14-Day Sailing from Corfu – Up & Down Route

UP AND DOWN Route – Ionian islands

14-Day Sailing from Corfu

Day                                               Port                NM
SaturdayCorfu (Marina Gouvia)
SundayAgni / Nissaki / Kassiopi6.5
MondayEreikoussa22
TuesdayOthoni – Mathraki – San Stefano9 + 7 + 6
WednesdayPorto Timoni – Palaiokastritsa4 + 5
ThursdayPaxoi (Lakka)33
FridayPaxoi (Gaios) – Antipaxoi4 + 3
SaturdayLefkas Town30
SundayNidri – Meganissi (Odysseus Marina)8.5 + 4
MondayLefkas Sivota7.5
TuesdayPreveza24
WednesdayParga – Sivota (Mourtos Island)28 + 14
ThursdayPetriti – Benitses12 + 7.5
FridayKalami / Vidos – Corfu (Marina Gouvia)12 + 7
TotalCheck out at 09:00h254 NM

The trip destinations

Marina gouvia
Corfu (Marina Gouvia)
Sivora
Agni / Nissaki / Kassiopi
Paxoi antipaxoi
Ereikoussa
Corfu
Othoni – Mathraki – San Stefano
Porto Timoni - Palaiokastritsa
Paxoi (Lakka)
Paxoi (Gaios) - Antipaxoi
Lefkas Town
Nidri - Meganissi
Lefkas Sivota
Preveza
Parga - Sivota

Your journey begins at Marina Gouvia, the principal charter gateway of Corfu and one of the most organized sailing bases in the Ionian Sea. Located in a naturally protected bay just north of Corfu Town, the marina provides an ideal environment to settle onboard comfortably while preparing for an extended exploration across both northern and southern Ionian cruising grounds.

The first evening is designed to introduce you gently to life onboard. Take time to complete provisioning, familiarize yourself with your yacht, and enjoy a relaxed dinner nearby while anticipation builds for the days ahead. This calm beginning sets the tone for a two-week journey defined by variety, discovery, and elegant coastal navigation.

Highlights

  • Comfortable embarkation at Marina Gouvia.
  • Easy provisioning before departure.
  • Relaxed first evening onboard.

Insider Tip
Prepare provisions early so your departure the following morning can begin smoothly and without time pressure.

Your first sailing day follows Corfu’s northeastern coastline, one of the most scenic stretches of the island. Calm waters and lush green hills descending directly into the sea create ideal conditions for a gentle introduction to Ionian cruising while allowing plenty of time for swimming stops along the way.

Agni and Nissaki offer peaceful anchorages with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and relaxing onboard, while nearby Kassiopi provides a livelier harbor environment framed by traditional architecture and a historic fortress overlooking the bay. Each option allows flexibility depending on your preferred pace for the day.

Highlights

  • Gentle introduction to Ionian coastal sailing.
  • Exceptional swimming conditions along Corfu’s northeast shore.
  • Optional lively harbor evening in Kassiopi.

Insider Tip
Arrive earlier in Agni Bay if choosing a taverna mooring spot—space is limited during peak season.

Today’s route leads you north toward the Diapontia Islands, where the Ionian becomes quieter and more remote. The open-water passage offers rewarding sailing conditions with uninterrupted views toward the northern horizon as you gradually leave Corfu’s coastline behind.

Ereikoussa welcomes visitors with its sandy beach and relaxed village atmosphere that feels refreshingly untouched by mass tourism. The calm environment makes it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and enjoying a peaceful overnight stay beneath clear Ionian skies.

Highlights

  • Open-water sailing toward remote northern islands.
  • Sandy beaches rare for the Ionian region.
  • Quiet and authentic island atmosphere.

Insider Tip
Plan time for a late afternoon swim near the main bay where conditions are typically calmest.

Today is dedicated to exploration across several of the Ionian’s least-visited destinations. Othoni offers dramatic cliffs and mythological associations linked to Calypso’s Cave, creating one of the most atmospheric swimming stops in the northern Ionian.

Continuing toward Mathraki introduces an even quieter island environment before returning closer to Corfu’s northwest coastline at San Stefano Avliotes. The sequence of landscapes throughout the day creates a varied and memorable sailing experience.

Highlights

  • Visiting three distinct Ionian destinations in one day.
  • Mythological associations with Othoni Island.
  • Peaceful anchorages across the Diapontia island group.

Insider Tip
Weather conditions influence northern Ionian comfort levels—select the most sheltered anchorage depending on daily forecasts.

Today’s sailing route explores Corfu’s dramatic western coastline, where steep cliffs and emerald coves create some of the island’s most recognizable scenery. Porto Timoni’s double beach formation offers one of the most unique swimming locations along the Ionian coast.

Continuing south toward Palaiokastritsa introduces hidden sea caves and crystal-clear anchorages framed by forested hillsides. The nearby monastery viewpoint adds cultural depth while offering panoramic views across one of Corfu’s most celebrated coastal landscapes.

Highlights

  • Porto Timoni’s iconic double-bay beach.
  • Sea cave exploration opportunities.
  • Monastery viewpoint above Palaiokastritsa.

Insider Tip
Use your tender early in the day to explore the caves before excursion boats arrive later in the afternoon.

A longer sailing passage today brings you south toward Paxoi and the beautiful natural harbor of Lakka Bay. The route offers rewarding open-water navigation followed by one of the most protected anchorages in the Ionian Sea.

Surrounded by olive-covered hills and luminous turquoise waters, Lakka provides ideal conditions for swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxing onboard before enjoying a peaceful evening ashore in one of the harbor’s welcoming tavernas.

Highlights

  • Rewarding longer sailing passage southward.
  • Naturally sheltered anchorage at Lakka Bay.
  • Exceptional swimming conditions throughout the bay.

Insider Tip
Anchor earlier in the afternoon as Lakka fills quickly during peak summer months.

Today’s short distances allow a relaxed exploration of Paxoi’s southern coastline and nearby Antipaxoi. Gaios offers a charming harbor setting ideal for a morning stroll before continuing toward one of the Ionian’s most famous swimming destinations.

Antipaxoi’s beaches provide extraordinary water clarity and soft seabeds that create one of the most memorable swimming environments in Greece. The combination of refined harbor life and pristine beaches defines the essence of Ionian sailing.

Highlights

  • Charming harbor environment in Gaios.
  • Iconic turquoise waters of Antipaxoi.
  • Relaxed short-distance cruising day.

Insider Tip
Visit Antipaxoi earlier in the day before excursion traffic increases later in the afternoon.

Today’s route continues south toward Lefkas Town, offering a rewarding passage across central Ionian waters. The approach into the Lefkas channel creates a dynamic arrival experience framed by marina activity and lively waterfront promenades.

Lefkas Town provides excellent marina infrastructure alongside a vibrant evening atmosphere where restaurants and cafés line the harbor. It is an ideal stop to resupply and enjoy one of the Ionian’s most energetic sailing hubs.

Highlights

  • Extended sailing passage across central Ionian waters.
  • Modern marina facilities at Lefkas Town.
  • Lively waterfront dining environment.

Insider Tip
Plan arrival around bridge opening times to ensure smooth access to the marina basin.

Cruising through the sheltered inland waters surrounding Nidri introduces one of the Ionian’s calmest sailing regions. The surrounding islets create excellent conditions for relaxed navigation and extended swimming stops.

Continuing toward Meganissi offers a peaceful overnight destination with protected anchorages and welcoming harbor facilities at Odysseus Marina. The island’s quiet atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the energy of Lefkas Town visited the previous evening.

Highlights

  • Calm inland sailing conditions near Nidri.
  • Scenic island passages between small islets.
  • Comfortable overnight stop at Meganissi.

Insider Tip
Take advantage of short distances today to include additional swim stops along the route.

Today’s short passage brings you to Sivota Bay, one of the most sheltered anchorages in the southern Ionian Sea. The surrounding hills and calm waters create an ideal environment for relaxation after several active sailing days.

The waterfront promenade offers welcoming tavernas and cafés that create a peaceful evening setting while maintaining the authentic character of a traditional Ionian harbor village.

Highlights

  • Protected natural harbor anchorage.
  • Calm swimming conditions throughout the bay.
  • Relaxed waterfront dining atmosphere.

Insider Tip
Reserve mooring space early during peak season when Sivota becomes especially popular with visiting yachts.

Sailing north toward Preveza introduces a varied route combining coastal navigation with open-water cruising across the entrance of the Ambracian Gulf. The arrival offers a lively harbor setting framed by cafés and pedestrian streets.

Preveza’s historic center provides a rewarding evening exploration opportunity with traditional architecture and excellent seafood dining options along its waterfront promenade.

Highlights

  • Scenic passage toward the Ambracian Gulf entrance.
  • Lively harbor promenade atmosphere.
  • Access to historic town center dining areas.

Insider Tip
Visit the old town after sunset when the pedestrian streets become especially atmospheric.

Today combines two of the Ionian mainland coastline’s most picturesque destinations. Parga offers one of the most photogenic harbor arrivals in the region, framed by colorful houses beneath a Venetian fortress overlooking the bay.

Continuing toward Sivota and Mourtos Island provides sheltered anchorages ideal for swimming and a relaxed evening stop surrounded by emerald islets and calm turquoise waters.

Highlights

  • Iconic arrival scenery at Parga harbor.
  • Venetian fortress overlooking the town.
  • Sheltered swimming anchorages near Mourtos Island.

Insider Tip
Capture photographs of Parga from the water before entering the harbor—the approach offers the best perspective.

Returning toward Corfu’s southeastern coastline introduces two destinations known for authenticity and relaxed harbor environments. Petriti offers a traditional fishing-village atmosphere where seafood tavernas define the waterfront experience.

Continuing toward Benitses provides a comfortable marina stop with welcoming promenades and easy access to Corfu’s eastern coastal scenery as your journey approaches its conclusion.

Highlights

  • Authentic fishing harbor atmosphere in Petriti.
  • Excellent seafood dining opportunities.
  • Comfortable overnight stop at Benitses.

Insider Tip
Ask tavernas in Petriti for the catch of the day—fresh arrivals often define the evening’s specialties.

Your final sailing day follows Corfu’s northeastern coastline toward Marina Gouvia, with optional stops at Kalami or Vidos Island for one last swim in the Ionian’s emerald waters. Both locations provide calm anchorages with scenic views toward Corfu Town’s historic skyline.

Returning to base completes your extended Ionian journey with time remaining for refueling procedures and a final relaxed evening onboard reflecting on the diversity of destinations visited across both northern and southern sailing regions.

Highlights

  • Scenic final coastal sailing along Corfu’s east shore.
  • Optional swim stops at Kalami or Vidos Island.
  • Smooth return to Marina Gouvia.

Insider Tip
Choose Vidos Island for your final swim stop—it offers one of the most memorable views toward Corfu Old Town before returning to base.

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