Sailing trip from Corfu I Zacherl Yachtcharter

Recommended yacht charter Corfu: A trip under the Greek sun

The Ionian Sea and especially the area around Corfu is a dream destination for all sailing enthusiasts. Corfu, the emerald green jewel in the Ionian Sea, offers sailors a true paradise. Not only the crystal-clear waters and picturesque bays, but also the spectacular landscapes, historic towns and villages, as well as the typical Corfiot cuisine never cease to amaze us. In this article, we therefore present you with a fantastic cruise suggestion for a 7-day trip from Corfu on one of our Nautic Alliance yachts. With its many sandy beaches and the shelter between the islands, this sailing area is particularly suitable for families and sun lovers. From April to October, a pleasant climate with warm temperatures, moderate winds and hardly any rainfall ensures unique experiences. This route combines relaxation and adventure, offering numerous opportunities for swimming, sunbathing and short sailing routes. Immerse yourself in the world of sailing and enjoy unforgettable hours of sunshine on the Ionian Sea.

Day 1: Marina Gouvia

Our Nautic Alliance base at Pier A of Marina Gouvia is the ideal starting point for your charter cruise. Your relaxed sailing vacation begins here, not far from Corfu International Airport. Once you arrive at our base, boarding and a technical briefing on your chosen dream yacht will take place. While the yacht handover is being prepared, you can enjoy your first impressions of Corfu and do some shopping. How about a coffee or a Greek breakfast in the Ankoretto Café right by the harbor? With its great terrace, it's the perfect place to start your trip. Every Friday and Saturday, the café serves delicious specialties from the Ionian island. To start, we recommend heading towards Petriti (20 SM), a charming fishing village on the south-east coast of Corfu. We recommend anchoring in the southern part of the bay. A dinner in one of the local tavernas and a short walk along the harbor promenade are the perfect way to round off the first day of the trip.

Day 2: The first day's destination - Paxos

What could be better than enjoying the first rays of sunshine on the yacht? The first sailing destination is around 16 nautical miles away and is located on the north coast of the island of Paxos. The picturesque bay of Lakka - a beautiful place that is ideal for anchoring and staying. The front part of the bay can be a little windier in northerly and north-easterly winds. How about a trip ashore? For a change of pace, we recommend a visit to the island lighthouse, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the impressive landscape of Paxos. In the evening, the best way to enjoy the Mediterranean flair is with a Corfiot dinner in a taverna by the water or a drink in one of the cozy bars.

Day 3: Gaios

The journey continues along the western coast of the island of Paxos to its capital Gaios. This route is characterized by breathtaking views of numerous bays, grottos, rocks and cliffs embedded in the turquoise blue water. However, it is only advisable to sail to these places in calm winds and we do not recommend spending the night on the west side of the island. Once you arrive in Gaios, you can drop anchor in the sheltered harbor. The town invites you to go shopping, with many small stores, restaurants and cafés to discover. On an excursion into the interior of the island, beautiful olive groves and impressive views await you, which you can explore on a rented scooter, for example. The harbor offers water and electricity supply as well as the possibility to refuel the yacht.

Day 4: From Antipaxos to Parga

On the fourth day of your charter trip, you will encounter beautiful bays in various shades of blue. The island of Antipaxos is surrounded by stunning waters and exotic beaches, making this small Ionian island ideal for a refreshing swim stop. However, the bays are not well protected in strong winds and are therefore not suitable for overnight stays. Insider tip: Sail to Antipaxos early in the morning to avoid large tourist groups. After this short swim excursion, we recommend setting sail towards the mainland to Parga (15 nautical miles). Upon arrival at the port of Parga, you can either dock or anchor. Diesel is available by tanker if needed. Spend the rest of the day exploring the charming town, discovering its history, and strolling through the narrow streets with small shops. The Venetian castle on the hillside, offering a breathtaking view of the sea, is definitely worth a visit. In the evening, restaurants along the harbor promenade invite you to sample the delicious Greek dishes of the region.

Day 5: Blue Lagoon and Syvota

The route takes us to a short stop at the magnificent 2 km long Valtos beach near Parga. A refreshing swim stop here is well worth it before continuing along the mainland coast northwards. After approximately 16 nautical miles, you will reach the picturesque coastal town of Syvota, formerly known as Mourtos. This area is situated opposite the southern tip of Corfu. The small, sheltered bays with their crystal-clear water are ideal for a quick dip. Especially the Blue Lagoon, famous from the movie of the same name, offers fantastic opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. Discover the fascinating underwater world of the Ionian Sea with its marine life. The fishing port of Syvota invites you for a leisurely stroll and offers numerous shopping options, restaurants, cafes, and ice cream parlors. Additionally, there are secure water and power supplies as well as refueling options for your yacht.

Day 6: Corfu Town

Before embarking on the final leg of the trip, take the opportunity to explore the impressive city of Corfu. This historic site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2007 and captivates with its charming Venetian-style architecture. Visit the two majestic fortresses and leisurely wander through the narrow streets of the old town. The bay of Garitsa or the small harbor Mantraki below the old fortress are ideal spots for anchoring.

Day 7: Return to Marina Gouvia

On the last day of your charter trip, we recommend a half-day swim stop in a bay north of the harbor before returning to Marina Gouvia. Along the coast, a few tavernas invite you to enjoy delicious Greek cuisine with a wonderful view. After returning to Marina Gouvia and the return of the chartered yacht, we suggest ending the evening at Restaurant Olympia Mare or Harry’s Taverna. Here you can reflect on your unforgettable journey, once again enjoy the wonderful Mediterranean flair of the island, and perfectly conclude your charter trip.

Would you like to experience more of the beauty of Corfu? Watch the following video and let Ümit Uzun, CEO of Charterbar Yachting and Member of Nautic Alliance, introduce you to the beautiful island.