The

Big Swim

Week

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Intro

The Big Swim Week

Following the success and popularity of the longer swims, The Big Blue Team is very excited to offer once again The Big Swim Week, which will run on Lefkada island from 17th to 24th September 2023! We offer the opportunity to swim longer, at 7k per day with a variety of coastal swims as well as island to island crossings and a unique chance to be a pioneer and swim from Lefkada to mainland Greece. Experience the heavenly cluster of Ionian islands near Lefkada, cruising on our traditional bespoke sailing boat, Mowgli.

Trip Dates

  • Big Swim Week Sun 15 - Sun 22 Sept 2024
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Big Swim Routes

Big Swim Week Map

This trip is designed for the more experienced swimmer

For this we have plotted some exciting long swims over and above the routes we take on our ‘normal’ weeks. The daily swims average a distance of 7K and the week is geared towards the slightly more experienced open water swimmer. This time we have introduced unique routes that link the island of Lefkada to mainland Greece with a mixture of coastal swims and island crossings.

The Big Swim Week will take place towards the end of September and as usual will start and finish on a Sunday. Safety measures in place will include brightly coloured support ribs with 3 fully qualified guides as well as a captain and of course the Queen of the Ionian Sea, Mowgli, our main traditional sailing boat, offering comfort, speed and ample lounging space on her teak deck for relaxing and sunbathing.

With lunch stops at a different fishing harbour every day for delicious, freshly prepared local Greek specialities, this week promises to be memorable for all those out there who have a real love for open water swimming.

On the general map of the area you will be able to locate these longer swims which average 7K/day, concluding with the fantastic 7K Kefallonia to Ithaca ‘heroic’ swim – go big and be part of it.

Day 1

The start of something Big and Blue! Arrival of all swimmers at Ilios Club Hotel, Yeni, Lefkada. Swimmers have the option of a relaxing afternoon in the hotel’s swimming pool and chilling out in the hotel’s bar.

Swimmers also have the chance to swim in the nearest bay, Desimi Bay, about 30 mins walk from the hotel, which would be their own responsibility, outside the remit of The Big Blue Swim. Swimming in the bay where Ilios Hotel is located is not recommended due to boat traffic.

In the evening we all meet at the hotel’s pool bar and formally welcome you to the island. Complimentary welcome drinks give you a chance to get to know your fellow swimmers and this is followed by an introductory briefing to the trip by our Lefkada based team.

Day 2

Today kicks off with an initial open water acclimatisation swim and optional swim video session and your chance to meet the azure hues of the Ionian. Our qualified coaches and guides will split the week’s swimmers into 3 speed groups, will then film each swimmer and later provide feedback and analysis on technique.

We then board the boat and journey east to the island of Meganisi, with its impressive lace-work of coastline that forms deep enticing coves. According to myth in ancient times the island belonged to King Tafios, the son of Poseidon God of the sea and it was here that Odysseus left his boats before he travelled to Ithaca.

On Meganisi we will moor at Vathi, a picturesque village harbour, where we will have a leisurely light lunch at a traditional taverna overlooking the harbour and a chance to relax and practise your Greek with the locals.

The afternoon involves a short boat ride to Port Atheni where we start our 2.2k swim following a north easterly direction along the scenic winding coastline, finally crossing to the uninhabited islet of Megalo Nisopoulo with its clear blue water.

Daily swim total: 2.7k approximately (swim route and acclimatisation swim).

Type of swim: Technique & coastal with small crossing.

Location: Desimi Bay and Meganisi.

Day 3

Today we will experience three very different islands. We first take a 45 min ride to visit the famous cave of Papanikolis on Meganisi for a unique snorkelling experience. We then board the boat and go down the coast to the start of this morning’s swim. We follow a route down this scenic sculptural coastline exploring the numerous caves and small bays only accessible by sea and we then make the crossing to the small island of Kithros; we then swim along its stunning rocky coastline where the 4k swim ends.

For more information on the cave visit: www.greeka.com/ionian/lefkada/lefkada-excursions/papanikolis-sea-cave-lefkada.htm

Next we board Mowgli and travel east to Kalamos island famous for its unusual mix of maritime pine trees, olive trees, arbutus, Monachus seals and derelict wind mills. We dock on the east side of the island at the crescent shaped harbour and have lunch in a traditional taverna. After lunch a chance to explore, relax and have a coffee. The afternoon 3k swim starts from the north tip of Kalamos where we swim across the channel to land on a small beach on the Greek mainland. You can now tell people you have officially swum from Lefkada to Greece!

Daily swim total: 7K.

Type of swim: Coastal & Island crossing.

Location: Kithros, Meganisi, Kalamos and mainland Greece.

Day 4

Today we take a 60 min ride due south to the uninhabited island of Arkoudi (Bear Island). This small island is in between Lefkada and Ithaka and we have often encountered dolphins on the way, as this area is their rearing place and playground.

We will start this 4k swim from the south tip of Arkoudi; we will follow the coastline round anti-clockwise and finish on the north point, which is half way across circumnavigating the island.

Then onto the beautiful bay of Sivota where we rest and lunch in one of the many tavernas in this colourful harbour; a chance to buy souvenirs and replenish personal supplies. The afternoon 3K swim starts at the next bay, in the turquoise waters of Mikros Gialos beach. We hug the coast, swim around the peninsula and finish on a secluded beach where we moor for a short while for snacks.

Daily swim total: 7k

Type of swim: Coastal.

Location: Arkoudi & Mikros Gialos, South Lefkada.

Day 5

Today starts with a short boat ride to Nikiana on the east coast of Lefkada, further north from Nidri.

From the small traditional fishing harbour of Nikiana it is clear to see the Greek mainland opposite, separated by a channel. Today’s swim involves swimming from this fishing harbour to the mainland and landing at the southerly point of the coast, 3.6K away.

After this big swim it is all aboard the boat and back to Nikiana fishing port to taste the local food.

This afternoon’s swim is the Spartan Swim!! We the take a short boat trip to the small local lush green island (Part of Lefkada’s Princes Islands) called Sparti, situated off the coast of Lefkada, after Heloni Island (Turtle Island).

It is a 3.4K swim starting at the north east mooring bay on the island and swimmers complete almost a whole circumnavigation of the island ending up back in the mooring bay. The rocky coastline of Sparti offers interesting underwater seascapes and snorkelling possibilities.

Daily swim total: 7K.

Type of swim: Coastal and mainland to Lefkada crossing.

Location: Nikiana Harbour on Lefkada, Island of Sparti.

Day 6

An early start for our heroic Big Swim of the week.

After an hour and 50 min boat trip south west we find ourselves in the channel between the islands of Ithaka and Kefallonia.

The swim starts off the east coast of Kefallonia, following a northerly direction and hugging the coast. We then commence the crossing to Ithaka passing alongside the tiny island of Daskalio, mid swim. This channel of water is breathtaking and also is home to the ‘Delphinus Delphis’ Dolphins who are unique to the area between Lefkada and Kefallonia. We aim for the quiet confines of Polis Bay on Ithaka where we land after this ‘heroic’ crossing for a well deserved rest and refuel. The coastal and crossing combined are 7K long.

We then go back to the boat and cruise north west to the fishing harbour of Fiskardo on Kefallonia. This is a cosmopolitan harbour and we stop here for lunch, a long break and a chance for sightseeing and coffee.

For those of you with a lot of energy left, we recommend a walk around the harbour and through a secluded wooded area to visit the old Venetian stone lighthouse. From here there are amazing panoramic views of the morning’s swim from Kefallonia to Ithaka.

We then depart Kefallonia, heading North East back to Lefkada.

Daily swim total: 7K

Type of swim: Island crossing.

Location: Islands of Kefallonia and Ithaka.

Day 7

Today’s last swim is a special one and we start the journey from the north tip of Skorpidi (small Skorpios) island. This 3K swim sees us head south east to the island of Skorpios owned by the Onassis family, starting with a small crossing first. The swim will end on a ‘permitted’ beach on this privately owned island for relaxing and photographs. The island was, until very recently, owned by Aristotelis’s granddaughter Athina Onassis. She is the only remaining ‘Onassis’ from the era of the Greek shipping tycoon Aristotelis Onassis. Nowadays the self-made millionaire as well as his beloved son Alexandros and daughter Christina are at rest on the island. Although privately owned we can spend a short while on this very small beach for drinks, snacks and a rest, admiring the lush greenery and calm of this beautiful island.

The guided swims end this lunchtime and there is the option to visit the busy town of Nidri for shopping, strolling and lunch! Alternatively you may wish to relax and soak up the sun in the tranquil setting of Ilios Hotel.

Swimmers have this afternoon ‘free’ and we all meet up later that evening for an organised evening (and last) meal at a taverna by the surrounding hills.

Daily swim total: 3K.

Type of swim: Coastal and island crossing.

Location: Skorpidi and Skorpios.

Day 8

The week has gone too fast and it is our final goodbye, “sto epanithin” (until we meet again). This is the last morning in the accommodation and swimmers are asked to vacate rooms at Ilios Club Hotel by 11am. If you need to stay for a little longer please ask Georgia the owner or let Michael, Lisa or any of the guides know.

If guests are staying longer in Lefkada we can suggest accommodation options and places to visit in and around the area.

Flights

Flights that feed Lefkada island land at Preveza airport (Aktio) which is 25 minutes away by car from Lefkada Town, the capital and about 50 mins away from our hotel. International charter flights operate from May to October and connect most major European cities and capitals. From the U.K the feeding airports are that of Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham and usually operate on a Thursday or Sunday, there and back. The typical operators are Monarch, Torair, Thomas Cook, Thomson, Olympic Airlines and EasyJet.

There is an online flight search facility specifically for Lefkada on www.lefkas.net

Ryanair operate flights to neighbouring Corfu and Kefallonia; there is a local plane skyexpress that flies between Corfu, Kefallonia and Lefkada (Preveza). Skyexpress flight timetables are released in May of each year.

Alternatively from Kefallonia you can catch a ferry from Fiskardo (North Kefallonia) to Vasiliki (South Lefkada) and then a bus to Nidri, approx. 20 mins away. The ferryboat ‘Captain Aristides’ operates a service to and from the Islands of Kefallonia (Fiscardo). The ‘Captain Aristides’ carries both cars and foot passengers. The phone number of their agent on Lefkada is + 30 (26450) 93278.

You can also fly to Athens International Airport and then catch a flight or coach to Lefkada.

By Road

Driving

The recent construction of the beautiful bridge of Rio-Antirio has accelerated the travel by road from the capital Athens, 385 km away. If you are taking this route to reach Lefkada you must stop for refreshments at “The Garden of Eden”, a unique side road cafe owned by Kostas. It is on the right hand side of the road, 13 Km after you pass the above mentioned bridge, but you need to look out for it, as it is well concealed amongst trees - you will not regret it!

If you were to travel on your own by car please be aware that there are motorway toll charges.

By Bus

Buses from Athens cost about 30 euros, leave regularly and take 5 hours and this might be a good way to get to Lefkada if you first want to visit Athens, as part of an extensive holiday.

There are several buses per day to/from Athens. In Athens, the Lefkada bus operates from and to the Leoforos Kiffisos Bus Station. A taxi between the Leoforos Kiffisos Bus Station and Athens Airport costs about 35 Euros and takes about 40 minutes.

Bus Tickets between Lefkada and Athens can be booked online with KTEL

Lefkada KTEL bus station phone : Lefkada offices : +30 26450 22364

Athens KTEL bus station offices : (Leoforos Kiffisos) +30 210 5150108

GETTING TO US FROM THE AIRPORT

Taxi

From Preveza airport we recommend you catch a taxi to the hotel and the cost for this is approximately 50 euros, which might be worth it for a company of 3-4 people. We will send you a group email prior to your trip, so that you are able to liaise with swimmers from your week if you decide to make a group taxi booking. The email will contain taxi booking information so you are able to book a taxi direct via email.

Bus

You can catch the local bus from the airport to Lefkada Town (the capital of the island). This will take approx. 25 minutes and the cost is 2.20 euros. From Lefkada Town bus station you will then catch a connecting bus to Nidri, a further 20 minutes ride and this should cost 2.20 euros.

There are 6 buses a day, Monday to Saturday, that run from Preveza Town via Preveza airport (Aktion) to Lefkada Town. They depart Preveza Town at: 7.00, 9.45, 12.30, 14.45, 16.45 and 20.00 and 15 mins after departure they arrive at Preveza airport. On a Sunday there are 3 buses at 14.30, 16.45 and 20.00, (again 15 mins later they arrive at the airport).

Car Hire

If wishing to explore before or after the trip you might also choose to hire a car from the airport:

The Big Blue recommends Parga Car Hire (If contacting Parga Car Hire please mention The Big Blue for special rates). Parga Car Hire also own the franchises for National/Alamo and Budget and they deliver cars from as far as Igoumenitsa ferry port all along the coast up to Preveza aiport. They guarantee excellent customer service and also guarantee their cars are in excellent condition.

Accommodation

Swimmers stay at Ilios Club Hotel situated in the exclusive area of Yeni, Lefkada, a very green and tranquil wooded waterside location.

The individual rooms and apartments of the hotel are spacious with kitchen facilities and are situated amongst matured olive groves and well maintained gardens offering shade and a relaxed Greek atmosphere. Ilios Hotel is privately owned by a Lefkadian capable lady called Georgia who also resides in Italy. Georgia strives for excellence and high standards and the hotel and grounds are maintained and run by a number of professionally sourced and friendly staff throughout the year.

Ilios offers a buffet-style breakfast, has wi-fi, a swimming pool and a poolside cocktail bar where swimmers can unwind and indulge in a drink after a hard day’s swim. They also run a terraced restaurant with views across the water where Big Blue swimmers can have the day’s specialities at special discounted prices and a traditional ‘Greek night’ is also on offer once a week, usually on the Wednesday.

Along the green coastline of Yeni are also a number of small traditional family-owned tavernas, dotted along the edge of the water, offering you the chance to sample the local fresh fish and other mouth-watering delights, while watching the sun set behind the hills.

Big Blue Swim Accommodation

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Mowgli

Mowgli, The Big Blue’s main boat, has been purchased recently and has undergone considerable restoration at the local boatyard in Lefkada by a master craftsman. She is a beautiful 15 metre long motorsailer, constructed in mahogany throughout with a teak deck, by the famous Picchioti shipyards who are in operation still today constructing wonderful boats. Originally commissioned in La Spezia, in Italy in1963 she has in the past sailed the world over and has even reached as far afield as Hong Kong! She was designed by the Italian boat designer F.A. Boretti who must have been in love with unusual traditional shapes as there are only 2 boats of this unique design worldwide; one of the deciding factors in her purchase!

Although there is still quite a bit of cosmetic work to be done, everything on her works well, complying with all the latest and stringest maritime safety laws and offering speeds up to 13 Knots with her brand new 320HP diesel engine, ideal for cruising around the Greek seas. From the comfort of her ample teak deck and the huge bean bags especially purchased for lounging on, swimmers indulge under the welcoming Greek sun and peruse the diverse coastline of the Ionian Sea, in the gentle and unassuming luxury of Mowgli.

Apart from the ample sunbathing space at the front of the boat there is also ample shaded area at the rear of Mowgli where swimmers can have a break from the sun.

The pilothouse in the middle section is big enough for people not only to escape from the sun but also have an indoors rest with plenty of comfortable seating. We normally use this area as the ‘dry room’ where swimmers deposit their bags and change into dry clothes ready for the lunch stops; towards the back of the boat and down a few steps there are 2 comfortable beds for people to have a proper rest and this is where the toilet is located with a shower facility.

There is also sunbathing space at the top but only for a small number of people offering 360o panoramic views of the islands and interesting landmarks we cruise by; a small luxurious experience not to be missed by anyone!

The Boat - Mowgli

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Testimonials

The sense of achievement obtained from the big blue trip was immeasurable. We both felt uplifted and confident by the coaching and support we received. Jax and Jamie made us laugh and put us at ease, whilst reassuring us throughout the swims. Georgos and Stavros playing a vital supportive role too. I would strongly recommend the trip to all I come into contact with! The location and the swims were truly breathtaking and memorable for individual and unique reasons. The group members were like minded and easy to bond with. The accommodation and hospitality were faultless. It was clear this was a well planned and organised trip.

Michelle, Northampton, U.K

Testimonials

The most amazing week of swimming in Greece. Well organised and totally enjoyable. Thank you to the team. It was one of the best holidays I have ever had.

Gia, South Africa

Testimonials

A fantastic week with fab guides and great company. Hotel also looked after us well. A great way to meet like-minded swimmy folk and enjoy a brilliant holiday!

Dawn, Cheltenham, U.K

Testimonials

I loved every salty second, every sea breeze, every chunk of feta, every tub of Vas and I am counting the months until I do it again. This holiday is yours for the making. I loved it for the challenge, the people, Greece, the freedom, the laughs, the adventure. It was so much more than swimming. It made me feel alive.

Jude, Dorking, U.K

Testimonials

Michael and his team offer a very professional but relaxed week of swimming, safety is high priority but this did not interfere with the swimming. We loved it and will be re-booking for next year when we get home. The highlight was Zoe getting the swimmers ready, lots of laughs and fun. The new boat is terrific and makes the boat rides so easy and some people even went to sleep on the giant bean bags which are so comfy. We made soo many new friends and every body looks after each other and this is a unique way to see the Greek Islands and there are soo many of them. We cant wait to do it all again in 2015. Congrats to The Big Blue a great experience with lots of fun.

Keith & Catherine, Gloucester, U.K

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