Greece - Corfu - Panorama Corfu town from the sea. Old town buildings of Kerkyra - AdobeStock_116861171

Sailing Holiday
Corfu

Corfu, the captivating island located off the coast of western Greece, holds an irresistible allure that makes it a truly special place for a sailing holiday 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 sailing holiday charter from Corfu offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration, making it a premier choice for a sailing holiday in Greece.

What Makes Corfu Special?

Convenient Location

Located in the Ionian Sea, Corfu is easily accessible by air and sea, making it a popular destination for sailors worldwide.

Rich History and Culture

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.

Excellent Sailing Conditions

The Ionian Sea provides ideal sailing conditions with consistent winds, calm waters, and mild temperatures, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable yacht charter experience.

Vibrant Nightlife

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.

Abundance of Islands

Corfu is a gateway to the Ionian Islands, providing endless opportunities for exploration and discovery, and each island has its unique charm and character.

Gastronomic Delights

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.

Historical Landmarks

Corfu is home to many historical landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Old Town, Achilleion Palace, and the deserted island of Vidos.

Fantastic Beaches

The Ionian Islands are renowned for their beautiful beaches, which range from long stretches of golden sand to secluded bays accessible only by boat. There is a beach to suit every taste, whether you prefer sun loungers and beach bars or a quiet cove all to yourself.

Authentic Greek Cuisine

The Ionian Islands have a rich culinary tradition, with local dishes that highlight the flavours of fresh seafood, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables. Indulge in traditional Greek cuisine at waterfront tavernas and experience the authentic taste of the Mediterranean.

Greece - Northern Ionian - Landscape with wild beach Paradise and rocks formations in Corfu stock photo - Getty

Stunning Beauty

Corfu's coastline offers breathtaking views of clear turquoise waters, picturesque coves, and verdant hillsides, creating an idyllic setting for sailing holiday charter.

Not To Be Missed

Achilleion Palace

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.

Mon Repos

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.

Paleokastritsa Monastery

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.

Corfu Old Town

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.

Paxos and Antipaxos Islands

Located just south of Corfu, these pristine islands have crystal-clear waters for swimming from your boat. Visit the Blue Caves on Paxos or relax on the mesmerising beaches of Antipaxos if you'd like to venture ashore.

Dine in Gaios

Enjoy a meal at a waterfront taverna in Gaios, Paxos' main town, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Greece - Northern Ionian - Old ruins of Angelokastro fortress - Corfu island, Greece - Getty

Angelokastro Castle

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.

Marinas

Marina Gouvia

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.

Best Times To Visit

When embarking on a sailing holiday 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.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 13.9°C (57°F) 9.8°C (50°F) wind direction 147degSSE
FEB 13.5°C (56°F) 7.7°C (46°F) wind direction 182degS
MAR 15.6°C (60°F) 10.7°C (51°F) wind direction 209degSSW
APR 17.0°C (63°F) 11.4°C (53°F) wind direction 227degSW
MAY 22.0°C (72°F) 15.9°C (61°F) wind direction 177degS
JUN 28.3°C (83°F) 20.2°C (68°F) wind direction 240degWSW
JUL 33.5°C (92°F) 23.2°C (74°F) wind direction 259degW
AUG 31.5°C (89°F) 23.2°C (74°F) wind direction 255degWSW
SEP 28.0°C (82°F) 21.2°C (70°F) wind direction 215degSW
OCT 24.9°C (77°F) 19.1°C (66°F) wind direction 222degSW
NOV 18.7°C (66°F) 14.5°C (58°F) wind direction 193degSSW
DEC 15.0°C (59°F) 11.0°C (52°F) wind direction 147degSSE
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Languages

The official language of Greece is Greek with English being widely understood in the tourist areas.

Currency

The official currency of Greece is the Euro.

Tipping

Tipping is a common practice in Greece and very much appreciated for good service, typically you leave 10%.

Boat Types In Corfu

Is A Sailing Holiday Right For You

Connect with Nature

A sailing holiday allows you to experience the sea, wind, and sky up close, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life native to your cruising area.

Wellbeing

Looking for a total break from your everyday routine? A sailing holiday provides a truly different experience. Being rocked gently by the sea while surrounded by stunning nature is guaranteed to lower your stress levels.

Unique Accommodation

Your boat serves as both transportation and lodging, offering a total change from the everyday - and a fantastic way to explore a variety of locations.

Skill Development

Whether you're a first-time sailor or an old hand, your skipper will be happy to give tips on sailing techniques and nautical knowledge. Or feel free to sit back, relax and simply enjoy being on board.

Amazing Access

On a sailing holiday you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.

Quality Time with Friends and Family

The nature of sailing together means you tend to foster deeper connections with travel companions in a close, shared environment. Special memories are guaranteed.

Customisable Itinerary

The weather doesn’t always do what you want, but with a boat charter you can easily adjust your plans based on weather, preferences, or unexpected discoveries.

Cultural Immersion

On a sailing holiday you tend to visit multiple ports and interact with locals, which is great for experiencing the cultural life of your destination country in more depth.

Sunsets and Stargazing

There’s nothing quite like a night under the stars, and the deck of a boat is the perfect spot for gazing at breath-taking sunsets or clear night skies, far away from light pollution.

Family - Happy Young Family Resting On A Yacht

Freedom to Explore

On a sailing holiday you have the freedom to plan your own itinerary and visit multiple destinations, with the journeys between them being part of the fun.

Charter Types In Corfu

Bareboat Sailing Holiday

A bareboat sailing holiday 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 sailing holiday fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter on a sailing holiday 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.

Skippered Sailing Holiday

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 sailing holiday, 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 Sailing Holiday

A crewed sailing holiday from Corfu comes 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.

How To Book

How To Book Your Sailing Holiday Charter From Corfu.

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 sailing holiday 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.

Pure Thoughts

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.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Sailing Holiday?

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.