Destination
Yacht Charter Corfu
The green, sheltered north of the Ionian: Corfu Old Town, Paxos and Antipaxos, and a mainland coast of quiet bays.
Overview
Discover Corfu by yacht
A yacht charter Corfu itinerary gives you the greenest corner of Greece, sheltered water and short, easy passages. Corfu is the northernmost of the main Ionian Islands and one of the easiest places in Greece to start a charter. The island has its own international airport, and the waters between Corfu, Paxos and the Greek mainland are relatively sheltered, which makes it a good choice for families and first-time skippers.
A week from Corfu usually heads south to Paxos and Antipaxos and back along the mainland coast. If you want to go further, the route continues towards Lefkada and the rest of the Ionian Islands.
Why go by sea
- Short sailing legs between stops
- Paxos and Antipaxos within reach
- Quiet mainland bays
- Corfu Old Town from the water
- Good for first-time skippers
- Easy airport access
Island guide
Around Corfu
Stops that often appear on Corfu itineraries. Your skipper or our team will adapt the route to the weather.
Corfu Town
The Venetian-era Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Northeast coast
Small coves and fishing villages facing the mainland.
Paxos
Gaios, Lakka and Loggos, with sea caves on the west coast.
Antipaxos
Clear, turquoise water off small beaches.
Sivota
A mainland village with islets and sheltered anchorages.
Parga
A colourful mainland town below a Venetian castle.
Lefkada
The next stop south for longer routes.
Ionian route
Continue through the islands on a two-week charter.
Yacht categories
Representative yacht categories
Comparable vessels are sourced from our approved partner fleets. The exact yacht, specifications, price and availability are confirmed after your enquiry.
Representative yacht category
Sailing Yachts
Monohull sailing yachts from our approved partner fleets, suited to couples, families and experienced crews.
- Charter types
- Bareboat, skippered or crewed
- Departure areas
- Confirmed on enquiry
Representative yacht category
Catamarans
Twin hull yachts with wide saloons and generous deck space, stable and shallow drafted.
- Charter types
- Bareboat, skippered or crewed
- Departure areas
- Confirmed on enquiry
Representative yacht category
Skippered Charters
Any of the above with a professional skipper on board, no licence required.
- Charter types
- Bareboat, skippered or crewed
- Departure areas
- Confirmed on enquiry
Representative yacht category
Luxury and Crewed Yachts
Larger vessels with captain and crew, service and catering arranged on board.
- Charter types
- Bareboat, skippered or crewed
- Departure areas
- Confirmed on enquiry
Representative imagery. The yacht shown may not be the yacht offered. Astra Yachting will confirm the exact vessel, photographs, specifications, price and availability in writing before any payment.
Guide
Yacht charter Corfu: a complete planning guide
Contents
Why Corfu works so well for a charter
Corfu sits at the northern end of the Ionian Sea, a short distance off the Greek and Albanian mainland. The channel between the island and the mainland is protected from the open sea, so the water is often calmer than in the Aegean, and the summer wind is usually a moderate north-westerly that builds in the early afternoon and drops in the evening. That pattern makes a yacht charter Corfu trip a good choice for first-time charterers, families and anyone who prefers relaxed sailing to long, windy crossings.
Corfu International Airport (CFU) is close to Corfu Town, and the main charter base, Gouvia Marina, is a short drive north of the town. Many visitors land, transfer and are on board the same afternoon.
Sailing conditions and the best months
The sailing season runs roughly from May to October. May, June and September bring warm water, fewer boats in the anchorages and steady but gentle afternoon breezes. July and August are the hottest and busiest months; harbours such as Gaios on Paxos fill up early in the day, so it pays to arrive by early afternoon or to plan nights at anchor.
Thunderstorms are possible in late summer and autumn, and the Ionian can see southerly winds outside the main season. Your skipper or the base will give you a weather briefing before departure, and the forecast should be checked every morning.
Main stops on a Corfu sailing route
Corfu Town – the Venetian old town and the Old Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are worth a morning ashore. Kassiopi and the north-east coast – pebble coves with clear water facing the Albanian coast. Paxos – the harbours of Gaios, Lakka and Loggos and the sea caves on the west coast. Antipaxos – the beaches of Voutoumi and Vrika with very clear, shallow water, best visited early. Mainland coast – Sivota with its islets and lagoons, and Parga with its castle above the bay.
Distances are short. Gouvia to Paxos is a half-day passage, and most legs after that take one to three hours, leaving plenty of time for swimming and lunch at anchor.
Sample 7-day route
This sample route is an example of a relaxed week. The real route is always set by the skipper and the weather forecast on the day.
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Gouvia – Corfu Town / Garitsa | Short first leg, evening in the old town |
| Day 2 | Corfu – Sivota (mainland) | Islets and turquoise lagoons |
| Day 3 | Sivota – Paxos (Lakka) | Sheltered northern bay of Paxos |
| Day 4 | Lakka – Antipaxos – Gaios | Swim at Voutoumi, night in Gaios |
| Day 5 | Gaios – Parga | Castle and town on the mainland |
| Day 6 | Parga – Petriti or Boukari (south Corfu) | Quiet fishing harbours |
| Day 7 | Back to Gouvia | Return for check-out the next morning |
How booking works
Booking a yacht charter in Corfu with Astra Yachting follows the same steps every time. You send your preferred dates, the number of guests, the type of charter you want (bareboat, skippered or crewed) and any must-see stops. We check live availability with the yacht owners and charter fleets we work with, and come back with the yachts that are actually free for your dates, their exact specifications and a written quotation.
Once you choose a yacht, you receive the charter agreement and the payment schedule; our Booking Terms & Conditions and charter FAQs set out each step, from the crew list to embarkation day.
On embarkation day you meet the yacht in Corfu (usually Gouvia Marina), go through the check-in and safety briefing, and set off. During the charter you can reach us by phone or WhatsApp on +30 693 918 6245.
What is included and what is extra
Every quotation for a yacht charter in Corfu lists what the charter fee covers, so there are no surprises. As a rule, the fee covers the use of the yacht for the agreed period, its standard equipment and the yacht's insurance. On skippered and crewed charters it also covers the skipper or crew wages.
Fuel, marina fees, the final cleaning, optional extras and the security deposit are usually charged separately. The FAQs explain each item, and your written quotation lists them for the yacht you choose.
We do not publish fixed prices on these pages because rates depend on the yacht, the week of the season and the charter format. Ask for a quotation and you get the real price for your dates.
In depth
More about chartering in Corfu
Why charter a yacht in Corfu?
The Ionian is known for generally lighter, more predictable summer winds than the central Aegean. Afternoon breezes are usually comfortable for sailing, with calmer mornings for swimming stops. That's why Corfu is popular with bareboat crews and with families who prefer a skippered charter.
Catamarans are a popular choice here for their space and stability. See catamaran charters or read catamaran or monohull: which suits your group.
A typical week
A relaxed week often runs Corfu, the northeast coast, Paxos, Antipaxos, Sivota or Parga, and back to Corfu. For a realistic day-by-day plan, see a first week in the Ionian.
Price and availability
Rates depend on the yacht, the season and the charter format. We confirm the exact yacht, specifications, price and availability in writing after your enquiry. For general guidance, read how much it costs to charter a yacht in Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Corfu yacht charters start?
Most start at Gouvia Marina, a few kilometres north of Corfu Town and a short transfer from Corfu airport.
Is Corfu good for a first yacht charter?
Yes. Passages are short, the water between Corfu and the mainland is relatively sheltered and the summer wind is usually moderate. A skipper is a good option if nobody in your group holds a sailing licence.
Can I sail from Corfu to Lefkada in a week?
It is possible but leaves little time to enjoy the stops. For a one-week yacht charter Corfu route, most people stay between Corfu, Paxos, Antipaxos and the mainland coast. Lefkada is better as a one-way or two-week trip; see yacht charter Lefkada.
How far in advance should I book a yacht charter in Corfu?
For July and August it is best to start looking several months ahead, because the most popular yachts are booked early. Outside peak season there is usually more choice at shorter notice. Send us your dates and we will tell you what is actually available.
Can I have a skipper on a yacht charter in Corfu?
Yes. Most yachts can be chartered with a professional skipper, and larger motor yachts and catamarans can come with a full crew. See skippered yacht charters and crewed yacht charters.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Corfu?
A recognised sailing licence and experience are needed for a bareboat charter. Without one, you can book a professional skipper. See licence requirements.
When is the best time to sail around Corfu?
The main season runs from May to October. June and September are often quieter and still warm. See the best time to sail in Greece.
Can we sail from Corfu to Paxos and Antipaxos?
Yes. Paxos and Antipaxos are the classic first stops south of Corfu and work on both one-week and shorter charters.
Can I combine Corfu with Lefkada?
Yes, on a longer charter or a one-way route. One-way charters depend on the yacht and are confirmed on enquiry.
Plan your route
Tell us how you want to sail Corfu
Send your dates, group size and the kind of trip you have in mind. We come back with the yachts that are actually available, their exact specifications and a written quotation.
Keep exploring
Where to go next
Compare this region with the other cruising areas, pick the charter format that fits your crew, or go straight to the yachts that match your dates.
Request availability