A Corfu island sailing trip spends a day under sail on the Ionian Sea, with the marina at Gouvia as the starting point and swim stops in sheltered bays. Further routes across Greece sit on the main page of tours in Greece.
This page explains what the trip is, how long it lasts, where it starts, which coast it follows, what travellers do and what comes on board, when it runs, who it suits and what travellers ask.
What is a Corfu island sailing trip?
A Corfu island sailing trip is a day on a sailing yacht or sailboat around the island. The boat leaves a marina on Corfu, stops in bays for a swim, and serves light food on board. A skipper or captain runs it.
Operator pages describe the same pattern for a Corfu island sailing trip. One operator starts its daily trips at the marina in Gouvia and sails northeast along the coast. It anchors for swimming, snorkelling and a snack that the skipper serves. Another listing names a captain, lunch and drinks.
Wikipedia defines a sailboat as a boat driven partly or entirely by sails and smaller than a sailing ship. A yacht is a boat for pleasure, cruising or racing, and it can run on sails or on an engine. Wikipedia adds that the word has no standard definition.
Sailing itself means using the wind in the sails to move a craft across the water. Wikipedia lists two kinds of recreational sailing. One is day-sailing, where one gets off the boat for the night. The other is cruising, where one stays aboard. A trip that ends back at the marina belongs to the day-sailing kind.
Wikipedia counts Corfu among the Ionian Islands, in the west of Greece. It sits in Greece’s northwestern corner. The island’s northeast side faces the coast of Albania.
Wikipedia calls the Ionian Sea a long bay within the Mediterranean Sea. It joins the Adriatic Sea to the north. Corfu and its Diapontian Islands sit on the border between the two seas, with the Ionian Sea to the south.
Wikipedia and the operator pages give simple reasons to choose a Corfu island sailing trip. Wikipedia says day-sailing mainly gives the pleasure of sailing a boat. It needs no destination, and it lets people share the experience with others.
One operator writes that there is no better way to discover the island than a yacht trip. A charter page calls Corfu a known starting point for skippered charter yachts.
How long is a Corfu island sailing trip?
Operators list a Corfu island sailing trip at five hours for a half day. One private full-day cruise runs eight hours. The route and the operator set the length, because each listing has its own plan.
The day follows one order in the listings. Guests meet the captain at the marina and board the yacht. The boat sails northeast along the coast to a first swim stop. It then goes on to the main stop. One operator says the group stays there for about one hour.
After the swim, the skipper serves a snack. The boat then heads back, with a blue cave listed on the return. Guests can explore the cave before the boat returns to the marina. That order gives a half-day Corfu island sailing trip its rhythm.
One listing gives five hours as the duration and calls the same figure the total sailing time. Two more listings also give five hours. One of them describes the trip as a half-day sail on the Ionian Sea.
A full day runs longer. One operator lists a private cruise of eight hours that starts at the marina in Gouvia. Its plan lists three beach stops, with travel time and a lunch at a seaside taverna included. That plan shows a full-day Corfu island sailing trip in practice.
Lengths differ because each operator plans its own route. One operator also has a motor yacht cruise for the whole day along the south coast. The same operator offers private cruises on sailing yachts and catamarans, for a single day or longer.
Charter pages show the long end of the range. Two of them list seven-day sailing routes from Corfu, and one of those is a flotilla. So a Corfu island sailing trip has no single length.
Where does a Corfu island sailing trip start?
One operator says its Corfu island sailing trip begins at Gouvia marina and heads north-east along the coast. Wikipedia places Gouvia about 8 kilometres north of Corfu Town. A sailing-charter page puts it in the east of the island.
Wikipedia calls Gouvia a village and resort beside a natural harbour. It names the marina there as the island’s largest. The harbour was favoured during the Venetian occupation too. Wikipedia says the well-preserved remains of a shipyard, the Venetian Arsenal, survive in the village.
Wikipedia explains that a marina has piers and moorings where yachts and small boats are tied up. Large commercial ships go to ports instead. So this Corfu island sailing trip starts in a place made for leisure boats, not in a commercial port.
Sources give slightly different distances. Wikipedia also gives that distance as 5 miles. The same sailing-charter page gives 8 kilometres to the airport and about 10 kilometres to the capital. Another sailing page says Corfu Town is a 15 minute taxi ride or a 20 minute bus ride away.
On request, one operator offers pick-up at the traveller’s own location for its Corfu island sailing trip. Guests on a week-long charter check in with the charter company at its base in Gouvia. Visiting skippers must contact the private marina a couple of days ahead to reserve a berth.
Wikipedia says an old street skirts the marina, lined with bars, restaurants and tavernas. The village has one beach, a small pebble beach in the middle of the bay. Across the water at Limni, a Greek Orthodox church of the Hypapante juts out into the bay.
Which coast does a Corfu island sailing trip sail along?
One operator sails its Corfu island sailing trip up the north-east coast, with Albania across the Corfu Channel. It lists Barbati Beach, Gialiskari beach and a blue cave as stops.
The route for that Corfu island sailing trip runs in a fixed order. The first stop is Barbati Beach. The boat then continues up the coastline to Gialiskari beach, which the operator calls the main stop. On the way back, it visits the blue cave before returning to Gouvia marina.
Wikipedia calls the Corfu Channel a narrow strait. Corfu sits to the west of it, and the coasts of Albania and Greece sit to the east. At its north end the channel opens to the Adriatic Sea. At its south end it opens to the Ionian Sea.
The north-east edge of Corfu faces Saranda in Albania, and the straits between them are 3 to 23 kilometres wide. On that coast, Wikipedia places Kassiopi, a fishing village that overlooks the channel. Wikivoyage describes a mostly stony beach there with clear, calm water.
Wikivoyage names Kalami, where the novelist Lawrence Durrell and his wife lived between nineteen thirty-five and nineteen forty-one. One sailing page lists Ormos Kommeno, a bay close to Gouvia marina. A sailing-charter page lists Agni on the north-east side of Corfu and Kerasia, an open bay.
Wikipedia puts two islands, Lazareto and Ptychia, halfway between Gouvia and Corfu Bay. Ptychia is also called Vido. Both lie close to the start of a Corfu island sailing trip.
Vido is less than a kilometre across and lies about a kilometre north of the old fort. Three forts once stood on Vido. Parts of Fort Wellington are still visible.
Pontikonisi, or Mouse Island, is a small islet near Corfu. A Byzantine chapel dedicated to Christ Pantokrator is its main feature, dating to the eleventh or twelfth century.
The Old Fortress in Corfu Town stands on a promontory. The Gulf of Kerkyra lies to its north, and Garitsa Bay lies to its south. Venice cut the promontory off with a sea-filled moat, the Contrafossa, so the citadel became an island. Wikipedia says the name Corfu itself goes back to the two peaks of the fortress.
Another operator’s day cruise opens with a sail past the old town of Corfu. The old town carries UNESCO World Heritage status, Wikipedia says. A Corfu island sailing trip that starts at Gouvia points north-east. Corfu Town and its fortress lie behind the boat once it leaves the marina.
What do travellers do on a Corfu island sailing trip?
On a Corfu island sailing trip, travellers swim, snorkel, eat and rest on deck. A skipper handles the boat. Whether guests also help with the sails depends on the operator and the skipper.
Wikipedia says a sailboat can carry an engine for when the wind dies. One operator of a Corfu island sailing trip describes its half-day sail in two parts. The engine runs until midday, then the boat sails when the wind allows. Wikipedia adds that each course needs its own sail angle to take power out of the wind.
One operator says passenger involvement in the sailing is optional and depends on the skipper and the conditions. The skipper can share the wheel and explain sail handling. A different operator runs longer voyages around Corfu. It says guests can help raise the sails and take the helm, and taking part is optional. No sailing experience is needed.
A Corfu island sailing trip sets aside time in the water. One operator lists snorkelling, swimming and cliff diving at its main swim stop. The group stays there about one hour. Another operator names two sheltered snorkelling spots reached only by boat. It lists diving, underwater photography and fishing, with fishing line on all of its yachts.
One listing describes shaded areas and sunbathing spots on board. Another operator’s full-day sail lists sunbathing, snorkelling and going ashore to explore. Traditional Greek food is available at a tavern on the north side of Corfu. One operator’s route stops at a blue cave on the return leg, where guests have the chance to explore it.
One listing for a Corfu island sailing trip names a safety briefing before departure. The same page lists basic first aid supplies on board. Guests eat on the open deck or at a shaded table there. The itineraries name beaches, caves and food, not animals. A dolphin or any other sighting at sea is a bonus, never a promise.
What comes with a Corfu island sailing trip?
One listing names sandwiches, chips and fruit salad for its Corfu island sailing trip. Soft drinks, bottled water and a toilet on board are included too. Alcoholic drinks are not included there. Other operators list different extras.
The snack on a Corfu island sailing trip differs by page. The skipper serves refreshments, drinks, sandwiches and fruit on one operator’s route. Another page for a Gouvia sailing day adds seasonal fruit and names cola, lemonade, soda water, juice and iced tea. A private yacht page lists coffee, tea and water served underway.
A snack is not a lunch. A page for a private yacht lists a barbecue lunch on board around noon. Soft drinks, wine and beer are part of that lunch. A full-day private cruise lists coffee, tea, fruit salad, chips, soft drinks, beer, wine and prosecco. Alcohol is in these two lists, while the sandwich listing leaves it out.
The crew differs by operator on a Corfu island sailing trip. One listing names a tour leader with German, Greek and English. A full-day private cruise lists an experienced crew and a tour leader working in English. A half-day operator sends a private skipper with each group.
Gear differs too. One listing says snorkel gear is available on board. A full-day private cruise lists snorkelling equipment, a stand-up paddleboard, towels, a wireless speaker and Wi-Fi. Another operator lists snorkel and fishing gear for its full-day sail. A private yacht page asks guests to bring their own towel and snorkel gear.
One listing for a Corfu island sailing trip names clean washrooms and life jackets for every participant. Another page lists life vests for children on a private yacht. A voyage operator that runs longer trips around Corfu includes a life jacket and adult snorkelling equipment. A full-day private cruise adds water toys on board.
When does a Corfu island sailing trip run?
A Corfu island sailing trip runs between spring and autumn. One charter site puts the Ionian sailing season between early April and the end of October. One operator sails every day at 9 in the morning, with a second sailing in the afternoon.
Sailing sites draw the season differently. One site says it runs between late spring and October. Another names June to September as the time when sea temperature and weather suit a summer sailing holiday. The charter site with the early April start adds one more point. Thunderstorms are rare in summer but do happen in spring and autumn.
Start times for a Corfu island sailing trip differ between listings. A travel listing gives daily departures at 9 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon. Another operator lists a sunset cruise that lasts three hours. On that cruise guests swim or snorkel, then watch the sunset from the deck with snacks and drinks.
The wind follows the clock. Two sailing sites describe a north-westerly wind, the maestro or maistro, that builds around midday or in the afternoon. One says mornings are calm. They put its fade at evening or just after sunset. A charter site gives the afternoon wind as a steady 12 to 20 knots, sometimes up to 25.
Sea conditions on a Corfu island sailing trip also depend on the coast. One sailing site calls the east side sheltered and the west side open sea and windier. On the Beaufort scale, Wikipedia gives force four, a moderate breeze, as 11 to 16 knots. Force five, a fresh breeze, is 17 to 21 knots.
Weather can change a plan on a Corfu island sailing trip. One listing allows a move to another day, or a refund, if the weather forces a cancellation. Wikipedia gives Corfu hot, dry summers. Its winters, the article says, are mild to cool and very wet. Wikivoyage names November to March as the main rainy months.
Who is a Corfu island sailing trip for?
A Corfu island sailing trip suits families, friends and travellers new to sailing. One operator lists its whole-day cruises as ideal for families with young children, groups of friends and multigenerational groups. A travel listing calls the trip suitable for the elderly, pregnant women and children of any age.
Age rules differ by listing. Another listing gives the minimum age as no age restriction. The same page lists the boat as not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. It adds that pets are not allowed on board. Wikivoyage calls Corfu a good destination for family holidays and says the whole island is welcoming and safe for children.
Beginners are covered too. One sailing site calls the northern Ionian beginner-friendly because of its sheltered coves. A charter site says the Aegean’s meltemi gales do not reach the Ionian, which suits new sailors and families. A Corfu island sailing trip happens in the same northern Ionian waters.
Seasickness is a fair question for a first day on a boat. Wikipedia says rocking motion brings on motion sickness. Keeping the head still, looking at the horizon and fresh air on the face help, it says. It adds that susceptibility is at its highest between ages 7 and 12. Children under 2 do not experience it.
Group size on a Corfu island sailing trip depends on the boat. One operator says its small groups hold 9 to 12 people. A travel listing gives a maximum of 12 passengers and calls the trip semi-private. Another operator lists a private cruise through the Ionian Sea for one day or more.
Operators list what to bring on a Corfu island sailing trip. One lists a change of clothes, a towel, an ID document, a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Another lists comfortable shoes, a camera, sun protection and water. One operator asks in advance for the number of guests, the date, the time and any allergies.
What else do travellers ask about a Corfu island sailing trip?
What size is the island behind a Corfu island sailing trip?
Wikipedia gives Corfu an area of 592.9 square kilometres and says the island runs about 64 kilometres in length. The greatest breadth is around 32 kilometres, and Wikivoyage gives 62 kilometres in length and nearly 30 in width. Two high ranges give Corfu mountains in the north, rolling ground in the middle and low land in the south.
Wikipedia puts the coastline at 217 kilometres including the capes, and says the island’s shape resembles a sickle. A Corfu island sailing trip of one day covers a single stretch of that coast, not all of it.
What sets a catamaran apart from a monohull on a Corfu island sailing trip?
Wikipedia says traditional sailboats are monohulls, and that a monohull generally relies on ballast for its stability. A catamaran has twin hulls of equal size, and its wide stance means no ballast is needed.
Wikipedia adds that catamarans draw less water than monohulls, so they can enter shallow water where monohulls cannot go. A multihull also loses speed more quickly than a monohull when headed into the wind, the sailboat article says. The catamaran article also says that a catamaran is easier to beach and needs more room in a marina.
Which other islands lie near the waters of a Corfu island sailing trip?
The Diapontia Islands lie about 6 kilometres north-west of Corfu, Wikipedia says, and form the westernmost point of Greece. The main islands are Othonoi, Ereikoussa and Mathraki, and the group lies about 40 kilometres from the Italian coast. Wikivoyage counts 11 islands in the group, three of them larger, lying 9 to 20 kilometres north-north-west of Corfu.
Lazaretto is an islet north-east of Corfu Town, 1.1 kilometres from the shore, formerly named St. Dimitrios, Wikipedia says. A monastery rose there in the early sixteenth century, when Venice ruled Corfu, and a leprosarium later named the islet.
What can travellers visit near Corfu Town beside a Corfu island sailing trip?
Wikipedia calls Mon Repos a former royal summer residence, built for Britain’s Lord High Commissioner. It stands in the forest of Palaeopolis, south of Corfu Town and away from the Gouvia marina. Construction took place between eighteen twenty-eight and eighteen thirty-one, in the neoclassical style of the English Regency.
Since two thousand and one the building has housed the Museum of Palaiopolis, Mon Repos, in that forest. Wikipedia’s Corfu article places the ruins of ancient Greek temples and the ancient city of Korkyra in Palaiopolis.
How do the buses of Corfu work around a Corfu island sailing trip?
Wikivoyage lists two bus types on Corfu, blue and green, which serve different parts of the island. Blue buses run in and around Corfu Town, while green buses link the remaining parts of the island. The blue bus terminal in Corfu Town stands in San Rocco Square, the same page adds.
The green bus station is near the New Port, and buses depart from there for all villages of Corfu Island. Wikivoyage also lists a line to Dasia that runs every 20 minutes, or every 30 minutes on Sundays.