The northernmost of the Ionian Islands, verdant, aristocratic and washed by calm blue water, Corfu is one of the loveliest places to begin a Greek sailing holiday. A yacht charter in Corfu sets out from the sheltered marina of Gouvia — one of the largest in the Mediterranean — and opens the door to Venetian harbours, quiet northern coves and the tiny Diapontian islands offshore.
Why Charter a Yacht in Corfu?
Corfu (Kerkyra) sits at the top of the Ionian Sea, opposite the coast of Epirus, and combines a cosmopolitan main town with a green, water-rich interior and 200 km of varied coastline. Steep cliffs guard the west while gentle shores and tranquil bays line the east and north — ideal cruising country for both first-time and experienced sailors. Rent a boat in Corfu and you have the whole northern Ionian within easy reach.
- Calm, sheltered Ionian waters and short hops between anchorages — friendly for families and beginners.
- Departures from Gouvia Marina, a full-service base with around 1,000 berths and yacht fuelling.
- A rich mix of Venetian, French and British heritage ashore, plus vast olive groves and pine forests.
- Quiet northern coves, the west-coast beauty of Palaiokastritsa, and the offshore Diapontian isles.
- A long, mild season with dependable, gentle summer breezes rather than the fierce Aegean meltemi.
Setting Sail from Gouvia Marina
On your Corfu yacht charter you embark from the marina of Gouvia, on the island's east coast just north of Corfu Town. It is the natural starting point for an Ionian voyage: a protected, well-equipped base with fuel and water on hand, a short transfer from Corfu airport, and open water in every useful direction. From here you can turn south along the developed east-coast resorts, or work north towards the wild scenery below Mount Pantokrator and around to the west coast.
Corfu Town (Kerkyra)
The island's capital and port is the largest living medieval town in Greece and one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. The vast Spianada square, the arcaded Liston, the Venetian Old Fort on its peninsula and the sixteenth-century New Fort frame a town of Venetian lanes (kantounia) and elegant Heptanesian architecture. Don't miss the church of St Spyridon, the Palace of Sts Michael and George with its Museum of Asian Art, and the much-photographed Vlacherna monastery and Pontikonisi at Kanoni, just south of town.
The East and South Coasts
South of the town lie green villages and good beaches — Perama, Gastouri with the Achilleion palace, Moraitika, Mesongi and the plain of Lefkimmi down to Kavos. North of town are Corfu's most cosmopolitan resorts: Kontokali, Gouvia, Komeno, Dasia, Ypsos and Barbati, backed by the mass of Mount Pantokrator (911 m). Kassiopi, with its ruined Byzantine castle, marks the north-east corner.
The West Coast and Interior
The west side rewards a longer passage: the cliffs and coves of Palaiokastritsa with its 1225 monastery, the "Bella Vista" viewpoint near the Byzantine fortress of Angelokastro above Krini, and the rock formations of Sidari on the north coast. Inland, traditional villages such as Pelekas (famous for its sunset), Lakones and the mountain settlements on the slopes of Pantokrator make for memorable side trips.
Charter a yacht in Corfu
Tell us your dates and group size, and we'll match you with the right sailing yacht or catamaran to explore Corfu and the Ionian at your own pace.
Beaches and Anchorages Around Corfu
Scores of beaches punctuate the coast. On the east side, from north to south, look for Kerasia, Kouloura, Nisaki, Barbati and Dasia. The west coast is more dramatic: Arillas with its offshore islets, the celebrated Palaiokastritsa, Ermones, Myrtiotissa, Glyfada, Yaliskari and Ai Gordis, with fine sand and curious rock formations. Fuel and water for yachts are available in the harbours of Corfu and Palaiokastritsa.
Nearby Islands: The Diapontia
A few nautical miles north-west of Corfu lie the tiny Diapontian isles — Ereikoussa, Mathraki and Othonoi — ideal for a quiet day at anchor. Ereikoussa (about 4.5 n.m. from Sidari) and Mathraki have lovely sandy beaches, while Othonoi (about 7.5 n.m. north-west of Corfu) is traditionally identified as the place where Odysseus met Nausikaa. At the entrance of Corfu harbour sits the islet of Vidos, known in antiquity as Ptychia.
Choosing Your Yacht: Bareboat or Crewed
Corfu's calm waters and short passages suit almost every kind of vessel. If you hold a sailing licence, a bareboat charter puts you fully in command; if not, add a skipper or choose a fully crewed yacht and let a professional handle the navigation while you relax. Monohull sailing yachts are the classic Ionian choice, while catamarans add space and stability for families and larger groups.
When to Sail Corfu
The Ionian season runs from spring to autumn, with the gentlest, most family-friendly conditions of any Greek sailing area. Summer breezes are light to moderate, and there is no meltemi to contend with.
Warm, green and uncrowded, with fresh landscapes and pleasant swimming. Excellent value before the peak.
Hot, lively and busy. Reliable light winds, warm sea and long days — book well ahead for the best yachts.
Warm water, calmer resorts and soft light. Many sailors' favourite window for a relaxed Ionian cruise.
Explore More of the Ionian
Charter a boat near Ithaca island, Greece
An island known worldwide from Homer’s Odyssey, a mythical and symbolic place, the desired homeland…
Charter a yacht near Paxi (Paxos) Island, Greece
This is the smallest ‘large’ island in the Ionian Sea, just 25 sq. km. in area and with a coastline…
Rent a boat near Zakynthos, Greece
The Venetians’ ‘Fiori di Levante’ (flower of the East), Zakynthos or Zante, is famed worldwide not…
Yacht Charter Lefkas, Greece
Lefkada: A Jewel of the Ionian Charter Experience History of Lefkas Colonists who founded the city…
Yacht rent near Kefalonia island, Greece
Its terrain is basically mountainous with Ainos a national forest park as its highest peak, in the…
Ionian sailing itineraries & routes
Corfu Yacht Charter FAQs
Where do Corfu yacht charters start?
Most Corfu charters begin at Gouvia Marina on the island's east coast, just north of Corfu Town. It is a full-service base with fuel, water and around 1,000 berths, a short transfer from Corfu airport.
Do I need a sailing licence to rent a boat in Corfu?
For a bareboat charter you need a recognised sailing qualification. If you don't hold one, you can add a professional skipper or choose a fully crewed yacht, and enjoy the trip while an expert handles the sailing.
When is the best time to sail in Corfu?
The season runs from May to October. July and August are hottest and busiest, while May, June, September and October offer warm weather, calmer resorts and better value. The Ionian has no meltemi, so winds stay gentle.
Is Corfu suitable for beginner sailors?
Yes. The Ionian is the most beginner and family-friendly sailing area in Greece, with sheltered water, short distances between anchorages and reliably light summer breezes.
What can I visit on a Corfu sailing holiday?
From Gouvia you can reach the medieval old town of Corfu, the east-coast resorts, the wild north below Mount Pantokrator, the cliffs and coves of Palaiokastritsa on the west coast, and the offshore Diapontian islands of Ereikoussa, Mathraki and Othonoi.
Should I charter a monohull or a catamaran in Corfu?
Monohull sailing yachts are the classic Ionian choice and offer great value. Catamarans provide more space, stability and shallow-draft anchoring, which suits families and larger groups. We can advise based on your group size and experience.
