Yacht Charter Corfu

Yacht Charter in Corfu

Corfu is the northernmost of the major Ionian Islands and one of the most beautiful islands in Greece — a lush, green landscape of olive groves, cypress trees, and Venetian-influenced architecture that immediately distinguishes it from the drier, starker character of the Aegean islands. The island has been inhabited continuously for over 5,000 years and has been ruled at various times by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, French, British, and Greeks, each leaving their mark on the architecture, cuisine, and culture of the island. For yacht charter, Corfu is an outstanding destination in its own right and the main northern gateway to the Ionian sailing grounds.

Corfu Town

Corfu Town (Kerkyra) is one of the finest examples of Venetian colonial architecture outside Venice itself and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Liston, a colonnade of elegant arches built in imitation of the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, faces the Esplanade — the largest public square in Greece and the only place in the country where cricket is regularly played, a legacy of the British occupation. The Old Fortress, jutting into the sea on a rocky peninsula, and the New Fortress, dominating the hill above the old town, are impressive examples of Venetian military engineering. The alleyways of the old town, draped in washing lines between the tall Venetian houses, are among the most atmospheric in Greece.

The Ionian Sea Sailing

The Ionian Sea is generally calmer than the Aegean, sheltered from the strong meltemi by the Greek mainland to the east. This makes the Ionian islands particularly suitable for families and first-time charterers. The sailing grounds between Corfu, Paxos, Antipaxos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos offer a week or two of outstanding cruising — each island has a distinct character, and the distances between them are manageable even for inexperienced sailors. Paxos, just 20 kilometres south of Corfu, is a tiny olive-clad island with three charming harbour villages and the famous sea caves at Antipaxos accessible by dinghy.

Food and Culture

Corfu's cuisine reflects its Venetian heritage more than any other Greek island. Sofrito — veal cooked with white wine, garlic, and parsley — is the island's most famous dish, introduced by the Venetians and adapted over centuries. Pastitsada, a rich meat stew with pasta, reflects the Italian influence. The local kumquat liqueur, made from the small citrus fruits that grow throughout the island, is a distinctively Corfiot product. The outdoor cinema in Corfu Town, the local cricket matches on the Esplanade on summer evenings, and the extraordinary Easter celebrations — when residents throw red clay pots from their windows at the stroke of midnight on Holy Saturday — are all uniquely Corfiot experiences.