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- One Week Ionian Islands Sailing Guide from Corfu
This route is perfect for beginners or those of you introducing friends and family who are new to sailing. The North Ionian Islands are full of quaint and scenic harbours coupled with picture-perfect anchorages with gin clear water. What's not to love?
This route takes in some of the most picturesque harbours in the Ionian Islands. This sailing area is largely sheltered by Corfu and Paxos Islands, with regular afternoon breezes. We always tend to spend our evenings in wonderfully ethnic Greek village harbours and bays where you can swim and simply relax.
Head to Emerald Bay on Anti-Paxos Island for a swim stop! The water is reminiscent of the Caribbean. But make sure you get there early before the day trip boats! Expect mooring fees in most places except for bay stops. Prices vary depending on the type of harbour or marina you're visiting and size of your yacht.
Once you have arrived at the base in Gouvia and done your check in with the local charter company you are free to explore Corfu. The town is around a 15 minute taxi or 20 minute bus ride away from Gouvia Marina. It is the largest town out of all the Ionian Islands and was built between two fortresses which are still there today. There's a great choice of restaurants, whether searching for a Gyros, Kleftiko or maybe some Greek meze dishes; you will find it there in the hidden streets. A popular place to tie up for the night in Corfu town is the Yacht Club at the Citadel, a beautiful setting where you walk through the Citadel and into the town. There will be mooring fees here but we can assure you it is worth every penny!
Corfu Town is a great place to explore for your first day sailing as it is only a few miles down the coast. If you fancy exploring further afield and getting away from it all why not head down to Petriti? Petriti is a charming village on the east coast of Corfu island. The village is a popular fishing area and if you get up early enough you will see all the boats returning to harbour with their fresh fish on board. In recent years the village has gained lots of popularity and now offers many more restaurants and cafes, although the village still retains its old charm and unique character.
Corfu Island
Corfu Town
Petriti Fishing Village
For the next few days you will enjoy the beauty of the Ionian, sailing from island to island surrounded by stunning views.
From Corfu you can sail south for 10 miles until you find Paxos. Paxos Island is our highlight of the north Ionian. It is a picturesque little island with coastline covered in dense vegetation which makes for many a picture postcard scene. There are four small ports on the island; Lakka, Gaios, Longos and Mongonisi. All are great places to stay overnight.
The west coastline is also dotted with hide-a-way caves, mesmerising arches and shear drop cliffs. The west coast is very exposed to the prevailing north west wind and so offers a great days sailing!
A short sail east from Paxos will take you over to the Greek mainland. Parga is a stop not to be missed. Anchor in the the bay of Valtos Beach and either take a ferry boat or have a wander into town. Plataria, Mourtos and Sayiadha are briliant small harbours to visit as you travel up the coastline back towards Corfu. These west facing harbours all have incredible sunsets!
Plataria
Parga
Paxos
Sayiadha
Mongonisi
Lakka
As you head back to Corfu why not stop off in Ay Stephanos or Kassiopi on the north of Corfu Island. These are both gorgeous spots for lunch or an overnight stop before returning to Gouvia Marina on your final full day.
Ay Stephanos is a small resort and one of the first fishing villages on Corfu Island. The beach resort is a stunning picturesque place with sloping hills and olive groves. The beach itself runs for over a mile and offers shallow clear blue waters that are safe for children.
Finally it's time to conclude your island hopping adventure, by making your way back to Gouvia Marina, for your last night before checking out the next day.
Corfu Island
Kassiopi
Agios Stephanos
Below is an indication of the yachts that will sail on this flotilla. Please call us on 020 8459 8787 to check live availability.
Our Shore to Sail holidays are a combination of a one or two week flotilla sailing holiday with another relaxing week or two ashore.
These holidays will appeal to those who enjoy sailing but have family or friends who are not quite so enthusiastic about sailing - a compromise can now be made!
Most people opt for a week of sailing followed by a week of winding down on shore. However it is entirely up to you to do what you want to do (and when!)
The Iris Hotel has been a popular choice for flotilla sailors for many years. This accommodation option will fit in with any of our flotillas starting and finishing on Lefkas Island. The hotel itself is a small family run hotel located close to Nidri Town. It has a combination of studio rooms for two or three people and apartments that can sleep up to 4.
The Salvator Spa Hotel is perched in the hills above Parga town and is a slightly more luxurious offering. The rooms on offer range from the Deluxe Room for two people, up to the Superior 2 Room Villa for up to 6 people. The hotel itself has an excellent restaurant, pool and spa facilities and all villas come with their own private pool.
Our brand new villa in Sivota on Lefkas is exclusive to Sailing Holidays Ltd. Built with families and groups in mind, the 3 double bedrooms all feature en-suite bathrooms. Built into the hill the ground floor level comprises of the master bedroom, a large kitchen and living space. On the same level you will find a huge outdoor seating area and a private pool.
