Sailing
Corfu Region
Corfu Sailing Holidays
Spending your sailing holidays in Greece means exploring old mythological places - Corfu Island is known from mythology as Scheria, Odysseus’s last stop before his return to Ithaca. You can witness some of the history in Kassiopi Village before having fun at popular beaches like Marathiá, Gardénos or Íssos.
Visiting Corfu is not complete without walking around some of its olive groves. Made up of trees that are hundreds of years old, these groves are the reason this island is one of the greenest islands in Greece! Sail around Corfu and spend a wonderful sailing holiday getting to know its nature, history and culture.
Yacht Charter in Corfu
Charter a yacht on Corfu Island and start your Ionian sailing holidays. This island is part of the Ionian Islands archipelago on the west coast of Greece. From here, you can sail to some other Greek islands such as Lefkada, Ithaca and Zakynthos. Despite being a popular starting point for sailing the Greek islands, Corfu is mostly rural and less crowded in comparison to some other islands. There is plenty for you to do here. For example, Corfu is one of the most fortified places in Europe. Hop off your sailing yacht and walk around the Old Fortress in Corfu Town. Its old core is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Enjoy a romantic stroll along its narrow streets and take a photo on Spianada Square, the largest square in Greece.

The Sailing Beginners - Complete Guide for First Time Sailors
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Sailing routes - Corfu

Corfu route

Arrive to Corfu International Airport and take a 15-minute bus or taxi ride to your sailing starting point - Gouvia. After check-in, charter a yacht and head 15 NM south and you will reach Petriti, a charming village and the largest fishing port of the Corfu island. It is a quiet tourist destination for people who prefer relaxing holidays, particularly for families and couples.
The best time to sightsee Petriti is in the morning; that way you can see intense activity of fishermen and expect fresh seafood for dinner in taverns. You can also go hiking or visit a nearby village of Korakades to see a magnificent church.

In the morning, sail around 19 NM to the south to reach the island of Paxi/Paxoi. You can stop and swim in beautiful bays on your way. According to Greek mythology, it was Poseidon who created Paxi by striking Corfu with his trident to have peace and quiet with his wife. Paxi is famous for its fine wine and sand beaches.
Moor in Lakka, the second biggest settlement located in a circular bay with turquoise sea and two beaches: Kanoni and Harami. The bay is sheltered by hills, cypress trees and silver green olive groves that block strong winds and create an amazing postcard scenery. It is a popular destination for yachting, windsurfing, snorkeling and swimming, but it does not get noisy or crowded. Lakka is a safe harbor with strong Italian influence in architecture and cuisine. Feel free to experience its lively nightlife.

Surround the island from east to west on your 11 NM journey to Gaios. There will be plenty of bays to swim in. Gaios is the capital and main port on the Paxi island. Like Lakka, it is surrounded with olive groves and small islets thus making is safe from winds. Locals are engaged in tourism and fishing.
Gaios is a popular destination for private yachts which gives it a cosmopolitan feeling while preserving its traditional looks with 19th century buildings and narrow alleys you have to walk through. Make sure to try Greek salad, traditional Moussaka and sage tea.

Sail around 5 NM southeast and you will reach the vineyard-covered island of Antipaxos. Make a swim stop on one of the most beautiful beaches of the world: sandy Vrika or pebbled Mesovrika and Voutoumi. You can also find a secluded cove with crystal-clear waters if you sail a bit more south. When you had enough of sunbathing and swimming, set your sails towards Parga located 11 NM northeast. The town is on mainland, but gives an island feeling.
While you are approaching Parga, you will see colorful houses on the slopes of a mountain. Hike to get a nice view of the sea and visit a Venetian castle above the town. Raft on the river of Acheron. Valtos, a broad bay with blue green water and tourist facilities, Lichnos and Serekiniko are all amazing beaches on which you can relax. Have dinner in one of the restaurants that offer delicious Greek specialties and high quality wine.

On your way north and up the coast, you will see mountains of Epirus, a geographical and historical region in Greece. Sivota, a scenic fishing village, is around 12 NM away from Parga. It is in a bay sheltered from summer winds by three islands.
There are several anchorages around the mainland and islands. You can swim in the outer part of the bay. Sivota is equipped with shower facilities and fresh water. Families can enjoy a water park at the Monastery Bay. Go shopping and try swordfish, octopus or Gyros in taverns or restaurants.

Sail around 22 NM north/northwest towards Agni, a hidden old fishermen harbor. It literally translates as ‘unspoilt’, so you can expect superb beach and sea. Get a magnificent view of the Albanian coast while lounging on a sunbed provided by waterside taverns where you can also have lunch. Diving enthusiasts may visit a diving centre.
Later in the day sail towards your starting destination Gouvia 7 NM southwest. Make a swimming stop before arriving since the beaches in Gouvia, the largest Corfu marina, are not exceptionally good. Still, there are a lot of facilities and activities that Gouvia offers. Experience its nightlife with Mediterranean dinner and a glass of wine.

Best time to sail
April - November
Number of boat bases
-
Closest airports
Corfu (CFU)
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Languages spoken
Greek
Tips
Corfu Old Town, Canal de l’Amour, Paleokastritsa Beach, Vlacherna Monastery, Achilleion Palace