The Plan
Three weeks aboard Good Vibrations, sailing from Vrboska, Hvar down the Dalmatian coast, through Dubrovnik, across to Corfu, and deep into the Ionian Islands of Greece — then back again. Two overnight passages to mark the transitions. A week of Ionian exploration with guests. And plenty of quiet anchorages, swimming stops, and taverna dinners.
📅 Key Dates
- June 16 — Depart Vrboska
- June 18 — Overnight stop: Dubrovnik
- June 19–20 — Overnight Passage 1: Croatia → Corfu
- June 22 — Arrive Lefkada/Ionian area
- June 23 — Pick up guests at Preveza airport
- June 30 — Drop guests at Preveza, farewell
- July 2–3 — Overnight Passage 2: Corfu → Dubrovnik
- July 6 — Arrive home, Vrboska 🎉
🗺️ Destinations
- Korčula, Mljet, Dubrovnik (Croatia)
- Corfu, Paxos & Antipaxos (NW Greece)
- Lefkada & Meganisi
- Ithaka (Homer's island)
- Fiskardo & Kefalonia
- Porto Katsiki, Sivota, Atokos
- Lopud, Mljet, Korčula (return)
⚓ Accommodation Split
- 13 nights at anchor — free, peaceful, scenic
- 7 nights in harbour — showers, provisions, restaurants
- 2 nights at sea — the adventure
- Target: max 1/3 harbour nights ✓
👥 Crew
- Gunnar & Dóra — full voyage
- Daughter & husband — June 23–30
- Preveza/Aktion Airport (PVK)
- Pickup & dropoff at Preveza marina
Day 1
Monday, June 16
Vrboska, Hvar → Korčula Town
- Depart Vrboska early morning, east along Hvar island
- 🏊 Swim stop at Badija Island — Franciscan monastery, sandy beach, crystal-clear water
- Afternoon arrival into Korčula's stunning medieval harbour
- Evening: Walk the old town walls, visit the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo
- Dinner ashore at a waterfront konoba
🌙 Overnight: Korčula Town harbour (harbour night)
🧭 Navigation tip: Approach from the east channel. Marina Korčula has easy berthing for a 55ft vessel.
💨 Wind: NW Maestral typically 10-15kt in afternoon. Comfortable beam reach from Hvar.
Day 2
Tuesday, June 17
Korčula Town → Polače, Mljet
- Morning departure, sail west along Korčula island then south through Mljet channel
- 🏊 Swim stop at Okuklje Bay — sheltered turquoise cove on east Mljet
- Anchor in Polače Bay inside Mljet National Park — Roman ruins on the shore
- Explore the famous salt lakes by dinghy or walk
- Quiet evening at anchor — this is one of the most peaceful anchorages in Croatia
🌙 Overnight: Polače Bay, Mljet National Park (anchor)
🧭 Navigation tip: Anchor in 4-8m, good holding sand/mud. Polače has a small quay for dinghies and a national park entrance nearby.
💨 Wind: Light to moderate NW. Mljet channel is well sheltered.
Day 3
Wednesday, June 18
Mljet → Dubrovnik
- Morning sail east, passing the Elafiti islands
- 🏊 Lunch anchor at Šipan island — beautiful olive groves and a quiet bay
- Afternoon arrival Dubrovnik — ACI Marina or Gruž harbour
- Afternoon: Walk the legendary old city walls (2km, breathtaking views)
- Evening: Stradun promenade, dinner in the old town — a true bucket-list night
🌙 Overnight: ACI Marina Dubrovnik or Gruž (harbour night)
🧭 Navigation tip: Book marina in advance for June. Alternatively anchor off Cavtat (10nm south) for a quieter, cheaper option if Dubrovnik is full.
💨 Wind: Can be gusty approaching Dubrovnik. Watch for Bora squalls off the mountains.
Day 4
Thursday, June 19
Dubrovnik → Cavtat (overnight departure)
- Short morning sail south to Cavtat — beautiful bay, charming Venetian town
- Afternoon: Rest, provision, fuel, weather briefing for the overnight passage
- Early dinner, short nap — depart 21:00–22:00 for the big overnight
- 🌟 OVERNIGHT PASSAGE BEGINS — Cavtat to Corfu, ~155 nautical miles
- Watch system: 3-hour watches. Expect arrival in Corfu late Friday afternoon
🌙 Overnight: Underway — overnight passage to Corfu
🧭 Navigation tip: Cavtat anchorage: 3–6m, clear water, good holding. Check weather carefully — ideal conditions are NW 10-15kt or calm. The route passes through international waters and the Corfu Channel.
💨 Wind: Check forecast carefully. Etesian (Meltemi) not yet strong in June — usually pleasant conditions for this passage.
- 🌙 Night 1 at sea — your first overnight offshore passage
- Route: SSW from Cavtat, past the Albanian coast well offshore, into the Corfu Channel
- Spectacular stargazing in open water — no light pollution
- Watch system: 3 hours on, 3 hours off (2 people = each stands two watches per night)
- 🌅 Dawn at sea — one of sailing's great experiences
- Arrive Corfu Channel mid-to-late afternoon, Friday
🧭 Navigation tip: AIS is your friend — commercial traffic in the Corfu Channel. Ionian VHF Ch16. Keep Albania 12nm to port to stay in international waters. If wind is absent, motor-sail at 6-7kts to arrive before dark.
Day 5
Friday, June 20
Corfu Channel → Corfu Town
- 🎉 Welcome to Greece! — arrive Corfu after your first offshore passage
- Rest, shower, celebrate with a cold Fix beer
- Corfu Old Town: UNESCO World Heritage — stunning Venetian architecture, two fortresses
- Evening: Liston promenade, excellent Greek food, legendary hospitality
- Early night — well deserved!
🌙 Overnight: Gouvia Marina or Old Port, Corfu (harbour night)
🧭 Navigation tip: Gouvia Marina (5nm north of Corfu Town) is well-equipped and easy. Corfu Old Port is atmospheric but can be crowded.
💨 Wind: Rest day. Let the crew recover.
Day 6
Saturday, June 21
Corfu → Paxos
- Morning departure south, beautiful sail through the turquoise Ionian
- 🏊 Antipaxos — one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Anchor off Voutoumi Beach: white sand, impossibly blue water. Swim, lunch, linger.
- Afternoon sail to Paxos — tiny, enchanting island covered in ancient olive groves
- Anchor at Lakka Bay (north Paxos) — stunning horseshoe bay
- Evening: Walk to Lakka village for dinner at a classic Greek taverna
🌙 Overnight: Lakka Bay, Paxos (anchor)
🧭 Navigation tip: Antipaxos is best in the morning before charter fleets arrive. Voutoumi is exposed to NW — if swell, prefer Vrika beach on the west side. Lakka: anchor in 3-6m, excellent holding.
💨 Wind: Typically NW 10-20kt, perfect broad reach south from Corfu.
Day 7
Sunday, June 22
Paxos → Nidri/Lefkada
- Early departure — longer day to position for tomorrow's guest pickup
- 🏊 Swim stop at Sivota (mainland coast) — spectacular turquoise lagoon, one of the most beautiful anchorages in Greece
- Through Preveza narrows and into the Lefkada Channel — beautiful inland sea feel
- Anchor in Dessimi Bay or Vlicho Bay, south Lefkada — sheltered, scenic, peaceful
- Final evening just the two of you — prepare the boat for guests tomorrow
🌙 Overnight: Dessimi Bay, Lefkada (anchor)
🧭 Navigation tip: Sivota (mainland) has a small beach taverna — excellent fresh fish. Dessimi: anchor in 4-8m, sand, beautiful surroundings.
💨 Wind: NW 15-20kt. Good sailing day. Pass through Preveza narrows (VHF Ch16, straightforward).
Day 8
Monday, June 23
Dessimi, Lefkada → Preveza → Meganisi
- Morning: Drive or taxi to Preveza/Aktion Airport to collect your daughter and son-in-law 🎉
- Return to boat, short orientation, settle in, cold drinks on deck
- Afternoon sail to Meganisi — lush, unspoiled island
- 🏊 Swim at Papageorges Cove (Number 7 Bay) — dramatic limestone cliffs
- Anchor at Vathy, Meganisi — intimate harbour with excellent tavernas
- Welcome dinner ashore — first taste of proper Greek island life for the guests
🌙 Overnight: Vathy, Meganisi (small harbour/quay)
🧭 Navigation tip: Airport is Preveza/Aktion (PVK). 10-min drive to marina. Vathy is a beautiful small quay — arrive by 16:00 for a good spot.
💨 Wind: Light afternoon sailing, pleasant introduction for guests.
Day 9
Tuesday, June 24
Meganisi → Fiskardo, Kefalonia
- Morning departure across to north Kefalonia
- 🏊 Swim stop at Emblisi Beach near Fiskardo — secluded pebble beach, gin-clear water
- Afternoon arrival Fiskardo — the most elegant village in the Ionian
- Beautifully preserved Venetian architecture, upscale restaurants, charming atmosphere
- Evening: Dinner at one of Fiskardo's famous waterfront restaurants — the place to splash out
🌙 Overnight: Fiskardo Town harbour (harbour night)
🧭 Navigation tip: Fiskardo fills up fast in summer. Arrive by 14:00 for a quayside berth. Med-moor to the town quay.
💨 Wind: NW 10-15kt, comfortable reach south across to Kefalonia.
Day 10
Wednesday, June 25
Fiskardo → Assos → Frikes, Ithaka
- Morning sail south along Kefalonia's dramatic west coast
- 🏊 Assos Bay — anchor below the stunning Venetian castle ruin, crystal water, swim and explore
- Optional: Dinghy ashore to visit the beautiful village of Assos
- Afternoon crossing to Ithaka — Homer's island, birthplace of Odysseus
- Anchor at Frikes — pretty whitewashed village, excellent fish tavernas right on the water
🌙 Overnight: Frikes, Ithaka (anchor/quay)
🧭 Navigation tip: Assos Bay: anchor in 5-10m off the village beach, beautiful clear water. Frikes: anchor or pick up a buoy, well sheltered.
💨 Wind: NW sea breeze afternoon. Easy conditions for guests.
Day 11
Thursday, June 26
Frikes → Vathi, Ithaka
- Slow morning — sail south inside Ithaka island, visiting Kioni village en route
- 🏊 Sarakiniko Beach — Ithaka's most beautiful anchorage, sheltered turquoise bay
- Afternoon arrival Vathi — Ithaka's legendary horseshoe harbour
- Town is charming: Archaeological Museum, Odysseus references everywhere
- Evening: Best dinner of the trip at a Vathi waterfront taverna
🌙 Overnight: Vathi, Ithaka (harbour)
🧭 Navigation tip: Kioni is beautiful but small — good for lunch stop in calm conditions. Vathi: med-moor on the town quay, very reasonable fees.
💨 Wind: Light — sailing slowly down Ithaka's east coast is wonderful.
Day 12
Friday, June 27
Vathi, Ithaka → Atokos → Meganisi
- Morning departure north — today's theme: wild and remote
- 🏊 Atokos Island — uninhabited, dramatic limestone, pristine water. Anchor and swim off the boat
- The definition of 'off the beaten track' — you may have the bay entirely to yourselves
- Afternoon sail to Meganisi's north coast
- Anchor at Atherinos Bay — another stunningly beautiful cove
🌙 Overnight: Atherinos Bay, Meganisi (anchor)
🧭 Navigation tip: Atokos: anchor in the south bay in 5-8m, good holding. A true highlight — bring the snorkelling gear.
💨 Wind: NW 15-20kt. Good sailing day, guests getting their sea legs!
Day 13
Saturday, June 28
Meganisi → Porto Katsiki, Lefkada → Vasiliki
- North through Meganisi, up Lefkada's dramatic west coast
- 🏊 Porto Katsiki — arguably the most spectacular beach in the Ionian. White cliffs, turquoise water. Anchor and ferry in by dinghy.
- Optional: Egremni Beach nearby — even wilder, fewer visitors
- Afternoon anchor in Vasiliki Bay — sheltered, beautiful, world-famous windsurfing spot
- Sundowners in the cockpit watching the windsurfers
🌙 Overnight: Vasiliki Bay, Lefkada (anchor)
🧭 Navigation tip: Porto Katsiki: anchor in 8-12m off the beach in calm. If NW swell is present, view from the boat and proceed — it's still spectacular. Vasiliki: anchor in the SE corner, 4-6m.
💨 Wind: Can be breezy rounding south Lefkada — exhilarating sail.
Day 14
Sunday, June 29
Vasiliki, Lefkada → Parga (mainland) or Nidri
- Relaxed final full day with guests
- 🏊 Morning swim — last dip in the Ionian for the guests
- Option A: Sail to Parga (mainland) — one of Greece's most picturesque towns, Venetian castle, beautiful beach
- Option B: Leisurely sail to Nidri, Lefkada — easy and close to Preveza for tomorrow
- Final dinner together — cook on board or find a good taverna
🌙 Overnight: Parga or Nidri, Lefkada (anchor)
🧭 Navigation tip: Parga is a beautiful detour if weather allows. Nidri is closer to Preveza (20nm) which makes the guest departure day easier.
💨 Wind: Check conditions. If calm, Parga is a lovely last stop.
Day 15
Monday, June 30
Nidri/Lefkada → Preveza (farewell)
- Morning sail north through Lefkada Channel to Preveza
- 🥂 Final breakfast/brunch on deck at anchor
- Drop guests at Preveza marina for their flight
- Hugs, goodbyes, promises to do it again next year
- Afternoon: Provision, fuel, laundry, plan the return leg
🌙 Overnight: Preveza Marina (harbour night)
🧭 Navigation tip: Preveza Marina is well-equipped. Good supermarket nearby. Chandlery and fuel berth available.
💨 Wind: Easy morning sail north.
Day 16
Tuesday, July 1
Preveza → Paxos
- Just you and Dóra again — tranquil return begins
- Morning departure north through Preveza narrows
- 🏊 Antipaxos again — less crowded on a Tuesday, pure magic
- Or explore the famous Blue Caves of Paxos (west coast, go by dinghy)
- Anchor in Mongonisi or Lakka for a quiet night
🌙 Overnight: Mongonisi or Lakka, Paxos (anchor)
🧭 Navigation tip: Mongonisi: small bay on the south tip of Paxos, great snorkelling. Walk to the islet's tiny chapel.
💨 Wind: NW trade wind — nice long reach north.
Day 17
Wednesday, July 2
Paxos → Corfu (overnight departure)
- Short sail north to Corfu — arrive by early afternoon
- 🏊 Palaiokastritsa on Corfu's west coast — one of the island's most beautiful bays. Turquoise bays, monastery on the hill.
- Afternoon: Provision, fuel, weather check for overnight passage
- Last Greek dinner — stock the boat for 24 hours at sea
- Depart 21:00–22:00 for overnight passage back to Croatia
🌙 Overnight: Underway — overnight passage to Dubrovnik
🧭 Navigation tip: Palaiokastritsa: anchor in one of the bays in 4-8m. Gouvia Marina is a good departure base for the overnight.
💨 Wind: Check 48h forecast before committing. Ideal: NW 10-15kt or calm.
- 🌙 Night 2 at sea — you know what you're doing now. This one feels different.
- Reverse route: NNE through the Corfu Channel, past Albanian coast, into the Adriatic
- Watch system as before: 3 hours on, 3 hours off
- 🌅 Dawn at sea — Dalmatian islands appear on the horizon
- Arrive Dubrovnik area Thursday afternoon
🧭 Navigation tip: You're experienced overnight sailors now. Enjoy it. The Adriatic is calmer than the night down.
Day 18
Thursday, July 3
Offshore → Lopud Island
- Arrive Elafiti Islands area after the overnight — a gentler return than busy Dubrovnik
- Lopud Island — car-free, beautiful, one of Croatia's hidden gems
- 🏊 Šunj Beach — the most beautiful sandy beach in Dalmatia. A rarity in Croatia.
- Long afternoon rest, swim, recover from the passage
- Quiet dinner at the island's small restaurant
🌙 Overnight: Šunj Bay, Lopud Island (anchor)
🧭 Navigation tip: Anchor in Šunj Bay in 3-5m, sand, excellent holding. Alternatively, moor at the Lopud village quay on the north side.
💨 Wind: Rest and recovery day.
Day 19
Friday, July 4
Lopud → Mljet (Saplunara)
- Beautiful westward sail along the outer Elafiti islands
- 🏊 Saplunara Beach on east Mljet — one of Croatia's finest beaches, remote, sandy, spectacular
- Anchor in the lagoon — wade ashore through the shallows
- Afternoon: Sail to the calmer western bay of Mljet
- Peaceful anchorage, pine forest to the water's edge
🌙 Overnight: Okuklje Bay, east Mljet (anchor)
🧭 Navigation tip: Saplunara lagoon: anchor in 1.5-2.5m (shallower than it looks on chart — reconnoitre with dinghy first for GV). Alternatively anchor just outside and dinghy in.
💨 Wind: NW, comfortable reach west.
Day 20
Saturday, July 5
Mljet → Korčula island
- Morning sail west through the Mljet channel
- 🏊 Swim at Prižba Bay on south Korčula island — completely unspoiled, few visitors
- Explore the quieter south side of Korčula island
- Anchor in Bačva Bay or Prižba — calm, clear, secluded
- Last sunset at anchor — savour it
🌙 Overnight: Prižba or Bačva Bay, Korčula Island (anchor)
🧭 Navigation tip: South Korčula bays: mostly sand and clear water, 3-6m. Much quieter than Korčula Town.
💨 Wind: NW, comfortable conditions for the homeward stretch.
Day 21
Sunday, July 6
Korčula Island → Vrboska, Hvar 🏠
- Final day — the homecoming sail
- 🏊 One last swim at the Pakleni Islands off Hvar — turquoise lagoons, pine forest, perfection
- Sail through the Hvar Channel, past Hvar Town
- Afternoon arrival in Vrboska — GV back in her berth
- 🥂 Champagne on deck. 21 days, 2 countries, 2 overnight passages. Mission accomplished.
🌙 Overnight: Vrboska, Hvar — home berth
🧭 Navigation tip: If arriving late, anchor off Pakleni first and spend one last night in paradise.
💨 Wind: End as you began — the Maestral, your old friend, pushing you home.
Practical Notes
🌙 Overnight Passages
- Both crossings are ~155nm / 24-26 hours at 6-7kts
- Watch system: 2-person crew = 3hrs on / 3hrs off
- Depart evening (~21:00) to arrive next afternoon
- Ideal conditions: NW 10-15kt or calm. Check forecast 48hrs before
- Always have a bail-out plan (nearest port) if weather deteriorates
- AIS on, nav lights on, VHF monitoring Ch16 throughout
⚓ Anchoring Tips
- 55ft boat needs 30-50m of chain typically
- Ionian: mostly sand and mud — excellent holding
- Croatia: more rock and weed — Danforth/Bruce preferred
- June is pre-peak: anchorages much less crowded than July/August
- Always have stern lines + fenders for tight spots
- Preferred depth: 4-8m with good swinging room
🌬️ Weather: June Conditions
- Adriatic: NW Maestral builds 10-20kt afternoon, dies at night. Comfortable sailing.
- Ionian: Light to moderate NW winds (Etesian/Meltemi starts later in summer). Very pleasant sailing in June.
- Overnight passages: Often calmer at night. Plan accordingly.
- Use Windy app, PredictWind, or NOAA GRIB files daily
- Ionian VHF Met forecast: Ch16 + local stations
📋 Formalities & Paperwork
- Cruising permit (CEVNI equivalent) for Greek waters — arrange before departure
- Greece: Transit Log (DEKPA) from first port of entry (Corfu)
- Ensure all crew passports/IDs are valid
- Croatian waters: registration papers, insurance, competency certificate
- Notify Preveza port authority on arrival as base port