7-day itinerary
7-Day Ionian Sailing Itinerary from Corfu
Corfu, Sivota, Paxos, Antipaxos and Parga in one relaxed week: short legs, sheltered water and a day-by-day plan with distances.
Overview
A relaxed week in the northern Ionian
This Ionian sailing itinerary is a one-week loop from Corfu through the northern Ionian: the Epirus coast, Paxos and Antipaxos. The legs are short, the water between the islands and the mainland is relatively sheltered, and the summer wind usually follows a simple daily pattern, which makes it one of the most forgiving weeks you can sail in Greece.
Planning a first week from Lefkada instead? Our blog route a first week in the Ionian covers the inner Ionian (Meganisi, Kalamos, Ithaca and Kefalonia). For the region as a whole, see Ionian Islands yacht charter.
This route suits
- First-time charterers
- Families with children
- Bareboat and skippered crews
- Swimming and beach stops
- Catamarans and monohulls
- Easy airport transfers
Day by day
The Ionian sailing itinerary at a glance
Distances are approximate straight-line figures between harbours and anchorages; the distance sailed is usually a little longer. The final plan is always set each morning with the weather forecast.
Gouvia to Corfu Town (Garitsa)
≈ 4 nmA short first leg after check-in at Gouvia Marina. Anchor in Garitsa bay below the Old Fortress or stay in the marina, and spend the evening in Corfu's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Venetian, French and British-era streets.
Corfu Town to Sivota (mainland)
≈ 20 nmSouth-east across the Corfu channel to Sivota on the Epirus coast. The village sits behind a group of wooded islets with shallow, turquoise lagoons between them, and there are several sheltered places to anchor for the night.
Sivota to Paxos (Lakka)
≈ 11 nmA short crossing to Lakka, the horseshoe bay at the northern tip of Paxos. The water is very clear and the bay is well protected from the prevailing north-westerly. Arrive early in high season to find room to anchor.
Lakka to Antipaxos, then Gaios
≈ 8 + 4 nmDown the east coast of Paxos to Antipaxos for a swim at Voutoumi or Vrika, two small beaches with bright, shallow water. Antipaxos has no proper harbour, so most yachts return in the afternoon to Gaios, the main town of Paxos, set on a narrow channel behind the islet of Agios Nikolaos.
Gaios to Parga
≈ 11 nmEast to the mainland and the colourful town of Parga under its Venetian castle. Yachts usually anchor in the bay or at nearby Valtos beach. Lichnos and the coves south of the town are good lunch stops on the way.
Parga to south Corfu (Petriti or Boukari)
≈ 20–22 nmThe route turns north-west back towards Corfu. Petriti and Boukari are small fishing harbours on the south-east coast of the island, with fish tavernas and far fewer visitors than the north.
Petriti to Gouvia
≈ 13 nmAn easy final leg up the east coast of Corfu, past Corfu Town, back to Gouvia Marina. Most charter agreements ask you to return the evening before disembarkation.
nm = nautical miles (1.852 km). At a cruising speed of 5 to 6 knots, most legs on this route take between one and four hours.
Suitable yachts
Yachts that suit this route
Catamarans are popular in the Ionian for their space and shallow draft, and monohulls are ideal for crews who want to sail. Exact availability and price are confirmed in writing after your enquiry.
Guide
Planning your Ionian sailing itinerary
Contents
Why this Ionian sailing itinerary starts in Corfu
Corfu International Airport (CFU) is a short drive from Gouvia Marina, the main charter base on the island, so many crews land, transfer and are on board the same afternoon. From Gouvia, the first stops of this Ionian sailing itinerary are only a few hours away, and the whole route stays within roughly 25 nautical miles of the base. That keeps the week relaxed and leaves room to change plans.
For the base itself, the marinas and the yachts we offer there, see yacht charter Corfu. If you prefer to start further south, Lefkada is the other main Ionian base.
Wind and weather in the Ionian
In summer the Ionian usually has a north-westerly sea breeze, often called the maestro, which fills in around midday, blows at a moderate strength through the afternoon and dies away in the evening. Mornings are often calm. This predictable pattern is the main reason the Ionian is recommended for first charters and families, and it is why this Ionian sailing itinerary schedules swims in the morning and most sailing in the early afternoon.
The Ionian is not always calm: thunderstorms can build in late summer, and outside the main season southerly winds and swell are possible. Check the forecast every morning; the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research publishes free wind and wave forecasts through its POSEIDON system.
Best time of year to sail the route
The season runs roughly from May to October. June and September combine warm water with fewer boats in the anchorages. July and August are the busiest months; Lakka and Gaios in particular fill up early in the day, so plan to arrive by early afternoon or to anchor out. May and October are quieter and cooler, with a little more chance of unsettled weather. Read when is the best time to sail in Greece? for more detail.
Highlights on the way
Corfu Old Town
The old town of Corfu is listed by UNESCO for its fortifications and its mix of Venetian, French and British architecture (see the UNESCO listing). The Liston arcade and the Old Fortress are a short walk from Garitsa bay.
Sivota
On the mainland, Sivota is a small resort set among wooded islets, with shallow channels and sandy coves that are perfect for a swim stop.
Paxos and Antipaxos
Paxos is small, green and covered with olive groves. Its three harbours, Lakka, Loggos and Gaios, all have tavernas on the waterfront, and the west coast has high cliffs and sea caves that can be visited by tender in calm weather. Antipaxos, just to the south, is known for its very clear water.
Parga
Parga climbs the hillside below a Venetian castle and is one of the most photographed towns on the Greek mainland coast.
How far you sail on this Ionian sailing itinerary
The full loop is roughly 90 to 100 nautical miles over seven days, so the average day is well under 20 nm. That is deliberately gentle. If your crew wants more sailing, the route can be extended south to Lefkada and Meganisi on a ten-day or two-week charter, or turned into a one-way trip subject to the yacht's availability.
| Day | Route | Approx. distance |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Gouvia to Corfu Town (Garitsa) | ≈ 4 nm |
| Day 2 | Corfu Town to Sivota (mainland) | ≈ 20 nm |
| Day 3 | Sivota to Paxos (Lakka) | ≈ 11 nm |
| Day 4 | Lakka to Antipaxos, then Gaios | ≈ 8 + 4 nm |
| Day 5 | Gaios to Parga | ≈ 11 nm |
| Day 6 | Parga to south Corfu (Petriti or Boukari) | ≈ 20–22 nm |
| Day 7 | Petriti to Gouvia | ≈ 13 nm |
The southern alternative from Lefkada
If you start in Lefkada, the classic week runs through the inner Ionian: Meganisi, Kalamos and Kastos, Ithaca, Fiskardo on Kefalonia and Sivota on Lefkada. The day-by-day version is in our article a first week in the Ionian: a realistic route, and the region page Ionian Islands summarises both routes.
Bareboat, skippered or crewed?
This is one of the best routes in Greece for a first bareboat charter, provided at least one person on board holds a recognised licence and has relevant experience (see licence requirements). Without a licence, a skippered charter works well, and families often find a catamaran the most comfortable option; read chartering with children and catamaran or monohull.
Practical tips for the week
- Plan lunch stops at anchor and arrive at popular harbours such as Gaios and Lakka by early afternoon in July and August.
- The waters between Corfu and the mainland are close to the Albanian border; stay in Greek waters unless your charter agreement and paperwork allow otherwise.
- Many tavernas in small harbours offer to help with lines; a short call ahead is often welcome in high season.
- Keep a buffer day: the route is short enough that one lazy day costs nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Ionian sailing itinerary good for beginners?
Yes. Short legs, sheltered water and a generally moderate afternoon breeze make the northern Ionian one of the easiest areas in Greece for a first charter. Without a licence, book a skipper.
Where does the route start and finish?
At Gouvia Marina, a few kilometres north of Corfu Town and a short transfer from Corfu airport.
Can we include Lefkada in one week?
It is possible on a one-way charter, but a round trip from Corfu to Lefkada and back in seven days means long days at sea. For Lefkada, either start there or choose a ten-day or two-week charter.
How long are the daily sailing legs?
Most legs on this route are between 4 and 22 nautical miles, usually one to four hours under way, which leaves plenty of time for swimming and exploring.
What is the best month for this route?
June and September are often the best balance of warm water, steady breezes and quieter anchorages. July and August are the busiest months.
Can we have a skipper or a full crew?
Yes. Most yachts can be chartered with a professional skipper, and larger motor yachts and catamarans can come with a full crew. See crewed yacht charters.
Plan your trip
Sail this Ionian sailing itinerary
Send your dates, group size and preferred base. We come back with the yachts that are actually available, their exact specifications and a written quotation.
Keep exploring
Where to go next
Compare the cruising regions, pick the charter format that fits your crew, or go straight to the yachts that match your dates.
Request availabilityItineraries
- 7-day Cyclades itinerary→
- 7-day Ionian itinerary→
- 7-day Saronic itinerary→
- A first week in the Ionian→
- How many islands in a week?→
