Explore Ionian Sea with its 50 shades of blue on Makedonia Palace

The best thing about this cruise is its sheer reach. In one long day, you see six Ionian Sea highlights, from Lefkada’s steep-sided beaches to Fiscardo, Ithaca, a wartime cave, and Skorpios. The water shifts from pale turquoise to dark blue, and the captain keeps the mood lively with music, jokes, singing, and dancing.

I like the chance to swim directly from the boat onto Egremni Beach, and I like that lunch is included in the $60.46 price. You also get a rare look at several islands without arranging separate ferries or car trips. The catch is the scale: Makedonia Palace can carry up to 500 people, so finding a seat, hearing announcements, and getting ashore can take patience.

Key points at a glance

• Six major Ionian stops: Visit Porto Katsiki, Egremni Beach, Fiscardo, Ithaca, Papanikolis Cave, and Skorpios in one full-day sailing.
• Captain Costa sets the tone: Expect a social cruise with jokes, music, group singing, and dancing on the upper deck.
• Swimming time is central: You get about an hour at Egremni, 45 minutes at Afales Beach, and another swim stop near Skorpios when conditions allow.
• Lunch is included: The meal is pork gyros, Greek salad, and two pieces of bread, but drinks cost extra.
• Big ship, big crowd: The vessel offers a lively party atmosphere, yet shade, seating, smoking, and queues can affect your comfort.
• Strong value for a full day: At $60.46, the price covers the cruise and lunch, making it a practical way to see several Ionian sights.

A full Ionian Sea circuit from Lefkada

This is not a quiet little sailboat outing. Makedonia Palace is a very large excursion boat, and the day is designed to show you as much of the Ionian coast as possible. The tour lasts roughly 8 to 9 hours, beginning at 9:15 am and returning to the same meeting point.

That length matters. You are not simply sailing out for a swim and coming back. You are spending most of a day on board, with several beach stops, one island visit, a cave, lunch, announcements, and plenty of time at sea.

I see the cruise as a sightseeing sampler. You will not have enough time to explore every place in depth, but you can compare the beaches and islands in one outing. It is a good fit if your stay in Lefkada is short, or if you want a broad first look before choosing where to return by land.

The social side is just as important as the scenery. Captain Costa is known for keeping the upper deck animated, with songs, dancing, and jokes that appeal to a wide age range. If you prefer a calm, private boat day, this may feel too busy. If you like a shared holiday atmosphere, the energy can be one of the cruise’s best features.

Porto Katsiki, Lefkada’s famous cliff-backed beach

The first stop is Porto Katsiki, one of Lefkada’s best-known beaches. The boat pauses for about 20 minutes, mainly for photographs rather than a swim or long walk ashore.

That short stop gives you time to frame the classic view: a bright strip of beach below tall white cliffs, with the sea spread out in front. From the water, you get the kind of perspective that is difficult to reproduce from a quick roadside visit.

Keep your camera ready before the boat reaches the beach. Twenty minutes goes fast, especially on a large vessel when people are moving around and looking for a clear view. Think of Porto Katsiki as a scenic introduction, not a full beach visit.

One hour at Egremni Beach

Egremni is where the cruise gives you its first serious beach break. The boat stops for about one hour, and you can get off directly onto the beach using the vessel’s landing arrangement.

That direct access is useful. You do not need to arrange a separate transfer from a harbor, and you can spend your time swimming or sunbathing beside one of Lefkada’s famous beaches. The water and cliffs provide the visual payoff, while the hour gives you enough time for a proper swim rather than a quick dip.

There is one practical limitation: loading and unloading a large number of people takes time. If you want the full hour on the sand, move promptly when the crew gives the signal. The beach may also feel less relaxed when many people are arriving at once.

The water can be wavy and deep at some beach stops, so this is not automatically an easy outing for young children. Most people can take part, but basic swimming confidence matters if you plan to leave the boat and swim.

Fiscardo: pretty harbor, limited exploring time

The cruise then reaches Fiscardo on Kefalonia, described as the diamond of the Ionian Sea. You have about 1 hour and 15 minutes of free time here, making it the only stop focused mainly on exploring rather than swimming.

Fiscardo gives you a change of pace. After beaches and open water, you can walk around the harbor, look at the waterfront, and get a taste of Kefalonia. The stop adds variety, and it is a good chance to stretch your legs.

Still, 75 minutes is not a long visit. You will have time to see the harbor area, but not to make a serious exploration of Fiscardo or the wider island. I would treat it as a pleasant snapshot rather than a substitute for staying in Kefalonia.

Large-group disembarkation can reduce the usable time. If Fiscardo is your main reason for booking, you may find the stop too brief. If your priority is seeing several places in one day, the limited visit makes sense.

Afales Beach on Ithaca

Ithaca brings another swimming stop, this time at beautiful Afales Beach. The boat stays for about 45 minutes, giving you time to swim and sunbathe in the clear turquoise water.

The appeal here is the setting. Ithaca carries a strong sense of place, and the quiet beach stop lets you enjoy the island from the sea rather than rushing through a town. The contrast with Egremni is part of the fun: you see two different beach settings on the same day.

Forty-five minutes is enough for a swim, but not for a leisurely beach afternoon. You may spend part of that time waiting to get off or back on the boat, so keep your belongings organized and listen for instructions.

As with the other swim stops, conditions can change. The tour description specifically notes beautiful water for swimming and sunbathing, but the overall experience is still dependent on weather and sea conditions.

Papanikolis Cave and its wartime story

The stop at Papanikolis Cave lasts about 15 minutes. It is mainly a photo and information stop, not a chance to explore inside on foot.

The cave has a memorable story. During the Second World War, a submarine commanded by Captain Papanikolis used it as a hiding place. That detail gives the stop more weight than a simple rock formation, especially when you are hearing about it from the water where the hiding place once served a real purpose.

Fifteen minutes is enough for photographs and a short explanation. It is not enough for a long talk or a detailed historical visit, so expect a quick look between the beach stops.

Skorpios and the conditional Jackie Kennedy beach stop

The final major stop is Skorpios, the island once owned by Aristotle Onassis and now owned by Dmitry Ribolovlev. The boat circles the island and provides information, then may stop for swimming at Jackie Kennedy Beach.

The important word is may. The beach stop happens only if the current owner, Ribolovlev, is not on the island. If he is there, you should expect the cruise to view Skorpios from the water rather than swim at that beach.

That condition is worth knowing before you book. You are paying for the overall route, not a guaranteed swim at Jackie Kennedy Beach. The island tour still adds an unusual human story to the day, but access and timing are controlled by circumstances beyond the crew’s control.

The planned time for this part is about 30 minutes. It is a fitting final stop, combining scenery, private-island lore, and the possibility of one last swim before the return voyage.

What lunch includes, and what it does not

Lunch is included in the ticket price. The stated meal is traditional Greek pork gyros, Greek salad, and two pieces of bread.

That helps the $60.46 fare make sense. A full-day cruise with several island and beach stops would cost more if you had to buy a separate meal during the day. You still need to pay for drinks, including alcoholic beverages and cold or hot nonalcoholic drinks.

The food service is one area where I would plan ahead. A large group can create a crowded serving line, and the queue may feel poorly organized when several lines merge into one. The vegetarian option has also been a weak point, so you should not assume the included meal will suit every diet.

If you have strict dietary needs, bring your own food. Even if you plan to eat the gyros, carrying a snack is sensible for a day this long. You may also want to budget for drinks, since none are included in the ticket.

The real comfort question: a 500-person boat

The vessel can accommodate up to 500 people. That is the key fact behind many of the tour’s strengths and drawbacks.

A large boat makes the route possible at a low price. It also creates a lively setting where people from different countries and age groups can share the day. Captain Costa’s entertainment works especially well in this setting, turning the upper deck into a casual group party later in the afternoon.

The same size can make the boat feel crowded. Seating may be hard to find, especially if you arrive close to departure. Arriving early is the simplest way to improve your chances of getting a seat, though even arriving about 20 minutes ahead may not guarantee one.

Shade is another concern. Large sections of the upper deck may have little protection from the sun. Smoking is allowed on board, which can matter if you are sensitive to smoke or hope for a completely fresh-air setting.

Announcements may not be equally clear from every part of the boat. Stay alert when the crew gives instructions for beach stops, lunch, and boarding. Sitting close enough to hear the crew can save you from guessing when it is time to move.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend Makedonia Palace to you if your priority is variety. You can see two Lefkada beaches, a Kefalonia harbor, an Ithaca beach, a historic cave, and Skorpios without changing hotels or planning several separate outings.

It is also a good match for social people. The captain’s humor and music create a shared atmosphere, and the day can become as much about the mood on board as the stops themselves. Groups with mixed ages may appreciate having swimming, photos, sightseeing, lunch, and entertainment in one package.

I would be more cautious if you want peace and space. The boat is not built around solitude, quiet meals, or long visits in each destination. You also need to be comfortable with a full day at sea, limited shade, possible smoking nearby, and some crowding during transfers.

Families should consider the water conditions and the length of the day. Most people can participate, and the cruise is open to all ages and nationalities, but the beaches are not always ideal for small children who are uneasy in waves or deeper water.

Price, timing, and booking value

At $60.46 per person, the cruise offers a lot of geography for the money. You receive the boat trip, several scenic stops, the beach access described above, and lunch. Drinks are extra, and you may want to bring additional food if you need a vegetarian meal or prefer not to queue.

The 9:15 am start means you should plan your morning around the meeting point. The activity ends back there after the cruise, which keeps the day simple. It is offered in English, uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation is sent at booking.

The experience is usually booked well ahead, around 38 days in advance on average. That suggests you should not leave it until the last minute if this is a must-do part of your Lefkada plans.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The cruise also depends on good weather, and a weather cancellation brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

Should you book Makedonia Palace?

Book it if you want maximum scenery in one day, a low-cost way to reach several Ionian highlights, and an upbeat cruise with swimming stops. The strongest parts are the famous Lefkada beaches, the range of destinations, the included lunch, and Captain Costa’s ability to keep a large crowd entertained.

Think twice if you want a quiet boat, generous time in Fiscardo, guaranteed access to Jackie Kennedy Beach, or a carefully managed meal service. Arrive early, expect a crowd, bring sun protection and a snack, and budget for drinks.

My call: this is a strong-value sightseeing cruise for an active, sociable day. It is less suitable for anyone who values personal space more than the chance to see half a dozen Ionian highlights from one boat.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at the meeting point at 9:15 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours.

What places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Porto Katsiki, Egremni Beach, Fiscardo Harbor in Kefalonia, Afales Beach in Ithaca, Papanikolis Cave, and Skorpios.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes pork gyros, Greek salad, and two pieces of bread.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Cold and hot drinks, as well as alcoholic beverages, are not included.

Is swimming available during the cruise?

Yes. Swimming and sunbathing are offered at Egremni Beach and Afales Beach. A swimming stop at Jackie Kennedy Beach near Skorpios takes place only if the owner is not on the island.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the cruise is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund for your own cancellation.