The Greek Ionian

The Ionian is one of the Mediterranean's most popular yachting destinations with gentle breezes and a scattering of picturesque islands and sheltered harbours offering the perfect introduction to sailing. The Southern Ionian is ideal for the less experienced sailor due to its sheltered waters and generally shorter routes, whilst the Northern Ionian offers more adventurous sailing with longer passages, less crowded waters and steady breezes.

Click on the options below to find out more.

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Your first week ashore will be spend at one of our two Stay and Sail bases, Nidri in the Southern Ionian or Sivota in the Northern Ionian. Both areas offer excellent sailing in beautiful surroundings. 

Nidri has a beautiful location looking out onto a wonderful vista of pine clad islands and calm sparkling water sprinkled liberally with many colourful yachts. Nidri is Lefkas’ busiest and biggest resort town, bustling with ferries, traditional fishing boats and visiting yachts. There is a great choice of cafés, tavernas, bars and shops, yet it is still laid back and retains a traditional feel.

A warm welcome awaits you at The Athos Hotel in Nidri, with a large refreshing pool, relaxing atmosphere and pool bar. With no beachclub or children's clubs, the focus during the day rests with learning to sail, refreshing existing skills, relaxing around the pool and enjoying the resort of Nidri or the island’s beaches

The Retreat in Sivota is our only Beachplus Club which also provides yacht training. It offers a wide variety of children’s clubs, with beach activities and pampering options. Located in a corner of rare natural beauty with tiny coves, green hills and secluded beaches, the aptly named Retreat offers an idyllic base for your shorebased week.

Your Week Ashore

You have a number of options in the first week. If you’re a complete beginner, our qualified instructors can teach you to handle the yacht in just four days. You can take the course on your own, as a family or with friends. Children aged between 13 and 15 can also join their parents on a course (this can really make a family holiday).

Or if you already know a thing or two about sailing, you can take a refresher course and brush up your skills to give your confidence a boost.

If you know your way around a yacht, why not just relax and recharge your batteries for a week? Imagine, seven days where all you need to think about is whether to spend your days lounging in the sun, or trying one of the many activities on offer at The Retreat.

Yacht Training courses - Learn to Sail

We offer a variety of courses to suit all ages and abilities - Four day Introduction to Yachting, Two day Brush Up, Private Introduction to Yachting and Private Brush Up.

Day Yacht

Relax and soak up the sunshine on deck while our qualified skipper takes you around the beautiful islands, coves and beaches of the Ionian. If you would rather take the helm, our experienced skippers can show you the ropes before stepping back while you enjoy the thrill of sailing. They are always on hand to guide and assist, ensuring a perfect day afloat.

For a supplement of £200-£300 per yacht you can pre-book a yacht and skipper at our Beachplus Club, The Retreat in Sivota or pay locally subject to availability.

Activities

• Nidri - A free try-dive is available in the hotel pool and further dives can be organised locally with the PADI recognised dive school. You can also join boat trips to nearby islands and guided walks of the local area.

• Sivota - Most activities at The Retreat, including tennis tuition, sailing and windsurfing with RYA tuition and courses are included in the cost of your holiday, so your first week ashore can be as active or relaxed as you like.

The following is available for your use:
Dinghy Sailing - 6 Laser Funboat, 10 Laser Pico, 6 Laser 1, 2 Laser 2000, 4 Dart 16
Windsurfing - 40 beginner and improver boards plus choice of 40 rigs
Waterskiing and Wakeboarding - 2 Ski Nautique ski boats with a selection of skis and boards
• 20 Kayaks
• Four floodlit tennis courts
• 25 Gary Fisher and Orange mountain bikes plus guiding
• Fitness classes, volleyball, boules and table tennis

Additionally you can pay a supplement and pre-book a range of PADI scuba dive courses or relax and enjoy a range of health and beauty treatments.

Children’s Clubs

• Nidri - There are no children’s clubs and limited facilities for children at the At this Hotel. If you require children’s clubs, watersports and shorebased activities Porto Heli or Sivota in Greece may be more suitable.

• Sivota - We have a range of children's clubs especially designed for different age groups and experience. Remember to pre-book to guarantee your child’s place.

Join In!

Your Photos
Siva Flot Northern Ionian 22-29 June 08
 by Dicky Dykes-Brown

  Show me the photos
Mafalda Flotilla - Nidri 22-29th June 2008
 by Vicki Harold

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Neilson Forums Neilson News Blog
14/01/2008 at 16:14
Set sail this summer...
07/06/2008 at 11:32
Fancy owning your own yacht?
Meet the Team
Ed Case - Stay and Sail Skipper

This is Eds second year working for us as skipper here in Nidri. Ed can't help but be funny, maybe its because he has lived in A

Customer Reviews

Latest reviews (Click here to see all reviews)

StarStarStarStarStar by Vicky, Ben, Grandma and Girls
What an amazing week! We were all a little nervous this being our first sailing holiday with 2 children under 4, Grandma and a pregnant mum, but thanks to the fabulous boat, setting, and most importantly Jimmy, Matt and Steve, our lead crew, who were so friendly, helpful and just generally great they ensured we had the most fabulous week - one to be repeated asap.

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