This August, you can save up to £1,000 per family on Seafarer Cruising and Sailing learn to sail breaks at Nikiana Beach Club in sunny Lefkada, including direct UK flights and accommodation.
Water sports for every age with Seafarer
Sailing holidays in the Ionian islands for all the family to love
We can’t think of anything more seasonally appropriate than a summer sailing holiday on a beautiful island in the Ionian Sea. And that’s exactly what you and your family can have for less this year, with savings of up to £1,000 per family on holidays at Nikiana Beach Club in Lefkada this July and August -see info box below for full details.
The season runs from May-October, with direct flights from the UK to Preveza airport in Lefkada taking 3 hours 20 minutes, and Seafarer’s own charter flight taking just 3 hours from Gatwick on Sunday mornings.
Learn to sail in the warm crystal-clear waters of Lefkada
The warm, crystal-clear waters of sunny Lefkada are perfect for learning to sail, building confidence and picking up new skills – miles away from shivering in soggy waterproofs in freezing seas. Whether your kids want a crack at dinghies, catamarans, windsurfing or paddleboarding, they can be out on the sea every day enjoying their active best lives. And you can be out doing exactly the same, or you also have the option to leave them in the capable hands of professionals whilst you catch some relaxation time: Seafarer kids’ clubs cater for 7-17-year-olds, and are all based around water sports activities.
Learn to sail at Nikiana Beach Club
Nikiana Beach Club: where your kids can safely spread their (water) wings
The beauty of Nikiana Beach Club is its size – small and intimate, rather than sprawling resort, thus ideal for kids bonding with their fellow sailors and making friends. It houses up to just 80 guests across four buildings, with rooms for up to five people.
Many of the rooms feature stunning sea views, and all are decorated in classic chic Greek style. The central, olive-shaded courtyard leads to the different blocks, and the beach in front of the club is backed by a terrace offering plenty of sunbeds (and shade) to enjoy the spectacular Ionian views, as well as a freshwater swimming pool. And the hotel taverna serves hearty pre-sail breakfasts, offers home-cooked Greek specialities throughout the day and evening, and also plays host to social activities.
You’ve got everything on your doorstep at Nikiana Beach Club
Nikiana is a charming and well-serviced village with plenty of shops, restaurants, car hire spots, and all the other facilities holidaying families may require. It’s just ten minutes from Lefkada, the island’s capital, a must-visit with its plentiful tavernas, restaurants, seafront cafes and the pretty labyrinth of alleyways that form the old town part of the city.
Don’t miss last minute savings of up to £1,000 per family on learn to sail holidays this August
The crystal-clear Ionian Sea is the perfect environment for budding sailors
Beach life, it’s the only life you’ll know in Lefkada
Lefkada is the smaller sibling of Ionian superstars Corfu and Kefalonia, and home to some of the prettiest beaches in Greece.
The east coast is all about the sheltered coves and calm, swimmable seas. Local Limni beach, and the slim sands of Perigiali are where you can snorkel, then eat at nearby tavernas. And Nidri, a popular tourist spot and bustling seafront situated south of the village, has a ferry service to nearby islands such as Meganissi, and is also the place to go for the Nydri waterfalls, a beautiful swimming spot.
Although the west coast features many beauties too, including family-friendly Kathisma – a well-serviced beach with golden sand, lush green hills and plenty of beach bars and tavernas, and nearby Mylos, which is known for its unique rock formations and tranquil atmosphere.
Regular buses run between Lefkada and Nidri, stopping in Nikiana, with others continuing to other parts of the island, and the service is increased during the summer months. You can also hire a car locally to explore the stunning west coast beaches and picturesque mountain villages.
Nikiana Beach Club room balcony
Learn to sail with expert tuition and the right equipment
Every day at Nikiana Beach Club starts with a hearty breakfast, all the better for powering up to expend calories on the water.
The Seafarer water sports operation is open daily from 9am for paddle sports and 9.30am for sailing and windsurfing, with a huge variety of sailing dinghies and catamarans, catering for all levels of beginners and more experienced sailors, and giving room for progression throughout your stay.
Courses and kids club sessions take place during the mornings and afternoons, and guests can either take out equipment independently during the mornings, or take part in afternoon sailing clinics. With help on hand under the watchful eye of the staff safety boat, for that added sense of security.
Sunrise and the start of a day’s sailing with Seafarer
If you want a personal recommendation of Seafarer sailing holidays, Family Traveller CEO Andrew Dent learned to sail at Nikiana Beach Club.
Got the seafaring bug? Carry on sailing
A newbie can become a skipper with time, practice and great tuition, and cultivating those yachties of the future is what it’s all about on many courses and trips with Seafarer Cruising and Sailing Holidays.
RYA yacht training
Seafarer Training run Royal Yachting Association training courses out of Nikiana Harbour, taught by experienced instructors and able to accommodate new sailors, those seeking a licence to skipper a yacht, or want to refresh their skills.
The courses visit local islands, and operate alongside Seafarer’s flotilla, making this a social occasion as well as a family-friendly experience.
All the fun of the flotilla
AHOY there for adventures on shared yacht holidays
If you fancy doing some private island hopping, but would like to share the skipper duties, an AHOY Adventure holiday could be just what you need.
AHOY translates as Apprentice Hands-On Yachting, where you can get hands-on with the help of a professional skipper. These trips take place on a four-cabin yacht with a skipper in control of the day-to-day sailing, navigating and mooring, and you and your family acting as integral crew members. It’s all about the mucking in, from hoisting and lowering the sails to taking a spell at the helm and helping prepare meals in the galley.
Days involve sailing from island to island, with afternoon swims in secluded bays. Then evenings are for exploring local towns, night anchoring in stunning bays, finding waterfront taverna for dinner or eating out on the deck, under the stars.
Shared sailing holidays with Seafarer
Skippered charter holidays
A skippered charter is a great choice for a family, or a group of families, to go island hopping in style, with the freedom to choose your destinations, decide which pristine bays to swim in and what new places to discover.
Unquestionably great for active families with a sense of adventure, who want to call the shots and feel the freedom of the sea.
Save up to £1,000 per family on Learn to Sail Holidays
Nikiana Beach Club Family Learn to Sail Holiday, 7-nights with UK return flights, now £4,380 per family, reduced from £5,380 per family.
Based on a family of four (2 adults, 2 children 17 years or under), departing 4 August 2024.
Holiday includes: 7-nights stay in 2 rooms, with daily breakfast and unlimited sailing and water sports.
RYA Dinghy & Windsurfing Tuition is extra, from £99pp, per course.
Family holidays with alternative accommodation are available from £3,783 per family on selected July and August dates.