Corfu, the captivating island located off the coast of western Greece, holds an irresistible allure that makes it a truly special place for a motor yacht charter.
The town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, greets visitors with its Venetian architecture, cobbled streets, and lively squares. Highlights to visit include the Old Fortress, the Liston promenade, and the Esplanade.
Along with being near to the Northern Ionian favourites of Paxos and Antipaxos, Corfu also acts as a gateway to the Southern Ionian Islands of Lefkada, Ithaca, and Kefalonia.
The typically favourable sailing conditions, of gentle winds and calm seas make it an ideal destination for both novice and experienced sailors alike. A motor yacht charter from Corfu offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration, making it a premier choice for a sailing holiday in Greece.
Located in the Ionian Sea, Corfu is easily accessible by air and sea, making it a popular destination for sailors worldwide.
Corfu has a fascinating history influenced by Venetian, French, and British occupation. This has resulted in a unique blend of architectural styles and cultural traditions that are waiting to be explored.
The Ionian Sea provides ideal sailing conditions with consistent winds, calm waters, and mild temperatures, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable yacht charter experience.
Corfu offers a lively nightlife scene, particularly in the capital city of Corfu Town. There are numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants to enjoy after a day of cruising.
Corfu is a gateway to the Ionian Islands, providing endless opportunities for exploration and discovery, and each island has its unique charm and character.
Corfu's local cuisine is renowned for its delicious flavours and influences from various cultures. Visitors can savour fresh seafood, traditional Greek dishes, and regional specialities at waterfront tavernas and upscale restaurants.
Corfu is home to many historical landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Old Town, Achilleion Palace, and the deserted island of Vidos.
Corfu's coastline offers breathtaking views of clear turquoise waters, picturesque coves, and verdant hillsides, creating an idyllic setting for motor yacht charter.
Empress Elisabeth of Austria (also known as Sissi) built this famous palace, which is known for its stunning gardens, impressive neoclassical architecture, and exquisite artworks.
Located on the outskirts of Corfu Town, Mon Repos is a neoclassical villa where the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born. The villa and its beautiful gardens offer a glimpse into Corfu's British colonial past, as well as its use by the Greek royal family.
This picturesque monastery, dating back to the 13th century, is situated on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Paleokastritsa Bay. In addition to its historical and religious significance, the monastery offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea.
The historic centre of Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit for its Venetian-style architecture, narrow streets, forts, and the Liston promenade.
Perched on a hill in the northwest of Corfu, Angelokastro is a medieval castle with a rich history. The castle offers panoramic countryside and sea views, making it a popular spot for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.
D-Marin Gouvia, located on the island of Corfu, is one of the largest marinas in Greece with 1,200 sea berths for yachts up to 60 metres and a dry dock that can accommodate up to 520 boats. It offers essential amenities such as free WiFi, 24-hour water and electricity, and easy access to Corfu Town. The marina itself is also in a lovely spot meaning that even if you decide not to venture away from your boat, you can still enjoy the natural beauty that Corfu has to offer from the comfort of your own deck.
When embarking on a motor yacht charter from Corfu, timing is everything.
For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, and September are genuinely the golden moments. During these periods, Greece unveils its charm without the peak season crowds.
The Greek islands also come alive during the summer with a vibrant atmosphere that bustles with life and is hard to beat.
Monthly weather for the area *
Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
---|---|---|---|---|
JAN | 13.9°C (57°F) | 9.8°C (50°F) | 4.6mm | SSE |
FEB | 13.5°C (56°F) | 7.7°C (46°F) | 1.1mm | S |
MAR | 15.6°C (60°F) | 10.7°C (51°F) | 3.2mm | SSW |
APR | 17.0°C (63°F) | 11.4°C (53°F) | 2.4mm | SW |
MAY | 22.0°C (72°F) | 15.9°C (61°F) | 3.3mm | S |
JUN | 28.3°C (83°F) | 20.2°C (68°F) | 0.6mm | WSW |
JUL | 33.5°C (92°F) | 23.2°C (74°F) | 0.2mm | W |
AUG | 31.5°C (89°F) | 23.2°C (74°F) | 1.6mm | WSW |
SEP | 28.0°C (82°F) | 21.2°C (70°F) | 1.9mm | SW |
OCT | 24.9°C (77°F) | 19.1°C (66°F) | 4.2mm | SW |
NOV | 18.7°C (66°F) | 14.5°C (58°F) | 7.3mm | SSW |
DEC | 15.0°C (59°F) | 11.0°C (52°F) | 1.6mm | SSE |
The official language of Greece is Greek with English being widely understood in the tourist areas.
The official currency of Greece is the Euro.
Tipping is a common practice in Greece and very much appreciated for good service, typically you leave 10%.
For luxury and comfort on the water, a motor yacht charter from Corfu is hard to beat with many offering a range of activities from water sports to spa treatments to enhance your experience.
Depending on the individual yacht's amenities, you can try out jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks and more. The power of most motor yachts also means you can cover more ground and explore a greater variety of locations. This combination of luxury, freedom and relaxation is what motor yacht charters are all about.
A luxury motor yacht charter from Corfu offers custom-designed vessels boasting cutting-edge technology and lavish amenities.
With a wide array of water toys available, the yachts powerful engines and advanced stabilisation systems ensure smooth, swift travel to your chosen destinations.
While onboard, a highly skilled crew, including trained chefs and wellness experts, provide impeccable, personalised service.
A luxury motor yacht charter isn't just a vacation; it's an immersive journey and a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and tailored luxury.
Motor yachts have powerful engines, so typically offer higher speeds and can cover greater distances than sailing yachts.
Motor yachts generally provide a more stable platform than the average sailing yacht, both while cruising and at anchor.
Motor yachts rely exclusively on engine power, whereas a sailing yacht typically uses wind and sail as their primary source.
While they can cover more range in shorter times than sailing yachts, this means motor yachts consume more fuel which can affect your final costs for the charter.
Motor yachts are less dependent on wind conditions, allowing for more predictable and potentially wide-ranging itineraries and schedules.
The experience on a motor yacht is often more akin to a luxury hotel, with the emphasis on comfort and amenities.
Many motor yachts have a relatively shallow draft or hull depth, allowing them to access areas that deeper-keeled sailing yachts cannot.
Motor yachts often feature more expansive interior spaces and amenities as the design isn't constrained by sailing requirements.
A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Corfu and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our fleet of yachts from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Corfu and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
Crewed yacht charters from Corfu come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
Greece is one of the most popular charter destinations in the Mediterranean. Therefore, it is best to book your dream boat in advance, typically six months ahead, to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream motor yacht via the the link, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the build your trip link to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
Corfu's cultural heritage is a captivating aspect of the island.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Corfu, with its Venetian architecture and narrow streets filled with boutique shops, charming cafés and a restaurant scene that comes alive at night. You may also discover architectural gems like the Liston promenade and the Palace of St. Michael and St. George.
No trip to this area would be complete without a trip to Paxos and Antipaxos. Paxos enchants with it's olive groves and laid back atmosphere with Gaios, its main town, has colourful waterfront charm. A short sail away, Antipaxos has pristine Caribbean-like shores in places, with both islands offering tranquility and an escape from the hustle and bustle.
Whether you're an experienced sailor or a first-time charterer, Corfu provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable adventure. Its combination of natural beauty, close proximity to other islands in the Ionian and ideal sailing conditions make it a standout choice for those seeking to explore this area of the Mediterranean.
There are typically five main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Greece, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, Gulets and Luxury Yachts (including Superyachts)
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.
For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, and September are genuinely the golden months, but the summer months are also popular, though the anchorages are busier.
The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.
The typical times for a yacht charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.
Once you've found your perfect yacht, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.
When chartering a yacht from Corfu, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.