Yacht Charter in Corfu

Corfu, the captivating Greek island nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, embodies the essence of the idyllic Mediterranean lifestyle. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Corfu invites you to immerse yourself in a world of relaxation, indulgence, and vibrant culture.

Top Things to do When you Rent a Boat in Corfu

Take a break from cruising the coast in your boat rental to experience Kérkyra Old Town. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 due to the three forts designed and built by Venetian engineers starting in the 8th century BC. These forts were used for several centuries to maintain and defend the Venetian maritime trading business from the Ottoman Empire. While spending your days on a yacht charter in Corfu, you may visit two of the three forts, the Venetian-built Néo Froúrio fort and the Paleó Froúrio on the east side of the old town.
The rest of the old town of Corfu was built between these fortresses. The buildings have Venetian-style shutters and pastel-coloured facades that make the experience of walking seem like a blast into the past.
The Esplanade of the old town is a large green area between the town and the old fortresses. Today this green area is a huge, beautiful park lined with trees and benches, along with an English cricket pitch that dates back to a time of British influence. At one edge of the Esplanade, you can find the Royal Palace, now called Saint Michele Palace. On the other end of this beautiful park is the former Saint Giorgio Palace that is now home to the Museum of Asian Art (a must-see!).
Also, along the Esplanade, we can see the Liston promenade, which was inspired by the architecture of the Rue du Rivoli in Paris, France constructed during French rule of the island in 1807. You can sit under the arches and enjoy a cool beverage and a bite at any local restaurant. You will have a view of the area's cricket pitch, the old town, and the palaces. During your week yacht charter in Corfu, you can also enjoy a bit of shopping in the small boutiques in this picturesque part of the old town.

Best Beaches in Corfu

Sidari – You can find lovely sandy beaches here! To the west are the fjords and the famous Canal d’Amour (translated as Canal of Love). People say you'll find your soul mate if you swim in this canal! Also, not far are the Diapontia Islands that you can sail your yacht charter to for a day trip!
Paleokastritsa – Located on the northwestern coast, you can take advantage of crystal clear Ionian waters and see caves only accessible by boat. Here you can find the Agios Spyridonas beach, where you can anchor your boat rental and look out at the cliffs across the water. Also, stop here for all sorts of water sports!
Agios Gordios Beach – Travel to the west coast of Corfu and land on this magnificent Blue Flag beach. Bask in the beauty of its white sand or take a dip in its turquoise waters. This beach comes well equipped with chairs and water sports equipment for hire. A boat rental will help you easily access this beach, one of the most popular on the island!

Berths

Berths for your boat rental on the island include the capital and main ferry terminal, Corfu Town, the small harbours of Kassiopi on the Northern coast of the island, Petriti on the South-Eastern coast and Palaiokastritsa on the North-Western coast along with plenty of anchorages, including, yet not exclusive to Agni, Kalami, Kouloura and Ayios Stefanos at the North-Eastern edge of the island and Ayios Yeoryios on the North-Western coast.

Off the Beaten Path

If you have anchored your boat rental and want some leg space, take your party to the famous Corfu Trail. It is a 220-kilometre/ 136 miles trail that will take you from one end of the island to another. You will follow inland tracks and cobbled paths that will take you through forests and alongside rivers up to one of the island's highest peaks, Agii Deka (576 meters). You will pass many historic sites like monasteries, manor homes, hidden traditional tavernas, and old Venetian salt works.

Lively Nightlife

Enjoy the nightlife and secluded beaches on this island. Thanks to Ionian University, there is a very big student population, so the old town and its surroundings stay lively pretty much all year round. However, people of all ages are sure to enjoy themselves while on holiday on this island.

Gastronomy of Corfu and Greece

Corfu boasts a gastronomic scene that will captivate your taste buds. Influenced by its location in the Ionian Sea and its rich cultural heritage, Corfu's cuisine is a delightful fusion of Greek, Italian, and Venetian flavours. Embark on a culinary journey through Corfu and discover the island's delectable gastronomy.

Check out some classic Corfu flavours:

• Sofrito - Veal cooked in white wine and garlic sauce.
• Bourdeto - Spicy fish stew with a rich tomato base.
• Olive Oil - Sample the smooth, golden oil that elevates every dish.
• Fresh Seafood - Indulge in grilled octopus, fried calamari, and marinated anchovies.
• Kum Quat Liqueur - Try the aromatic liqueur made from the island's citrus-like fruit.
• Traditional Sweets - Delight in pasteli, mandolato, and the famous local ginger beer.
• Local Wines - Taste the crisp whites and robust reds that showcase Corfu's vineyards.

Sailing Conditions in Greece

Greece has long been a haven for sailors from all over the world. The consistent trade winds, all-year-round sunshine and warm weather of Greece present optimal conditions for a yacht charter, in addition to the easy navigation by sight due to the close proximity of all the islands. Both novice and experienced sailors will find something to suit them, with milder winds and safer bays in the Saronic Gulf, Sporades Islands and the Ionian Sea for those less confident, and stronger winds in the Aegean Sea to give a nice challenge for the pros!

The Ionian Sea offers sailors a delightful experience with its mild winds and favourable sailing conditions. The prevailing winds, known as the Maestral or Mistral, typically blow from the northwest during summer. These moderate winds create a pleasant and comfortable sailing environment, allowing for smooth navigation and enjoyable voyages. The relatively calm seas and gentle breezes make the Ionian Sea particularly suitable for novice sailors or those seeking a relaxed sailing holiday. With its beautiful islands, picturesque anchorages, and consistent winds, the Ionian Sea beckons sailors to embark on unforgettable nautical adventures in this idyllic Mediterranean paradise.

Well-Equipped Marina

Gouvia Marina is a popular marina located in Corfu. It's approximately 6 kilometres from Corfu and is one of the largest marinas in the Ionian Sea. Gouvia Marina offers berths and services for yachts and boats of various sizes.

Gouvia Marina provides a range of amenities for boaters, including fuel stations, water and electricity connections, boat repair and maintenance services, as well as restaurants, bars, and shops within the marina complex. It is a well-established destination for sailors and yachting enthusiasts visiting the Greek islands.

Gouvia Marina is also a starting point for exploring the beautiful Ionian Sea and the nearby islands. From there, you can embark on sailing trips to destinations such as Paxos, Lefkada, and Ithaca, known for their stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque landscapes.

Best Bays to Visit in Corfu

• Kassiopi Bay: Step into the charming village of Kassiopi, where a picturesque bay awaits. Nestled beneath a medieval castle, Kassiopi Bay offers a tranquil ambience and a bustling port. Stroll along the promenade, enjoy watersports, or indulge in local cuisine at waterfront tavernas.
• Agios Stefanos Bay: Prepare to be captivated by the postcard-perfect beauty of Agios Stefanos Bay. With its turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and quaint fishing village, this bay is a haven for tranquillity and natural splendour.
• Canal d'Amour: Located in the village of Sidari, Canal d'Amour is a unique natural formation that has captured the imagination of visitors. Marvel at the striking rock formations, explore the small coves, and discover the legend of eternal love associated with this enchanting bay.
• Barbati Bay: Situated on the northeastern coast of Corfu, Barbati Bay is renowned for its stunning pebble beach and crystal-clear waters. Relax under the shade of olive trees, snorkel in the vibrant underwater world, or embark on a leisurely boat trip along the coast.

How to Get There

You can easily fly directly to the island from major European airports. Getting to your yacht charter in Corfu is simple and practical, thanks to the easily accessible airport. Private transfers from the airport to your boat can be organized as well! Taxis and buses are also available for you and your crew.

Sailing Bareboat or with a Crew

Sailing with or without a skipper is a personal preference and depends on several factors, such as experience, comfort level, and budget. Suppose you are an experienced sailor with a good understanding of navigation. In that case, yacht charters without a skipper (also called bareboat) can be a rewarding adventure, as it provides more freedom and flexibility to explore the destination at your own pace. When you charter a yacht bareboat, you are in charge of everything, and you are the captain of the boat! However, if you are a beginner or prefer a more relaxed sailing holiday, sailing with a skipper is the best option. A skipper is like the captain of the ship, and they can provide guidance, share their local knowledge, and ensure the safety of the crew and the yacht.

There is also an option to have a hostess or a cook on board GlobeSailor yachts. A hostess is responsible for making two of the daily meals (usually breakfast and lunch) and will take care of the boat's upkeep (tidying up common areas etc.). A cook is responsible for making all three meals on board the boat. Both crewed options allow clients to eat Italian-inspired dishes aboard a beautiful sailboat. Some guests prefer to choose the hostess option as it allows them to sail to a different marina each night and find the best authentic Greek restaurants on land.

Choosing the Perfect Boat to Rent

Regarding yacht rental, the options can seem overwhelming! At GlobeSailor, we have boats of all shapes and sizes for you to rent. Our rentals range in length, berths, cabins, boat model, year of build, add-ons such as a dinghy or water sports equipment, and price.

Your choice of berths and cabins will vary depending on the type of sailboat, motor boat or catamaran you choose to rent. Usually, cabins will be single or doubles, meaning they can accommodate one or two people. There are also double cabins for individual use available on some boat rentals, which is a cabin option for one guest who wishes to have more space aboard the yacht.

A monohull or a sailboat is a traditional boat with one hull (mono!). It is focused on performance and offers sailors the traditional sailing experience. Many sailors like the traditional feel of a monohull. A monohull might be best for you if you fancy yourself a true captain of the seas! Popular boat models such as Sun Odyssey and Dufour Grand Larges are available to rent on our website.

When to Go Sailing in Corfu?

The best time of year for a boat rental in Corfu Although guests can sail in Corfu any time of the year, the best time to go is during the summer months. You'll experience the finest weather from June to September and enjoy calm waters. Not only are the sailing conditions optimal during this time, but it's also the high season when Corfu buzzes with activities and events, making your yacht charter holiday even more exciting! Don't miss popular events like the Corfu Summer Festival, featuring live performances and cultural showcases.

When planning your yacht rental holiday, it's important to consider the duration of your charter. Our yacht charters in Corfu typically require a minimum booking of one week. We recommend spending at least one to two weeks exploring the stunning coastline and islands of the Corfu region. If you're craving new adventures, you can easily sail to other parts of the Greek coast and discover more hidden gems!

Have you already picked out your travel dates? Reach out to one of our expert charter advisors who will provide all the details you need to finalise your boat rental. Keep in mind that the price of a yacht charter can vary depending on the time of year. During the high season, prices are generally higher compared to other less busy periods. However, the unforgettable experiences and breathtaking scenery you'll encounter in Corfu will make every moment worthwhile.