Corinth Canal: Sailing from Lefkada to Athens

From the Ionian to the Aegean

Join us on a cruise that combines the best of the Ionian Islands with the exceptional experience of sailing through the Corinth Canal – a narrow, steep-walled waterway that separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece and connects two seas. It is one of the most iconic waterways in the world.

The route begins in Lefkada and follows the west coast via Preveza, the deep fjord-like bay of Vathy on Ithaca and the Venetian port of Fiskardo on Kefalonia. From there we head through the Gulf of Patras under the Rion–Antirion Bridge to historic Messolonghi, with a possible stop in the Venetian port of Nafpaktos. The last day before the canal is spent in atmospheric Galaxidi, followed by the highlight of the cruise – the transit of the Corinth Canal into the Saronic Gulf and arrival at Alimos Marina in Athens.

What you will learn

Highlights

• The Corinth Canal. The grand finale: you sail a narrow cut between sheer rock walls tens of metres high.
• Ithaca – Vathy. Anchor in a deep, fjord-like bay on the island Odysseus set out from.
• Fiskardo, Kefalonia. Venetian houses, fishing boats and one of the most picturesque harbours in the Ionian Sea.
• Messolonghi and Nafpaktos. Sail under the Rion–Antirion Bridge to Messolonghi, where Lord Byron died, and stop at the walled Venetian harbour of Nafpaktos.
• Galaxidi. Sea captains’ mansions and a quiet waterfront – your last evening before the big finale in the canal.

Join with your own boat

You can book a place on board as an individual, or join our flotilla with your own boat and crew. In that case you are responsible for your boat and crew yourselves, but you have an experienced NYS instructor who plans each leg for you and helps wherever needed. Ideal for sailors with skippering experience who would rather not take on such a long one-way route alone.

Mile-building cruises with NYS

Mile-building cruises are a core part of sail training at NYS Sailing School, an RYA Training Centre. We choose each destination for what you will learn there – and this route across Greece combines open sea, night passages and unique navigation through a narrow canal.