Gouvia Marina, Corfu

Your journey begins at Gouvia Marina, a bustling hub for sailors and one of the largest marinas in the Ionian. Just 15 minutes by road from Corfu Town, this lively marina is the perfect launchpad for an unforgettable adventure. Step aboard your yacht, feel the gentle sway of the water, and take in the dazzling coastline as you prepare to explore the Ionian’s hidden gems. Spend your first evening soaking in the relaxed marina atmosphere, enjoying a delicious meal at a waterfront taverna, and making final preparations for your voyage.

Mooring

Gouvia Marina provides modern facilities, including water, electricity, fuel, WiFi, and showers. Pre-booking is recommended during peak season.

Things to do

Before setting off, explore the area around Gouvia. Visit the nearby beaches, take a leisurely walk along the marina, or enjoy a quiet evening at a seaside café. If you’re eager to stretch your legs, a short taxi ride can take you to the Achilleion Palace, a stunning neoclassical villa with breathtaking views of the island.

Facilities

Gouvia Marina offers everything you need, from waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood to well-stocked provisioning stores. You’ll also find ATMs, laundry services, car and bike hire, and a chandlery for any last-minute boat necessities.

Corfu to Mandraki Harbor, Corfu Old Town

After sailing for around 1.5 hours along Corfu’s breathtaking northeast coastline, you’ll reach Mandraki Harbor, nestled beneath the towering walls of Corfu’s Old Fortress. This charming harbor places you right in the heart of Corfu’s Old Town, where Venetian architecture, lively squares, and historic landmarks create an enchanting atmosphere. Spend the day wandering through its maze of cobbled streets, indulging in authentic Greek cuisine, and taking in the vibrant energy of this UNESCO-listed gem.

Mooring

Mandraki Harbor is small and in high demand. Arrive early or call ahead for reservations to secure a spot beneath the ancient Venetian walls.

Things to do

Stroll through Corfu’s Old Town, where charming alleyways lead to hidden courtyards and historic churches. Walk along the Liston Promenade, visit the iconic Palaio Frourio (Old Fortress), and admire the blend of Venetian, French, and British influences. For a cultural escape, head to the Byzantine Museum or explore the fascinating history of the Achilleion Palace. As the sun sets, enjoy a waterfront dinner at a taverna, savoring traditional dishes like sofrito and fresh seafood, while taking in the stunning views of the harbor.

Facilities

Mandraki offers water, electricity, showers, and a selection of nearby restaurants and bars, making it an ideal overnight stop.

Mandraki Harbor to Lakka, Paxos

Leaving Corfu behind, set a course for Paxos, an island of unspoiled beauty where olive groves cascade toward turquoise waters. After around 2.5 hours of sailing, you’ll reach Lakka, on the northern tip. Its sheltered bay, framed by verdant hills, creates the perfect anchorage. The water here is so clear that you can see your anchor resting on the seabed, and the charming waterfront welcomes you with its laid-back vibe.

Mooring

Lakka’s bay allows for anchoring, while the town quay offers lazy lines. Arrive early as it’s a popular stop, especially in summer.

Things to do

Dive into the inviting waters of Lakka Bay, where gentle waves lap against the golden shore. Take a scenic walk to the lighthouse for breathtaking sea views, or kayak through the sea caves carved into the island’s coastline. For dinner, indulge in the catch of the day at a traditional Greek taverna, where you’ll taste some of the freshest seafood in the Ionian.

Or, you could soak in the slower way of life on Antipaxos, Paxos’ tiny sister island. Anchor along the northern shore and explore the two beaches: Vriki and Voutoumi. You’ll have smooth, crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Facilities

Lakka offers facilities such as water, WiFi, restaurants, bars, small supermarkets, and a fuel station.

Lakka to Parga, mainland Greece

Sailing across the Ionian, you’ll reach Parga, a postcard-perfect town on mainland Greece. With its colorful houses stacked against the hillside, cobbled streets winding down to the sea, and a Venetian castle standing guard above, Parga feels like a dream. After around 3 hours of sailing, you’ll be ready to explore this lively town, with its wonderful mix of history, beachside bliss, and vibrant nightlife.

Mooring

Parga’s town quay offers lazy lines, while anchoring in the bay is an alternative. Arriving early ensures the best spots, especially in peak season.

Things to do

Wander through Parga’s colorful alleys, stopping to browse artisan boutiques and sample local delicacies. Climb up to the Venetian Castle for a mesmerizing view of the coastline, or take a swim to Panagia Island, a tiny islet with a charming whitewashed chapel. As night falls, experience the town’s lively bars and tavernas, where Greek hospitality is in full swing.

Facilities

Parga has numerous facilities including water, electricity, restaurants, cafés, ATMs, and a fuel station.

Parga to Sivota Mourtos

Cruise 2 hours north along Greece’s verdant coast to the rugged Sivota Islands. Tucked behind the three Greek islands in the chain, Nisis Ay Nikolaos, Nisis Sivota and Nisis Siv Mavros Notos, Mourtos is a tranquil little village perched on mainland Greece, perfect for a day of relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet. This destination is a favorite among sailors for its secluded beaches and stunning, unspoiled nature.

Mooring

Sivota Mourtos has multiple mooring options, including the town quay and sheltered anchorages behind the Sivota Islands.

Things to do

Explore the Sivota Islands by dinghy, discovering hidden coves and caves with waters so clear they look like liquid glass. Relax on the sun-drenched shores of Bella Vraka Beach, or snorkel in the famous Blue Lagoon, where the water shimmers in a kaleidoscope of blues and greens. Find an array of water sports activities and late-night action on Sand Bar Bay, located on the south side of the Sivota Islands.

Facilities

Here, you’ll find plenty of facilities available to you, including water, electricity, showers, tavernas, small supermarkets, and laundry services.

Sivota Mourtos to Plataria, mainland Greece

It’s just a short 1.5 hour hop from Sivota Mourtos north to Plataria, leaving you plenty of time to explore both Corfu’s southern shores and the coast of mainland Greece. This quiet fishing village, tucked away from the crowds, invites you to slow down and savor the beauty of authentic Greek life. With friendly locals, waterfront tavernas, and a stunning natural backdrop, it’s the perfect place to unwind.

Mooring

Plataria’s harbor has a well-protected quay with lazy lines and a long breakwater leading to the lively waterfront.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Hiking, Shopping, Exploring

Facilities

Water, electricity, restaurants, cafés, ATMs, fuel, and laundry services are all available.

Discover Plataria

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the harbor, stopping to admire handmade crafts at Gratsouna Art Gallery. The beach is just a stone’s throw away, offering warm, shallow waters perfect for swimming. As the evening sets in, indulge in fresh seafood at a harborside taverna, where the day’s catch is grilled to perfection.

Plataria to Corfu

Today you’ll head back up Corfu’s coast to our base at Gouvia Marina, with around 3 hours of sailing time. The island’s golden coastline welcomes you once more, and Gouvia Marina awaits as the perfect place to end your adventure.

Mooring

Arriving at Gouvia Marina by 5 PM ensures a smooth check-in and final boat inspection. The marina is spacious, but early arrival is always beneficial.

Things to do

Celebrate your last night with a rooftop cocktail overlooking Corfu Town, or take a final stroll through its historic streets. Stop by Boukari, a peaceful fishing village, for a farewell seafood feast by the water, savoring every last moment of your Ionian sailing adventure.

Facilities

All essential marina services are available, including water, electricity, fuel, WiFi, restaurants, and provisioning stores.