Sailing & Yatching

Sailing the Ionian and passage making, especially in the summer, is an enjoyable experience. The prevailing Northwestern, usually with force between 3 and 4, comes regularly every afternoon at around 14.00 hours and lasts until 20.00h, making the trip from North to South a fast and easy sail. On the other hand if you go northwards you can use the light, variable morning breeze or motor sail.
The countless sheltered anchorages and small harbors allow one to cut the length of the passage with dips in the crystal clear waters, for the benefit and enjoyment of the crew.
The ideal culmination of each day is tying in a small harbor alongside local fishing boats and taste their morning catch and other delicacies, accompanied by local wine in a small tavern.
After some time if you feel the need to be civilized again, the marinas and bigger harbors offer from clubs and discos to good restaurants and fashionable shops.
For the more sport-minded, there are a number of friendly races, organized by the sailing clubs of the islands, especially in Corfu and Lefkas, where participants are most welcome.
In Corfu along with the international central port and 15 more anchorages round the island, there are in operation two fully organized marinas, offering facilities and services of high standards. The Gouvia Marina the biggest marina in the Ionian situated in a safe lagoon, offers everything a yatch needs: repair facilities, shops, restaurants, even a crocket ground.  In the nearby village the visitor will find taverns, bars, restaurants and an easy access to Corfu town, with regular bus service.
The Benitses Marina is the most recent marina in the area with 98 place and maximum draught of 4,5m. It is situated in front of a traditional fishing village, turned to tourist resort, which offers a number of taverns, bars and restaurants.

In Paxos Gaios harbour situated in front of the beautiful small town of Gaios on the side of a fiord, is a must for an overnight stop if you can find a place during the peak of the season. The enclosed spacious bay of Lakka allows you to anchor in crystal clear water and dine at the excellent waterfront restaurants. A short stop in the tiny hamlet of Loggos with a visit to the local waterfront taverns, will be rewarded by excellent local food. Anchor for a swim in the emerald water of the bays of Vrika or Voutoumi in Antipaxos early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the usual crowds are not there.

The three small islands in the Northwest of Corfu, Othoni, Erikoussa and Mathraki, with their beautiful harbors, bring you in contact with life as it used to be, a long time ago.

Tip: The “Ionian  Pilot” published by the Ionian Islands Region is an exceptionally useful guide for those who plan to sale in the Ionian Sea.

For more information please contact:
Gouvia Marina:  +30 26610 91900  www.medmarinas.com,
Corfu Sailing Club: +30 26610. 25122, 44383
Corfu Nautical Club:+30 26610. 30470
Gaios Port:   +30 26620. 32533
Othoni Port:  +30 26630. 72280