Lefkas Greece

[Renegade_Master]

I have just been reading the MBY article about the Ionian islands. It looks facinating cruising area. I friend then lent me a copy of PBO primarily to read the article about Ultrasound which is a bit more positive than most by the way.

Anyway I digress, PBO has an article about a couple moving their Grand Banks to Lefkas. They speak highly of the Marina. I must say looking at the google view of the Island the Marina looks very sheltered. And its pretty modern having been built in 2002

I would be very interested to hear from anyone with first hand experience of the Ionian as a cruising area, and about the marina at Lefkas.

Neither article seemed to mention whether the marina staff speak good english does anybody know? Also what are the Greek like on red tape, hopefully not a bad as the Spanish what with matriculation and all that.

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

It will be good if the Marina staff don't speak good English as you are suggesting, giving the opportunity to visitors to learn some Greek.

 

[Renegade_Master]

Hmm theres always one, does everybody bother to learn the language of every country they visit I wonder, ...maybe you do.....**** I've just realised the clue is in your modest name :~)

 

[hlb]

Super cruising area, cant think there can be anywhere better. Red tape might be a problem though.

Only charted yachts there, so cant speek about that, though you will find posts on live aboard about it.

 

[Lozzer]

Clive I lived and worked there in 1990 as a sailing instructor for Sunsail. I had a time of my life (thanks Sunsail)

The cruising ground is great, lovely anchorages and no need for long hops. The west side of Levkas was bleak, no marinas as I recall.

Also if I remember correctly there was either a sewage plant or rubbish dump up by the town of Levkas.

Nidri is a nice spot as well as Sivotta, Vassiliki and many of the little islands.

When I was there you used to get hassled if you went to close to the Onasis island.

As to learning greek in the season I was there all I could do was order dinner and beers... It is a funny language well worth avoiding to learn as it will be a waste of grey matter.

Regards

Lawrie

 

[blueglass]

We are based in Gouvia on Corfu and visit Levkas a lot - great cruising area. v laid back, inexpensive and the red tape is pretty well non existent. Most port police are just not interested. Other than half an hour registering and parting with 50 euros on first arrival into Greece have not been bothered since. As regards language - English, even if basic, is still No1 language. These are cosmopolitan waters and even if French German, Greek, Italian or Croatian, English is the common tongue.

 

[Renegade_Master]

Thanks guys for your input. Lozzer how could I forget you where there wiv Sunsail , Joe told me your other nickname earned whilst there :~) I have sent you a message on that facebook thingy, do come and see me new boat when your passing.

I have to say that the Marina looks very sheltered being right next too the mainland, as indeed confirmed in the PBO article by the GB couple. I may well consider taking Ocean Palm to Lefkas. I could then have a second home as it were, for certain months of the year, and do some crusiing. Only problem here is the lack of such an aresa cant do any island hopping.

Any further info from the panel would be appreciated.

 

[blueglass]

Just one other point you may want to consider re Levkas- check the flights availability. I think nearest airport is on the mainland at Preveza with lengthy transfer and not sure who serves it. Gouvia marina on Corfu however is run by same outfit and is a 20 euro taxi ride from Corfu airport. easyjet fly several times a week.

 

[blueglass]

incidentally suncoast I see you are currently in Duquesa do you know Brian and Lin on Plan B?
if so say hello from me!! ( Dave on Ortelius)

 

[Renegade_Master]

Hi Dave I certainly do know Brian and Lyn I will say Hello, where is Ortelius?

 

[Roger the Cabin Boy]

Regular charter flights into Preveza - Monarch, Thomascook, Thomson & others.

Transfer from Preveza to Lefkas Town is about 30 minutes - plenty of taxis service the airport.

Preveza is smaller, friendlier and immeasurably preferable to Corfu airport.

 

[blueglass]

Hi Dave I certainly do know Brian and Lyn I will say Hello, where is Ortelius?

Ortelius is in Gouvia, Corfu as per messages above! - bumped into Brian and Lyn many times around Normandy coast a few years ago and still keep in touch from time to time.

Can't rate the Ionian highly enough though - never intended to stay here we were en route for Istanbul and fell in love with it! any specific info I can help with let me know. We could do with a few more UK mobos out here - big sailing country - we are a bit outnumbered!

 

[Davy_S]

Just one other point you may want to consider re Levkas- check the flights availability. I think nearest airport is on the mainland at Preveza with lengthy transfer and not sure who serves it. Gouvia marina on Corfu however is run by same outfit and is a 20 euro taxi ride from Corfu airport. easyjet fly several times a week.

Whilst i agree with what you say, remember that Lefkas, can be reached from Kefalonia by a daily ferry from Fiskardo, so can Astakos from Sami, so a cheap flight deal plus ferry is also worth considering, also the seaplane lands at Lefkas.
Anyway Suncoast, it is a fantastic cruising area, park the boat outside a Taverna and the tide dont go out, it will still be there, smile at the Port Police, no problems.

 

[Medskipper]

Hi Clive,

My brother has been sailing this area for several years now. I have had many fantastic holidays sailing out of Lefkas and around the islands. It is the most beautiful area, I found it rather like the BVI but much closer to England! Prices are increasing there now, it was rather inexpensive a few years ago!

It is still not easy to get there from England, Preveza is the local airport, however it is a military base and commercial flights are only allowed after May and I think finish around Sept-Oct time. The only other way after that is to fly to Athens and then a 6 hours bus ride!

The Marina itself is good and the girls there do have a reasonable understanding of English.
There is anchorage around the area as well and I have anchored many times over night in some of the bays and coves, absolutely lovely.

All the best

Barry

p.s. I have now moved my boat from Chatham to Sant carles!