Custom Sailboat and Catamaran Cruises in Corfu

Sailboat or Catamaran Cruises in Corfu: Sail in Style

Corfu is one of the islands that lies in the Ionian Sea, just to the north of Lefkas. It is the largest of all the Ionian Islands and by far the most cosmopolitan, with a wide range of amenities for you to take advantage of during your cruise in a catamaran or sailboat. You will find a plethora of different landscapes for you to explore in Corfu, from mountains and caves, to beaches and lakes, each one fascinating and beautiful. While on a boating holiday, you will be able to really make the most of your voyage by exploring not just the hidden coves and bays of Corfu, but also the other Ionian Islands.

Get ready to make some memories with family and friends

No matter which part of Corfu you want to visit, we can guarantee you’ll have an amazing time on a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran. Whether you want to stick pretty much solely to the beaches and caves or admire the intricate architecture of the Old Town, there is no better way to spend it than with family and friends. While on board, you can also add a wide range of watersports equipment to your charter, from jet skis to surfboards, and even scuba diving and snorkelling equipment. If you are travelling with small children, the inflatable donut is also a particular favourite.

If you are travelling with a partner and opted for a crewed cruise in Corfu, another great option is to have an intimate dinner on board, catered by your own personal chef. In this way, you can sample the local cuisine underneath a sensational sunset while admiring some of the most beautiful backdrops in the Mediterranean. What could be more romantic?

Is it better to go on a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran?

Which boat you should rent depends on what sort of experience you want, as well as how much sailing experience you have. A cruise in a catamaran is typically better for those who don’t mind not having a fully authentic experience. Their double-hull structure makes them more spacious and stable, but also slightly more difficult to manoeuvre. The enhanced stability is better for people who lack sailing experience, and therefore might be more prone to seasickness. The main drawback of catamaran trips is that they are typically more expensive, not just in terms of fuel consumption, but also as they require more docking space in the marinas.

A cruise in a sailboat, however, is a little more fast and furious. The single-hull structure of these boats means that there is less space on board, but it also makes them easier to manoeuvre and allows you the opportunity to really feel the rhythm of the waves. This type of cruise, while not great for those who are prone to seasickness, is favoured by more experienced sailors who like to really be at one with the sea when they go sailing. They are also cheaper than catamarans, as they can go further without using as much fuel and require less docking space in the marinas.

Set sail with a skipper and crew for the ultimate relaxation

Although it is possible to find bareboat charters in Corfu if you are in possession of the appropriate boat licence, we recommend setting sail with a skipper and even a full crew if you really want to relax and enjoy your trip. Even if you have years of sailing experience under your belt, you can learn a lot from a skipper who will have an intimate knowledge of the area surrounding Corfu. A skipper can give you a lot of insider tips, allowing you to benefit from knowledge that is only normally at the disposal of locals.

If you also set sail with a full crew, this will typically consist of a chef, a hostess, and a couple of deckhands, who will make sure you want for nothing throughout your trip. All you will have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip.

When is the best time to set sail in Corfu?

Corfu has reasonable weather for much of the year, but the best weather and most favourable temperatures for a cruise in a catamaran or sailboat are usually present from May until October. During this period the water temperatures rarely fall below 18°C and can even get as high as 27°C in the month of August. However, the only drawback of going in the height of summer is that there will be lots of tourists crowding the beaches. For this reason, we recommend going from May to mid-June until mid-September to October. During these months, the temperatures will still be perfect for swimming and trying out the range of watersports available to you in Corfu, but there should be fewer tourists, meaning that you won’t have to fight for space on the beaches.

What are the best destinations for your cruise in a sailboat or catamaran in Corfu?

No matter where you go sailing around Corfu, you will be treated to vast expanses of coastal panoramas that are full of unspoilt natural beauty and breathtaking bays full of trees. When choosing where to dock for the night, you should try to pick areas on the east coast of the islands, closer to the mainland, where the waters are calmer and more suited to a good night’s sleep.

You should start your Corfu cruise in a catamaran or sailboat at one of the following marinas: Gouvia, Petriti, Naok- Nautical Club, Kassiopi, or Paleokastritsa. These marinas all have a full range of services that will make sure you have everything you need before starting your nautical adventure. They are also perfectly placed for you to visit some of the best beaches in Corfu, including Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, Issos, Voutoumi beach in the nearby Antipaxos Island, and Sidali, which is home to the famous Canal d’Amour. It is said that if you swim to the end of Canal d’Amour, you will find your soulmate so it’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular spots on the island.

The other Ionian Islands

Naturally, while on a cruise in Corfu, exploring the other Ionian Islands is a great way to pass the time, as well as nearby cities on the west coast of mainland Greece, such as Parga and Sivota. The Ionian Islands is a group of 7 main islands, as well as several smaller islets. Aside from Corfu, the islands in this group are Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Kythira. Each island has its own character that will enchant and enthral you while you’re there and while all of the islands have a plethora of breathtaking beaches, each one also has sites of cultural and historical significance.

On Lefkas, you can visit the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni or hike to see the Nidri Waterfall, while on Paxos, the highlight is the Blue Caves, which are only accessible by boat, making them a perfect place to visit during your cruise in Corfu. Each island has its own unique character, with plenty of things that you can see or do and it is this that makes a cruise in Corfu so special.

What sort of experiences can you have during your cruise in Corfu?

The different experiences available for your cruise in Corfu are endless! Of course, you can go island hopping to the other Ionian Islands, but there are also many other things to do aside from exploring. For example, you can add different water sports equipment to your Corfu cruise to try something new or develop an existing skill. Some of the different water sports you can try include water skiing, windsurfing, scuba diving, and snorkelling.

You can also sample the local cuisine while sailing in Corfu, either a seafront restaurant or, if you opted for a crewed cruise in Corfu, on board your boat. One of the amazing dishes you can sample is Pastitsio Dolce, a delicious meat pie, also containing pasta and cheese and seasoned with dill. If you’re a meat lover, you simply can’t miss this dish!

How much does a cruise in a catamaran or sailboat cost in Corfu?

The price of a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran in Corfu is affected by many different things, including the season, the duration of your trip, as well as the size, make, and model of your selected boat. Whether or not you want to rent with a skipper and crew will also affect the cost of your voyage. You also have to keep in mind that the price you see on the website only usually covers the basic charter costs.

As a rough guide, though, a cruise in a catamaran can cost around €7300 per week in high season or €3400 per week in low season, whereas a cruise in a sailboat can cost about €2850 per week in high season or €1601 per week in low season.

What is included in the price and what comes at an additional charge?

This will depend a lot on the boat owner, but usually only the basic charter of the boat, as well as mooring at the port of origin are included in the initial price. The rest is typically split up into mandatory and optional extras. Mandatory extras will include things like administrative costs, fuel, and mooring at any ports you visit, as well as onboard necessities such as cutlery, plates, and bed linen. Meanwhile, optional extras include things like watersports equipment. Depending on the size of the boat, this can include jet skis, snorkelling and scuba diving equipment, and waterskis. Skippers and a crew are also optional extras, although they may be mandatory if you aren’t in possession of the appropriate boating licence.