditions and not applicable to existing bookings.
Yachts & Prices
Yacht specs, prices & discounts
What’s included
- Fully equipped yacht, bed linen and comprehensive starter pack
- 7 nights onboard
- Comprehensive arrival yacht briefing/practice sessions
- Daily weather updates and advice
- Support of a lead crew
- Tender with oars
- 1 FREE Stand up Paddle board
- 1 FREE tank of fuel
- Yacht cleaning at end
What’s not included
- Flights & Transfers – We can book these for you as part of an ATOL protected package
- Towels
- Personal expenditure
- Extra fuel used, mooring fees, gas & water refills
- Security Deposit (see yacht prices)
- Day refresher (£225 per day)
- Skipper onboard if required (£195 per day)
- Sami Port fees – €40 total for first and last night
Itinerary
Our fabulous route for summer 2026
Our routes are 1 week long itineraries and explore the beautiful central and southern Ionian islands from our yacht base in Kefalonia.
Our yacht fleet and prices are the same for both itineraries, and both have minimal mooring fees along the way (40 euros per week).
Sheltered line-of-sight sailing and an easy itinerary with short island-hopping distances make this cruising area perfect for those looking for a less demanding sailing holiday. An abundance of stunningly clear water inlets, protected bays to anchor in and quaint harbour towns to explore.
About the local area
Kefalonia is one of a group of islands on the western side of Greece in the Ionian Sea. It is the largest of the Ionian islands and boasts the third-highest mountain range in Greece. Parts of the island are now national parks, home to wild horses, golden eagles and other protected flora and fauna.
Ionian Flotilla Map
Qualifications required
What qualifications do I need?
To charter a yacht in Greece as part of a flotilla or independently you will need a qualified skipper on board, and a competent crew member. The ICC ( International Certificate of Competence ) is probably the best ticket to have as it is widely recognised by the authorities here on the islands. This, or the Day Skipper practical certificates are the minimum required.
Feeling a bit rusty?
Many of our guests sometimes feel their skills aren’t quite ship-shape when they arrive for their flotilla holiday. After the morning briefing on day 1, there is the opportunity to practise your mooring skills under the guidance of a skipper/instructor.
Day refresher is £225 per day (Skipper hops off at the end of the day / subject to staff availability)
Skipper on Board
If you think you would like to sit back and relax and let someone else take responsibility for the week ahead then a skipper can join you on board.
Skipper on board is £195 per day (Skipper requires own cabin / subject to staff availability)
Food
Experience the Sailing… and the food!
You’ll experience some amazing Greek food whilst on a flotilla, from classic Greek kitchen dishes cooked by local chefs, seasonal salads, mind-blowing tomatoes and freshly grilled sardines, pork chops and club sandwiches – the food in Kefalonia and the other Ionian Islands on a flotilla holiday is delicious and very reasonably priced.
When it comes to wine, there are 48 varieties of grape grown locally and some very fine internationally recognised wines to try, along with some fantastic Hellenic beers, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Wander along from your mooring and you’ll be sure to find coffee and fresh pastries for breakfast, plus pop into one of the great little mini-markets to stock up your yacht fridge for some lunchtime treats on anchor somewhere.
Both our yacht bases in Sami and in Lixouri have an excellent selection of mini-markets, bakeries and other shops available for buying provisions at the start of your flotilla week. If you happen to be in Lixouri, be sure to pay a visit to I-Scream Ice cream parlour on the left-hand side of the town square – you won’t be disappointed!
Flights & Transfers
Our yacht base in Sami is quick and easy to get to, with a reasonable flight time of 3hrs from the UK and many regional departure airport options direct to Kefalonia Airport. The transfer is approximately 60 minutes.
We do not include flights & transfers in our list prices as we offer a bespoke holiday experience and some guests prefer to organise their own travel itinerary.
Our Expert Travel Planners
Many guests do however choose to take advantage of our travel planner to book their flights & transfers with us for the peace of mind of an ATOL protected holiday and of course for the added convenience.
You can choose to :
- Book your ATOL protected flights with us
- Pre-book your arrival transfer with us for an airport meet & greet and onward travel
- Pre-book your departure transfer with us for a hassle free end to your holiday
Our ATOL license 12803 ensures that with a flight-inclusive package you will be looked after in case we have to cancel your holiday or leave you stranded overseas due to any company financial difficulties. It ensures you will receive a full refund for all aspects of your holiday and/or be repatriated.
Booking flights through us incurs a £25 ATOL fee.
Destination – Kefalonia Airport Greece (EFL).
Flight Requirements – changeover day usually Thursday
Transfer Details – a taxi or minibus takes 60 minutes for the scenic drive from the airport to the Sami Harbour and vice-versa
4-8 people in a mini-bus one-way £95 total including meet & greet
1-4 people in a taxi one-way £70 total including meet & greet
What we say…
It’s a good idea to pre-book an arrival transfer and be met at the airport for a stress-free arrival, as the airport is often quite hectic.
FAQs
Drop us a line if you can’t find your answer…
What qualifications do we need to be able to go on Flotilla?
We require a minimum IYT Flotilla Skipper, RYA Day Skipper Practical, or an (ICC) or equivalent experience as skipper of a similar size boat in tidal or non-tidal waters. If you have never sailed in the Med before we strongly recommend our refresher course (staff availability dependent) to go over specific harbour and mooring techniques used here or take our ICC test out here in Greece.
Where does the flotilla depart from and return to?
For 2025, our flotillas are operating from Sami, Kefalonia which is on the eastern side of the island. Sami is a great little harbour with a beach just over the harbour wall from where your yacht will be moored. In town there are plenty of tavernas and restaurants aswell as supermarkets for obtaining provisions.
What time do we need to be in Sami?
Your boat will be ready for you from 15:00 onwards. Please note that it will not be possible for you to board before this time. However, if you are in Sami early it’s always nice to relax in a taverna and pop to the supermarket for holiday supplies. Do not worry if your flight is late on the Thursday, you will not be departing Sami until Friday morning after the morning briefing.
What extra costs are there when we are out in Greece?
Flights to and from the UK, transfers and personal expenditure.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS AND TRANSFERS WITH US! We take all the hassle out of finding and booking suitable flights and transfers for our holidays, giving you an ATOL protected package.
DEPOSIT / DAMAGE WAIVER The following must be paid in Greece:
- (For yachts 37 foot or under) Non-refundable damage waiver of £150 per yacht per week paid as part of you final balance
- (For yachts over 38 foot) a £2,000 / 2,330€ Yacht Security Deposit per yacht, this will be held on your credit card, taken on arrival to your yacht
- For all yachts, extra fuel used above the inclusive tank provided (it’s very rare to use extra fuel and we encourage our guests to sail more than motor for the environment). This is payable in cash at the end of your trip. We charge fuel at the pump rate when re-filling at the end of the charter
- Mooring fees (approx 40€ for the week)
There is also the option of booking a skipper on board (If available) for £195 per day.
What is the deposit/damage waiver for?
For yachts 37 foot or under on flotilla:
There is a non-refundable damage waiver of £150 per yacht per week. This means that you are not liable for any big bill at the end of the week. The waiver is payable as part of your final balance.
For yachts over 37 foot on Flotilla:
There is a refundable security deposit of £2,000 which is to cover any loss or damage to the yacht whilst under charter. This held on your credit card on your arrival to the yacht.
For All Charter Yachts:
There is a refundable security deposit of £2,500 which is to cover any loss or damage to the yacht whilst under charter. This held on your credit card on your arrival to the yacht.
How much does it cost to moor each night?
Not a lot. Only Sami (on Kefalonia) uses a tariff system that can cost approx 20 euros a night. Other places are normally only a few euros if anything.
How much is yacht fuel each week?
We include 1 tank of fuel which is generally enough for the week. Any extra fuel used we charge fuel at the pump rate when re-filling. This has varied dramatically over the last few years and is approximately €1.5 per litre.
Do you supply charts and pilot books etc?
Yes, we supply the relevant charts and local pilot books for you. However, many guests bring their own as a keep sake. (Ours tend to get dropped in the water 100s of times!)
What about yacht cleaning at the end of the week, bed linen and towels?
Yacht cleaning is included in the holiday price, along with yacht linen. We do not provide towels, so please bring bathroom and swimming towels with you.
Is there a hairdryer on board?
No. If you choose to bring a hairdryer, you will only able to use your hairdryer when it is plugged into a mains socket in a building. The shore power connection for our yachts is low voltage, so a high power item like a hairdryer can blow the fuses for the entire pontoon!
We are doing a 2 week flotilla Holiday. What happens on change over day?
You will return to Sami with the flotilla for two nights, with the Thursday spent all day in port. A great chance to explore Sami and the surrounding areas or hire a car and explore the many wonders of Kefalonia.
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ENQUIRY FORMAbout a Flotilla Sailing Holiday in the Ionian islands
Kefalonia is one of a group of islands on the western side of Greece in the Ionian sea. It is the largest of the Ionian islands and boasts the third highest mountain range in Greece. Parts of the island are now national parks, home to wild horses, golden eagles and other protected flora and fauna.
The Ionian Islands in Greece are a popular destination for sailing holidays. With their crystal-clear waters, picturesque harbors, and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Islands offer a perfect setting for a relaxing and diverse sailing experience.
One of the best ways to explore the Ionian Islands is by joining a flotilla. A flotilla is a group of boats that sail together, led by an experienced skipper. It provides a great opportunity to meet like-minded sailing enthusiasts and enjoy the camaraderie of a shared adventure.
When you join a flotilla in the Ionian Islands, you can expect a well-planned itinerary that takes you to the most beautiful and interesting destinations in the region. From the charming town of Sami to the secluded bays of Megannissi and the famous Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos, there is something for everyone.
Sailing in a flotilla also offers the advantage of having a support team on hand. The lead skipper and the flotilla crew are there to assist you with any technical issues or questions you may have during your trip. This ensures a stress-free and enjoyable sailing experience.
In addition to the sailing aspect, a flotilla holiday in the Ionian Islands allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine. You can explore traditional Greek villages, sample delicious local dishes, and experience the warm hospitality of the Greek people.
Whether you are an experienced sailor or a beginner, a flotilla holiday in the Ionian Islands is a fantastic way to unwind and explore the beauty of Greece. So, pack your bags, set sail, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Ionian Sea.
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