Lefkas Travel Information & Planning Guide

Find everything you need to prepare for your greek charter in Lefkas. From important base information to required documents for international travel, you can use this information as your guide before and during your charter. Don’t forget to pack a copy to take with you.

Plan

Before you go

Address

Lefkas Marina
East Shore Lefkada
311 00
Greece

Lefkas Marina is based near Lefkas Town, on the island of Lefkas on the west coast of Greece. Preveza airport is 45 minutes away. 

As you prepare for departure, please reference the Lefkas Cruising Guide to learn more about chartering in this destination.

Base hours
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm

Sat-Sun: 9am-6pm

Season: The base is open from early April to early November.

Time zone
GMT +2 hours (GMT +3 hrs from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Language
The official language in Greece is Greek and English.

Cost of living in Greece

Prices in Greece usually include service charges although it is normal to leave loose change as well.

What to bring

Passport and visas
Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return.  Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.

It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.

Customs + immigration
Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear immigration and customs.

Sailing licences

Click here to view the sailing requirements in Greece. 

The Greek Maritime Authorities have recently changed their sailing licence requirements for 2022 and 2023 and have confirmed that they will no longer accept the RYA Day Skipper qualification for Yacht Chartering in Greek waters.  

All RYA Day Skipper Qualification holders are able to convert their current qualification to the ICC (International Certificate of Competence) qualification. This can be done online through the RYA website or via a paper form which can be downloaded from the website and printed. If you are a RYA member, an ICC can be issued free of charge, please visit the website and complete the application form.  

The conversion period may take several weeks, therefore please plan ahead to ensure you receive the ICC certificate in time. The skipper must bring a physical copy of their sailing qualification – a photocopy or picture on a phone will not be accepted by the marine authorities. 

Why do I need a ICC with Sunsail when other companies don’t ask for it?

By Greek Law, Port Police officials require a ‘Solemn Declaration’ to be signed and presented on request alongside the official boat papers, stating that you hold the relevant qualifications to sail in their waters. With 40 years’ at the forefront of the sailing holidays industry, we pride ourselves on being the best. Our valued reputation is second to none and we conduct all operations with great diligence, and according to the current laws and regulations of each destination. This is why we ensure that you have the necessary qualifications and paperwork to fully enjoy every sailing destination, and that you are made aware of any clauses or terms and conditions that may affect your holiday.

To charter a yacht in Greece, there must be at least one certified skipper and one experienced crew member, both over 18 years old. The skipper should be competent at handling a yacht in close quarters, anchoring and mooring in varying conditions and be able to use navigation and pilotage skills to plan the day’s sailing and know your position at any time.  The Skipper should be accompanied by at least one crew member (First Mate) of “Competent Crew” level (ASA 103 or RYA Competent Crew Course) or a similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association.*  As a yacht skipper, you are required to have a sailing license or a certificate from a recognized sailing association AND/OR an ICC or IPC as detailed below:

Skipper is REQUIRED to have one (1) of the following: 
• US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course” or above 
• ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or above

• ICC (International Certificate of Competence) or above
• Or a similar/equivalent certification from any recognised sailing association

AND/OR

Skipper is REQUIRED to have one (1) of the following: 
• ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International – Prerequisites: RYA “Day Skipper Course” or similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association or complete the ICC Assessment form to prove competence from previous experience. 
• IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America – Prerequisites: ASA 104 or US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”

It is imperative that you bring these sailing certificates or sailing qualifications with you. You will not be able to sail without these papers, and failure to supply information in advance could delay your departure from the base. The sailing experience you provide on your booking confirmation is required as proof of sailing experience for the Greek Port Authorities. Please bring any sailing certificates or sailing qualifications with you. If you do not have a recognised certificate, you should obtain one before your departure. 

*If the First Mate does NOT have a sailing licence, they must fill out a Sunsail sailing cv to confirm that they have the necessary skills to sail in Greece aboard a Sunsail vessel.  They must also fill out a Declaration of Honour to provide a legal declaration to the Greek Port Authorities that said crew member is competent to crew aboard a chartered yacht. 

Luggage + packing list
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.

What’s on board

Cool Boxes
Coolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign for these and return them clean and undamaged otherwise they will be charged for replacement. Only one per boat.

Mobile phones
Coverage is good around the major towns on the mainland and on many islands. Main operators include Cosmote, Wind and Vodafone. Please check with your service provider for coverage details and call costs. You may need to activate international roaming on your contract. 

Music + iPods
All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your iPod whilst sailing you will need to bring along an iTrip or FM radio transmitter.

Drone
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-greece/ 

Electricity
The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. Electricity in Greece is 220 volts and uses the standard European 2-pin plug. In order to use electronic equipment that is 220 volts you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.

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Go

How to get there

Aktion-Preveza & Corfu Airport Facilities

• Bureau de change
• Buffet-style snack bars, a Restaurant (Corfu)
• A small duty-free shop

Transfers to Lefkas base:

From Aktion-Preveza Airport (PVK)
Located on the Greek mainland, Aktion is the closest airport, just 45 minutes from our base. It is served regularly by internal flights from Athens/Corfu, together with direct charter flights from the UK.

• Taxi: ~€45 (1–4 pax), €80 (5–8 pax), €120 (9–19 pax)
• Bus: ~€2 per person – check timetables at www.ktel-lefkadas.gr

From Corfu Airport (CFU)
There is no direct route to Lefkas, but it is possible via ferry and taxi.

• Taxi to ferry port: ~€20 (1–4 pax)
• Ferry to Igoumenitsa (2hr trip): ~€11 per person – Check timetables
• Taxi to Lefkas (2hr trip): ~€145 (1–4 pax), €230 (5–8 pax), €280 (9–19 pax)

From Athens Airport (ATH)
Approx. 4.5hr drive to Lefkas.

• Car rental: Available at airport
• Bus option:
  • Express bus X93 to main station: €6
  • Bus to Lefkas: ~€38 per person – Check times
• Taxi transfer: ~€490 (1–4 pax), €630 (5–8 pax), €870 (9–19 pax)

From Kefalonia Airport (EFL)
Travel via Fiscardo ferry port.

• Taxi to Fiscardo port: ~€100 (1–4 pax)
• Ferry to Lefkas (Nidri): ~€10 per person – Check schedule
• Taxi from Nidri to Lefkas base: ~€30 (1–4 pax)

Car parking 
Car parking is available at Lefkas Marina. 

Boarding time + checking out

On arrival
Your yacht will be ready at 6:00pm hrs for boarding. Chart and Boat briefings will be scheduled. The chart briefing describes the cruising area and any potential hazards.

The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is carried out individually for each yacht. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood. Briefings are mandatory.

Out of hours
A notice is placed on a board by the reception showing the location of the boat, cellphone number, facilities etc.  An emergency number will also be provided.

On departure
All charterers must return to base by 5:00 pm the night before disembarkation for debriefing and checks. Disembarkation is at 9:00 am the following morning.

Before departing your boat you will need to collect a debrief form from reception.
The debrief form is to let us know if you have encountered any problems with the boat or broken anything during the trip.  This enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.

In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and fridges of food and throw away, return snorkel gear and any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state.  We reserve the right to charge you for boats left less than shipshape.

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Sail

About the marina

Marina facilitiesLefkas Marina is situated by Lefkas Town. Facilities at the Marina include:

• Fuel station
• Electricity
• Water
• Supermarket
• Chandlery
• Restaurants, cafes and bars
• Toilets and showers available 24 hours a day
• Laundry and dryers
• Postal Services
• WIFI Internet  

Fuel 
Cost Guide 1.60 euro
Location: In the marina at the Sunsail base 

Sailing licenses

Experience required

Sailing experience level 1 – At least 5 days or 100 miles as skipper on an equivalent size yacht

Level 1 destinations offer the easiest, most forgiving sailing, ideal for novices and less experienced sailors. Lazy line mooring, line-of-sight navigation and calm conditions mean you won’t sail outside your comfort zone.

Qualifications required

ICC International Certificate of Competence

To sail in this destination, you’ll need an ICC qualification. Please note: The RYA Day Skipper qualification is not accepted in Greece at this time.

Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area.  Follow the link for more information on the sailing conditions.

Click here to view the sailing requirements in Greece.

Sailing grounds

Skippered charter information
The skipper’s time is booked from 12:00pm to 12:00pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved him for the first day of your charter and have a 6:00pm start, he will use this time to ensure he is happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you have reserved him for a later date on your charter he will start at 12:00pm on that day.

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of his contract with you.

For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 6:00pm to 6:00pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day. This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. It is suggested that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his time with you on the yacht. It is also suggested that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover…anchoring, docking, etc.

The skipper will be required to give you as much information as you require concerning the yacht and its systems, sailing skills and navigation in general.

The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and is the responsibility of the client. It is suggested that you discuss this on the first day with the skipper and establish whether you will give the skipper cash for meals, whether you have included him in your provisioning or whether you will accommodate him as part of the group for meals ashore.

The skipper must have his own cabin. We prefer not to put the skipper in the bow due to the shared heads and size of the cabin. If you expect him to stay in the bow, please let us know well in advance so that we can choose the appropriate (small) skipper.
For one-day check out skippers it is the client’s responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back to the base.

The average tip for a skipper is 15 to 20 percent of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at the client’s discretion.
More information on Skippered Charter options.

Download Sunsail’s Lefkas Cruising Guide here.

Sailing area restrictions
This information is covered in the chart briefing.

Night sailing
Night sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.

Charts + pilot books
Charts and pilot books will be aboard the yacht. 

Sailing permits + taxes
In Greece it is essential that we have all of the following details in advance: Full name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality and passport no. /ID card no for every member of your crew so that your boat papers can be prepared. You will not be able to sail without these papers, and failure to supply information in advance could delay your departure from the base.

Please bring any RYA certificates or other sailing qualifications with you.

Moorings fees + taxes
Greece does levy mooring fees in some harbors, and these are not included in the price of the charter. The charges are fairly minimal and are usually around £5 to £15 per night. Marina prices are considerably higher, between £25 to £45 per night depending on the size of your yacht.

If you stop free of charge at a private jetty it is expected that you will eat at that taverna.
Shower facilities are available at most restaurants for a small charge.

Health + safety

Illness or injury 
If you are taken ill and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact a member of Sunsail staff as soon as possible on either a lead boat or at a Sunsail base.

Swim Safe 

Swimming is often a fun and important part of a holiday. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board. 

Children

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a holiday, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on holiday, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended. 
• Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.

Be aware of your surroundings

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted. 
• Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.

Look out for others

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.

Do not overestimate your ability

• Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.
• Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use this equipment during your holiday. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding – If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing. 

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.  

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck. 

Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy. 

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Eat

Provisioning

Pre-ordered provisioning is NOT possible in Lefkas, however, we have plenty of local options to support you upon arrival.

There is an onsite mini market that will deliver your shopping directly to your yacht at no extra cost or you can visit one of the larger supermarkets in town.

Supermarkets

There is a super market in the marina that guests can do their shopping on arrival, and they deliver to the yachts. There are also some mini and super markets open on Sundays, especially during high season, but they don’t deliver to the yachts. Grocery shops, mini-markets and bakeries are available on all the islands, so we recommend guests not to buy too much (especially when the weather is hot) and restock during the week.

Hotels

Restaurants
There is a good choice of tavernas and restaurants throughout our cruising areas, local Sunsail staff will advise you of their whereabouts. See some suggested restaurants below:

At the Marina:

• Ianos – Home Page – tel: +30 26450 22217

Nearby options:

• Ionion Star hotel – Ionion Star Hotel Lefkada Official Website – Book Now . – tel: +30 26450 24762 – e-mail: info@ionion-star.gr
• Pirofani hotel – Pirofani, Lefkada, Lefkas Town, Greece – tel: +30 26450 25844 – e-mail: pirofanibooking@yahoo.gr
• Solvio Hotel – Solvio Boutique Hotel & Spa: Luxury Getaway in Lefkada – Unforgettable Retreat – tel: +30 6970353545 – e-mail: hotelsolvio@gmail.com
• Porto Galini – Porto Galini Seaside Resort and Spa Lefkada, Greece – tel: +30 26450 93290 – e-mail: welcome@portogalini.gr
• Crystal Waters – https://crystalwaters.gr/ – tel: +30 26450 72383 – e-mail: info@crystalwaters.gr
• Club Vass – Club Vass | Windsurfing & Watersports Holidays In Greece

Tipping
Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants/bars and for other services undertaken during your holiday. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15% of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this to the bill.

Tip according to the quality of service.

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Shop

Around the base

Currency
Money changing facilities are present in the majority of towns, although, they are not that readily available off the beaten track. Money changing should be done either with cash or by travelers’ checks, Euro checks and credit cards are rarely accepted, with most local tavernas accepting only cash.

Please note: base is unable to accept cash or personal checks, and cannot give cash back on credit or debit (Switch/Delta) cards.

Credit card information
Traveller’s checks and credit cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops.
Please Note: Bases are unable to accept personal checks and cannot give cash back on credit or debit (Switch/Delta) cards.  

Banking
ATM machines are available in Levkas Town, Fiscardo, Nidri, Sami, Vathy, Ithaca, and Paleros.

Banking hours are Monday-Thursday 08:00am-14:30pm, and Friday 08:00am-14:00pm.
Banks on the larger islands tend to stay open in the afternoon and some during the evening to offer currency exchange facilities during the tourist season.

There are no limits on the amount you can take in or out of the country, but the exchange rate is often more favourable in Greece. Money changing facilities are present in the majority of towns, although, they are not that readily available off the beaten track. Money changing should be done either with cash or by travellers’ checks.

Shopping
Shops in Greece tend to be open from 9am-1pm and then in the evening, after siesta, from 5pm-8pm.

Special purchases include lace, jewellery, metalwork, pottery, garments and knitwear, flokati rugs, leather goods, local wines and spirits. Athens is the centre for luxury and designer goods and local handicrafts.

Regional specialities include silver from Ioannina, ceramics from Sifnos and Skopelos, embroidery and lace from Crete, the Ionian Islands, Rhodes and Skiros, alabaster from Crete and flokati rugs from the Epirus region.
Visitors should be aware that many ‘antiques’ sold to tourists are fake; it is illegal to export any item of real antiquity without a special permit from the Export Department of the Ministry of Culture.

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Play

Things to do

Car and Jeep Hire
Car hire is available throughout Greece -all international rental companies are available.

Walking
This area is astonishingly beautiful, notably inland where hill villages nestle in lush pine forests.  Levkas is renowned for its magnificent mountainous backdrops for the more hardy walker!

Water toys + sports

Fishing
Sea fishing is possible from the shores, from boats and even underwater, and is allowed almost everywhere without a permit.

Standup paddleboards
The newest way to experience the water. Experience gliding on the water’s surface; this is as close as it gets to ‘walking on water’ and is suitable for all ages.

Diving and Snorkelling

Scuba diving in Lefkas offers clear Ionian waters, underwater caves, and colourful reefs teeming with marine life. With calm seas and varied dive sites, it’s great for all experience levels
Diving is not permitted directly from our yachts under any circumstances. Diving must only take place through reputable, certified dive operators using their own boats and equipment.

There are a few diving schools in the area.
Lefkas Diving Centre +30 26450 72105
Fiscardo Diving in Kefalonia +30 6970 20 6172

We have a range of fins available in various different sizes. You will find them in cockpit lockers in each yacht. We do have limited children’s sizes therefore we recommend bringing your own to avoid disappointment. Please note that we do not provide snorkelling masks or snorkels onboard.

When snorkelling, the diving flag and buoy should be deployed and visible to all passing nearby
Swim vests should be worn at all times whilst snorkelling
One person should remain out of the water, keeping watch of the others in the water

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For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here.