Corfu

Why go there?

Corfu is ideal for charterers seeking a sophisticated blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Corfu, with its impressive fortresses and Venetian-influenced buildings, or unwind in the tranquil bays of its northern coast, such as Paleokastritsa. Delve into charming traditional villages tucked amidst olive groves and cypress trees. The island offers diverse cruising options, from lively coastal towns to secluded coves perfect for swimming.

Your Charter may coincide with these events:

Corfu boasts a vibrant cultural calendar, deeply influenced by its history.
Orthodox Easter (typically April or May) is a particularly significant and spectacular time, renowned for its unique traditions, philharmonic orchestras, and "botides" (pot-smashing) on Holy Saturday. Throughout the summer, various local religious feasts (panigiria) take place in villages, offering traditional music, dancing, and local delicacies. The Corfu Festival (spanning summer months) often features music, dance, and theatrical performances, frequently held in historic venues. The Corfu Beer Festival in September celebrates local gastronomy and craft beer, offering a lively atmosphere.

How to get there?

The main airport serving Corfu is Corfu International Airport "Ioannis Kapodistrias" (CFU), located just 2.5 km south of Corfu Town.

Scheduled flights arrive frequently from Athens, particularly during the high season. Direct flights are also widely available from numerous major European cities (e.g., London, Manchester, Rome, Milan, Frankfurt, Paris) during the summer months, making it highly accessible for international travelers.

Approaching by yacht

Corfu is a prime gateway to the Ionian Islands, making it an excellent starting point or central hub for yacht charters. Its extensive coastline offers varied approaches. The Ionian Sea is generally known for calmer waters and gentler winds compared to the Aegean, providing exceptionally pleasant sailing conditions. Distances to neighboring Ionian islands are relatively short, facilitating easy island-hopping. Gouvia Marina, to the north of Corfu Town, is a popular entry point.

Marina facilities

Corfu offers excellent marina facilities, particularly catering to yacht charterers:

• Gouvia Marina: Located just north of Corfu Town, this is one of the largest and most well-equipped private marinas in Greece.
  • Services: Offers comprehensive services including berths for a wide range of yacht sizes, water, electricity, fuel station, full provisioning (supermarket, chandleries), extensive repair and maintenance facilities, laundry, showers, restaurants, bars, and car rental services. It is a major base for yacht charter companies.
  • Capacity: Accommodates over 1,200 yachts.
• Corfu Old Port (Mandouki):
  • Services: Primarily used by ferries and cruise ships, but some limited space might be available for smaller transient yachts near the old fortress. Facilities are more basic.
• Lefkimmi Port: Located on the south-east coast, primarily for ferries to the mainland and Paxos, with limited yacht facilities.

What food to expect?

Corfiot cuisine is a delightful reflection of the island's rich history, particularly its Venetian, but also French and British, influences, blended with traditional Greek flavors. Expect a unique array of dishes distinct from other Greek regions. Must-try specialties include Pastitsada (pasta with slow-cooked beef or rooster in a rich tomato sauce), Sofrito (veal cooked in white wine, garlic, and parsley sauce), and Bourdetto (spicy fish stew). Fresh seafood is abundant. The island also produces excellent olive oil and local wines. You'll find a wide range of dining options, from traditional tavernas to more upscale restaurants, many offering waterfront views.

Provisioning advice

Provisioning in Corfu is highly convenient, especially in and around Corfu Town and Gouvia Marina. You'll find numerous well-stocked supermarkets (including larger chains like AB Vassilopoulos and Sklavenitis), local delis, bakeries, and fresh produce markets. These offer an extensive range of fresh produce, high-quality meats, dairy, local specialties, and international goods to fully provision your yacht. Prices are generally reasonable. It is advisable to complete your main provisioning at larger stores near Gouvia before setting sail for more remote bays or smaller islands, where options may be limited.

Language and currency

• Main Language: Greek is the official language. However, due to Corfu's long history as a popular tourist destination, English is very widely spoken and understood in all tourist areas, hotels, marinas, and restaurants. Italian is also often understood due to historical ties.
• Widely Accepted Currency: The official currency is the Euro (€), as Greece is a member of the Eurozone.

Visa requirements

As part of Greece and the Schengen Area, Corfu adheres to Schengen visa policies.

• US, Canadian, UK Passport Holders: No visa is required for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or business. A valid passport is sufficient.
• EU Passport Holders: No visa is required. An official identity card or a valid passport is sufficient, as Greece is an integral part of the EU.
• For stays exceeding 90 days or for purposes other than tourism/business (e.g., work, study), specific visas may be required, and it's advisable to consult the Greek Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence.