Corfu boat rental
Greece is well known for its history, food, and incredible boat rental experiences. The island of Corfu is situated off Greece's Northwest coast in the Ionian Sea. Its cultural heritage reflects years spent under a mix of Venetian, French, and British influenced rule before it was united with Greece in 1864. The town of Corfu is flanked by two imposing Venetian fortresses, features winding medieval lanes, a French-style arcade, and the Grand Palaces of St. Michael and St. George.
It's great for having dinner outdoors, shopping for stylish clothes and accessories, and just sitting with your family and friends sipping a drink and enjoying the atmosphere and the sky at night. The surrounding countryside has fertile olive groves, green cypress trees, and an abundance of wildflowers, very different from the rocky islands of the Cyclades. Corfu is easily accessible from most European cities by air, and it's also easy to get around by car. But why not rent a boat and get around the waters surrounding the Island of Corfu. There is so much to see at sea!
Why rent a boat on holiday in Corfu?
Spend a weekend sailing in the North Ionian Sea when you start your boat rental from Corfu. The weather in the Ionian Sea is fairly predictable between May and September, with predominantly Northwest winds up to force five, making sailing conditions ideal, even for novice sailors. Let an experienced local skipper and crew tour you around some of the smaller islands on day tours or join-in tours around Corfu. If you are looking to explore, then take a day trip to Albania just across the waters and mix up the cultures on your holiday.
Most people would imagine the quintessential Greek island to have whitewashed stone houses with blue shutters perched on a cliff or hilltop, but not Corfu! It offers a unique new image of a Greek island, with Venetian, French, and British influences. The result is a stunning mix with beautiful architecture, a rich history, and of course, so much natural beauty with its stunning beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and the warmest weather you can imagine.
What are the most popular boat tours in Corfu?
The nearest islands to Corfu Town are Paxos, Antipaxos Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos. Paxos and Antipaxos are sometimes described as two of the best-kept secrets of Europe because there are not large groups of tourists. If you decide to visit Lefkada, then visit Porto Katziki beach and see why it was named as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Another destination for the family is Ithaca, which is known as the birthplace of Homer's hero Odysseus, and the perfect place for all lovers of peace and quiet vacations who want to enjoy natural and cultural beauty.
Rent a boat for a day in Corfu
Set sail from Corfu port, and you will see the Kanoni peninsula and the palace of Mon Repos. Approaching the channel between Corfu and Paxos, you will catch sight of the greenery of Paxos covered with olive and cypress trees. Legend has it that Paxos was formed when Poseidon severed the tip of Corfu with one mighty blow of his trident and dragged it South to create an idyllic retreat for his love, Amphitrite. Your boat rental skipper can tour you to breathtaking sea caves with clear, blue waters before heading to the island of Antipaxos to swim in the crystal waters of 'Paradise Beach.' On the way back to Corfu town, entering the narrow channel, which leads to the pretty port of Gaios village, you will see the stunning view of the two islands Panagia and Agios Nikolaos.
A full day boat rental in Corfu can give you many options for itineraries. A catamaran is best for cruising along the coastal villages and beaches or to the islands of Vido, where you can swim and snorkel and visit the nearby islands of Mouse and Lazareto. For a further away destination, cruise anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to reach Sidari, one of the most popular tourist spots in the entire Ionian. Sidari features luscious beaches with stunning sandstone formations, with the most famous being Canal d'Amour Beach, a natural canal created by impressive rock formations.
Rent a boat for the weekend in Corfu
The Northeast coast of Corfu is less than 1.5 nautical miles from Albania at its closest point. Sail past this on your weekend boat rental, and head North towards the sheltered bay of San Stefanos, there is plenty of space to anchor your rental boat, and it's an excellent place to swim. There are also some good restaurants in front of the jetty with genuine homemade Corfiot food such as roast lamb and moussaka. The next day your next destination is Sagiada, a 15 mile sail back round Southeast from San Stefanos and one of the closest Greek harbours to the Albanian border. There is a narrow entrance to the harbour, which is sheltered but fairly shallow in parts. The nearby hills behind the waterfront make this destination wonderfully atmospheric. Sagiada harbour is surrounded by shallow lagoons which attract many seabirds, and the small fishing port has several excellent tavernas offering local seafood, such as 'Alekos.' If you feel like a stroll, then there is a pleasant walk going North of the town, along the beach. Back to your boat in the evening and head to Corfu the next day.
An overnight boat rental in Corfu can bring you to Albania, just a short 2-hour cruise from Corfu. Visit Saranda's port city, where many attractions, historical sites, breathtaking beaches, and monasteries are yours to discover. Saranda is a romantic and bustling port city, where you can spend the entire day strolling, exploring, and wandering about. Enjoy the night on the harbor, and make your way to the Butrint National Park in the morning. This park, located near a lake, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient Grek city, named Buthrotum. Layers of vegetation covered this ancient city until archaeologists discovered the ruins. Spend your morning here, then head back to Saranda for lunch before cruising back to Corfu.
When is the boating season in Corfu?
The boat rental season in Corfu falls between April to November, when the weather is at its hottest. The summer months of July and August are peak sailing season, so expect to have much competition for berths at the Gouvia Marina, the largest marina in the northern Ionian Sea.
Corfu boat rental for a week
From Corfu, you can explore nearby islands in the Ionian Sea and coastal villages in Mainland Greece. We'll start our cruise to the northeast coast and end in Plataria to the south for this one-week liveaboard from Corfu before heading back to the Gouvia Marina.
Day 1: Kalami Bay
Kalami Bay's Mandraki Harbor is a natural cove with sheltered swells, making this an excellent swimming and stand-up paddleboarding spot during your boat rental. One of the harbor highlights is that it's close to the UNESCO Old Town of Corfu, a fantastic maze of narrow, cobblestone streets and lush olive gardens. Enjoy some shopping at Kassiopi, or indulge in the countless traditional restaurants serving Greek cuisine and local wine. Spend your first night on the Bay before heading your way to Lakka, Paxos, in the morning.
Day 2: Lakka, Paxos
Head out into the Ionian Sea and make your way to the island of Paxos. Lakka, the beautiful harbor, offers a beautiful beach and sheltered anchorage, perfect for swimming and water sports activities. Visit Anti Paxos, the smaller sister island of Paxos, known for its short and quiet atmosphere. Explore Anti Paxos with its vineyard and olive groves, as well as soft paths with beautiful greenery.
Day 3: Parga
Parga is a village in mainland Greece and its beaches form the pretty coastline. There are plenty of bars, coffee shops, and tavernas, offering the quintessential Grecian coastal village vibe. The village also has beautiful beaches to spend the day in, where you can swim, snorkel, or enjoy several water toys in its calm waters.
Day 4: Petriti
A quiet and laid back fishing village is located on the east coast of Corfu and features a beautiful sandy beach with shallow waters that allow for safe swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. If you're looking to spend a quiet day in a quiet Grecian coastline town, Petriti provides you with this opportunity. And don't forget to sample the day's catch in any of the traditional seaside tavernas found on the waterfront.
Day 5: Sivota Mourtas
Sivota is a beautiful coastal town but visiting the Sivota Islands group is what you're here for. Visit the three rugged isles that have long been popular with sailors, offering great swim and unwind spots. If you're traveling with children, there's a beautiful waterpark at Monastery Bay. And for the adrenaline junkies, the channel between the mainland and Ay Nikolaos is the perfect spot for water sport activities.
Day 6: Plataria
This bustling harbor town is filled with tavernas and cafes at the seaside. Plataria is a perfect destination for your Corfu boat charter. Cruise along the beautiful coastline on mainland Greece and spend your last night on your boat rental in this lovely traditional Grecian village.
Day 7: Corfu
On your last day, enjoy sailing the coast of the south of mainland Greece as you make your back to Corfu.
Corfu is a sailing paradise due to its calm waters, warm weather, nearby islands and islets, natural beauty, and a rich history to explore and experience. With rugged mountains, resort-studded shorelines, and sheltered natural harbors, renting a boat in Corfu opens you to an experience unlike any other.
