For 72 hours only, get an extra 10% discount on all boats on Zizoo. Book before 1 June and sail away with the summer's best deal!
Charter a yacht in Corfu to enjoy scenic sailing in one of the world’s top holiday destinations. With Zizoo, you can set sail from Gouvia Bay and explore the surrounding Ionian Islands, such as Paxi and Lefkada, while stopping at some of the best remote beaches in Greece.
Sailing in Corfu is an amazing way to spend the summer with your family or friends, but the island has so much more to offer. Watersports, beautiful beaches and sleepy fishing villages are just waiting to be explored.
Casual dining in Corfu:
Beach restaurants in Corfu:
Fine dining in Corfu:
You might want to visit Corfu especially for its natural beauty and ideal sailing conditions, but a night out after a long day at sea can be a great way to relax and enjoy your summer vacation 100%.
Like many parts of Greece, the island of Corfu has been inhabited since the Old Stone Age era. The harbour on the island was a very important trading port in antiquity. Many of the ancient buildings can be explored today, including the temple of Artemis, the Old Fortress of Corfu and the Byzantine Fortress of Gardiki. Head to the Archaeological Museum of Corfu to learn more about the history of the island.
Due to its strategically important location in the Mediterranean, Corfu has been invaded by many different foreign powers, including the Goths, the Normans and the Venetians - although the local population at the time voluntarily became part of the Venetian sphere of influence. In the 18th century Napoleon Bonaparte conquered the island and made it part of the French State. Many Medieval buildings can still be admired in the capital of Corfu until this day. If you need a break from sailing all day long, head into the old town and roam around the picturesque streets.
Like many Greek islands, the history of Corfu is very much influenced by Greek mythology. Starting with the Greek name of the island, Kerkyra, which originates in the name of a nymph that Poseidon fell head over heels in love with. Another mythological love story has its beginnings here with Hercules falling in love with the nymph Naiad.
Corfu is also Odysseus' last stop on his journey back to the island of Ithaca, making it an important location in Homer’s Odyssey.
The south of Corfu is a popular area for sailing holidays thanks to the region’s excellent summer weather and sailing conditions with calm waters and ideal wind speeds. This is a preferred destination in Greece for sailors who are just starting out or those looking for a more relaxing kind of sailing holiday. However, sailors need to be cautious in the area and watch out for occasional gusts when traveling alongside the mountainous areas.
Mooring is possible in all the major ports, and each island is well provisioned with marinas that are well-equipped for sailors who arrive there. The best time to sail in Corfu is between June and September.
The waters around Corfu are generally calm and make for enjoyable sailing holidays in Greece. Tides are low, reaching 0.5m in more extreme weather conditions, but are usually far lower than that. The Ionian Sea generally experiences a north-west to west-north-west wind that ranges from 10 to 15 knots. It should also be noted that winds in northern Corfu can blow strong at times, making for an exciting sailing trip. Set your sail and enjoy the experience of freedom on the sea. On average the air temperatures on the island of Corfu reach 25°C in the height of summer, but often even into the 30s. The average sea temperature is a pleasant 25°C in the summer. The perfect temperature for a quick dip in the sea.
How much it costs to rent a boat in Corfu highly depends on the type of boat you choose, how many people are travelling with you, how big the boat is, how old it is and whether you want to sail during high season or low season. On average it will cost you 102 EUR per person per day to rent a speedboat in Greece. The average cost of a catamaran is 150 EUR per person per night while a motorboat will cost 190 EUR per person per day on average. Renting a sailboat in Greece is one of the cheapest options at an average price of only 53 EUR per person per day. Renting a gulet in Greece will cost 105 EUR per person per day on average. On average it will cost you 93 EUR per person per day to rent a RIB. No matter which boat you choose, keep in mind that the price to rent a boat in Corfu can vary.
What type of boat you should rent for your sailing vacation in Corfu all depends on the type of holiday you want to experience here. If you want to explore the scenic hidden bays and beaches a catamaran is probably the best choice. If you want to practice your sailing skills, a sailboat would probably be better suited for you.
Pros of renting a catamaran in Corfu
One of the advantages of renting a catamaran in Corfu is the fact that the shallow draft allows you to sail and anchor closer to the shore than with other types of boats. This makes catamarans the perfect water vessel to explore some of the remote beaches like Porto Timoni, Agni or Stellari.
Adding extra stability to the boat are the hulls that the catamaran is standing on. While anchoring in a lovely bay for the night, you won’t feel it shaking as much as other types of boats. Due to the construction of these types of boats, they offer a lot of space on deck and in the cabins, almost making them the hotel rooms of boats.
One of our favourite catamarans to rent on the island is the Catamaran Lagoon 42 which charms you particularly with its spacious deck. Sunbathe all day long or enjoy lengthy dinners with all your friends on board. The catamaran offers space for up to 10 people.
Cons of renting a catamaran in Corfu
One of the downsides of renting a catamaran in Corfu can be its size. As it needs more space for mooring at the marinas, it can be quite difficult to find a spot - not just in Corfu, but all the surrounding marinas in high season. Your best bet is anchoring in a beautiful bay that is well protected from the winds. Waking up with a view of scenic rock formations wins over the view of a port any day, right?
Pros of renting a sailboat in Corfu
Renting a sailboat in Corfu is perfect for anyone who wants to perfectionate their sailing skills. The wind conditions are ideal, but still not as strong as in other parts of the Mediterranean, making Corfu the perfect choice for novice sailors.
The ideal wind conditions also allow you to explore the islands nearby. Sail over to Lefkada or Sivotas island by sailboat. You will create unforgettable memories on a sailing trip through the Greek Mediterranean.
One of our favourite sailboats to rent in Corfu is Sailboat Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469 which can hold a maximum number of 10 guests. The rustic interior and well-equipped boat is perfect for a sailing holiday in Corfu. You can sail with or without a captain, but remember, if you decide to sail without a captain, you need to possess a valid boat licence.
Cons of renting a sailboat in Corfu
One of the disadvantages of renting a sailboat in Corfu is the fact that sailboats run on wind, not on fuel. This means that it might happen that the wind suddenly stops blowing, leaving you stranded in the middle of the sea. If you only have a week of holidays, it might leave you incredibly frustrated.
Another downside of renting a sailboat in Corfu can be the lack of space. Not as spacious as catamarans or motorboats, sailboats are the type of boats you rent for the sailing experience rather than a comfortable boat holiday.
Pros of renting a motorboat in Corfu
Rent a motorboat in Corfu if you’re looking at exploring as many different spots around the island and beyond as possible. Motorboats are faster than other types of water vehicles. This ensures that you get to see everything you want to see on a week-long sailing vacation.
Another advantage of renting a motorboat in Corfu is the fact that they don’t have a keel. Similar to catamarans, they are perfect for sailing in shallow waters, making them the perfect choice for exploring the most beautiful remote beaches and bays around the island.
One more positive aspect about motorboats is the space they offer on deck. Unlike sailboats, they don’t need to be equipped with the right gear to sail in the wind. As they run on fuel, they have an engine which doesn’t require too much space. One of our favourite motorboats to rent in Corfu is the Motorboat Axopar T-Top Brabus Line which offers enough space for up to 9 guests. Considering the lack of space many motorboats have to deal with, hosting 9 people is quite a lot. A captain is included in the charter, ensuring that you can enjoy your sailing holiday to the fullest without worrying about operating the boat.
Cons of renting a motorboat in Corfu
One of the disadvantages of renting a motorboat in Corfu is the fact that they run on fuel. With the increasing prices it can become quite expensive to explore all the spots you want to discover. Be aware that an additional bill for all the fuel might increase your holiday bill significantly.
Another disadvantage can be the size of the cabins. These are definitely not ideal for anyone who is claustrophobic. Motorboats are not the type of water vehicle you rent for comfort, you charter them for their speed. Bring your friends together and race around the Greek islands.
Chartering a luxury yacht in Corfu is a great idea for anyone who wants a luxurious sailing vacation on the Greek islands with the right budget on hand. Don’t miss out on any amenities that you would expect in a hotel room. Motorboat Canados 80 S will make all your sailing dreams come true. Up to 9 people can sleep on this luxury yacht. Offering enough space to dine with all your friends and to sunbathe all day long on deck, a special surprise is the swimming pool you can find on board. If you don’t feel like jumping into the sea, take a refreshing dip in the pool on board. An experienced captain will operate the boat while you relax on your vacation.
Charter a luxury yacht in Corfu
If you want to hire a boat in Corfu you have to possess a valid boat licence - if you want to operate the boat yourself. If you don’t have a valid boat licence or simply want to enjoy your sailing holiday worry-free, you can always hire a skipper to operate your boat. No boat licence is needed in that case.
The Ionian Sea remains a great sailing location due to favorable weather conditions and calmer seas than the nearby Aegean. To see the best of the Ionian Islands, start at Gouvia Marina and sail all the way south to Pylos on the mainland, in the gorgeous Navarino Bay. Historically known as an important battle location that helped secure Greece’s independence, today the bay is mostly known as a safe place to anchor and a superb place to stop for a delicious traditional Greek meal. Along the way, you’ll see Sivotas Island, Port Gaios, and Lefkada, the second largest of this island chain and famous for its stunning beaches surrounded by impressive rock formations. From Lefkada (Lefkas), enjoy safe and easy sailing along the canal. You can stop at the small harbors in Lygia and Nikiana before heading out to the nearby islands of Meganisi and Kalamos. On Meganisi, you should visit the historic Papanakolis sea cave. Continue south and stop at Vathi and Zakynthos, with its remarkable Venetian Fortress and the stunning Blue Caves that rise from the sea. Navagio Beach is one of the most famous beaches on Zakynthos. Sail to this beach to explore an abandoned shipwreck.
You’ll find that the above-mentioned locations offer excellent moorings, with Sivotas, Abelike Bay, and Pylos offering anchorages to stop off and relax at the beach.
Rent a boat in Palaiokastrites
Subscribe to our newsletter to get a $50 voucher and all our best offers.
