Sailing
The Ionian Sea is the ideal place for sailors, with its peaceful and clean water which makes it one of the safest regions for sailing in the world . Yachting holidays in Corfu and the other islands of the Ionian Sea are ideal for beginner, as well as fot experienced sailors, because of its geographic position, combining beauty of the landscape, many havens , mild climate and the existence of an international airport.
The landscape is beautiful with numerous picturesque villages , numerous fortresses and fortifications from the Venetian times. Well-protected bays surrounded by ; pine and olive tree forests , busy cosmopolitan towns and endless beaches , where you can swim and eat at the local restaurants . Sailing will give you the freedom to go to places which are not accessible by land.
The islands emerge through the crystal emerald water , with scattered tiny villages , some of which seem white like little birds nested on the slopes of hills covered with forests of olive and cypress trees. The local people, warm and friendly, are always ready to welcome visitors with the traditional Greek warmth.
History is present all over the area. During the era of Homer , Corfu was famous for the sailing skills of its people. Corfu’s emblem is the Rudderless ship , guided by sails and oars. Since the Corinthian era ( 8th century BC), Corfu became famous for its powerful fleet . Today, Greece has the biggest yachting fleet in the Mediterranean, based on century-old tradition. Northern Ionian sea differs from the other Greek seas. In spring and autumn , the temperature is similar to a sunny summer day in Northern Europe . The summer is even warmer, but the sea breeze makes sure that, even during the hot summer months, you will feel comfortable . A strong northern wind that blows in the Aegean Sea in the end of summer, is unknown here in the Ionian sea . In the summer afternoons, a northwestern wind blows, especially at the eastern coasts, but it is rarely stringer than four degrees on the Beaufort scale. Winds differ from one island to another, even from one bay to the other, but usually they are just as strong as they should be to blow your sails. Occasionally the wind can be as strong as 5 or 6 degrees, which gives the experienced sailors the chance for exciting sailing, while the less experienced ones can relax in one of the numerous havens or protected bays . During the night the wind usually stops completely.
In winter , blow south strong winds , often more than 8 degrees on the Beaufort scale , which can last for several days. Experienced navigators will appreciate the characteristics of southern winds, which blow the sails slowly, givng time for finding a safe haven. Corfu is famous for its mild climate (the local sailors call the sea « Sacred » or ” Female “) and visitors, with or without their own yachts, can enjoy their holidays. The Diapontian isles (Mathraki, Erikousa , Othoni) are located northwestern of Corfu . Mathraki is surrounded by reefs and cliffs which make access a hard but unprecedented experience . The other two islands are always the first stop for sailing boats coming from the Adriatic Sea . Their shores are ideal for the lovers of wind nature.
Along the coast of Corfu in the north , from Sidari to the cape of Agios Spyridon, the beaches are usually sandy and shallow , ideal for beginner swimmers and young children. The northeastern shore of Corfu is ideal for sea trips , offers an easy access and has got calm, warm water. The western coast of the island is the most controversial . The northern part has got many difficult capes, ideal for scuba-diving . More to the south , the scenery becomes milder, with endless sandy beaches , and a blue-green sea with trees which come down to the water. Surfers can enjoy their favourite sport on one of these beaches. At the eastern coast to the south of Corfu town, the beaches are more uniform with warm, shallow water ideal for children and beginner swimmers.
The pretty islands Paxos and AntiPaxos are famous destinations and their ports Lakka, Gaios, Loggos and Mongonissi are full of yachts during the summer. The western coast of the islands is characterized by impressive steep cliffs with sea caves , which you can visit.
Even if AntiPaxos don’t have a safe haven, the beautiful beaches with the spectacular crystal turquoise water of the northeastern coast are really popular .
Marinas : Gouvia , Benitses
Clubs Panhellenic Open Sea Sailing Club
Sailing competitions in Corfu.
- Check out Regata Brindisi – Corfu – Brindisi
- Check out Regata Rimini – Corfu – Rimini
In Corfu, you can combine your love for aeromodelling with family vacation. Only 11 kilometres from Corfu toen and near the famous resorts of Gouvia, Dassia and Palaiokastritsa there is the home of aeromodelling, which offers a range of relative services.
No matter where your accommodation is, there is certainly a tourist agency which can suggest a few guided tours by bike or by coach, a car safari, a boat trip to interesting places of the island, as well as of the greater regionτης , like the Diapontian islands, Paxos (or Corfu, if you are staying at Paxos ) , Parga , the archaeological city of Vouthroto in Albania etc.
Welcome to one of the wealthiest markets in Greece. The market of Corfu town reflects its history and the atmosphere which you will experience wil take you back to the trade of the 17th and 18th centuries in Corfu. These centuries, the port of Corfu was a meeting point for peoples and cultures . Ship travelling around the Mediterranean would stop here, at the first important port of the Serene Republic of Venice , and, naturally, people , ideas and merchandise from’ all over the world were introduced here and enriched the local culture .
The first time that tennis was ever played in Greece was in Corfu at the late 1800s. Ever since then, Corfiots continue playing tennis to this day, as it has become a popular sport. Besides the historic Tennis Club of Corfu , organized courts exist in several hotels on the island. It is also important to know that matches of the world championship take place on the island every summer.
The tradition of 170 years continues to this day at the only place in Greece where cricket has serious foundations. Five clubs and two fantastic pitches are there for you if you want to come here with your team or alone and have a great time practicing your favorite sport. Official tournaments and friendly, inofficial matches are organized all summer long at the most spectacular pitch in Europe: at the Spianada square in the historic center of Corfu, while the pitch at the Marina, Gouvia is more comfortable and has got better infrastructure.
In every major beach on the island there are stands in the sea, where professional trainers will initiate you to the magic of doing activities over the sea level’ : skiing, jet-skiing, parachuting, surfing as well as well-known (and slower) sea bicycles and canoes , are there for you to quickly explore all the most distant beaches . The safety rules are pretty strict, the controls are frequent and the staff are all serious professionals , so’ there is nothing to worry about: sea sports in Corfu are safe and enjoyable .
Corfu, Paxos, Othoni, Erikousa and Mathraki are the top destination for scuba-divers therefore ’ organized diving centers exist around the islands of Corfu and Paxos . Beaches and gulfs , capes and big reefs , consist the ideal place for younger and older divers .