Corfu
From CruisersWiki
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to Corfu.
Corfu
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Corfu or Kerkyra (Κέρκυρα) is the northernmost and second largest, after Cephalonia, of the Ionian Islands. Its area covers 592 km2 and the length of the island is 217 km. It is mountainous with the highest mountain being Mt. Pantokrator (914 m) but there are several flat areas, the largest being the Ropa valley. There are two lakes: Korission and Antinioti, and four small rivers, often dry in summer at Potamos, Sidari, Messogghi and Lefkimi. The climate is mild without being bitterly cold in winter and the summers are humid. The heavy rainfall and the high humidity encourage the profuse growth of vegetation. Therefore, the island has a lot of greenery, even in the summer. It is the most densely populated area in Greece after the great urban centers of Athens and Thessalonica. According to the latest census figures, the population of the island is 105,000 with 35,000 people living in the town. In addition, it is the single most popular tourist destination in Greece, with over one million visitors to the island annually.
For a history of Corfu and the origins of its Greek name, Kerkyra, click on History of Corfu.
Berthing options on the island include the capital and main ferry terminal, Corfu Town, the small harbours of Kassiopi on the N coast of the island, Petriti on the SE and Palaiokastritsa on the NW coast and numerous attractive anchorages, especially those of Agni, Kalami, Kouloura and Ayios Stefanos at the NE tip and Ayios Yeoryios on the NW coast.
Charts
- BA
- 206 Corfu: Channels
- Imray-Tetra
- G11 Nísos Kérkira to Nísos Levkas
- NIMA
- 54280 Corfu Channel to Nisis Proti
- Greek
- 2 Ionio Pelagos
- 10 Kerkyra
- 211 Kerkyra I. - Otranto Strait
Radio Nets
- Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
- Olympia Radio - VHF channel 02, 03, & 64
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Weather
- See Ionian Sea Weather
- Also see Ionian Sea Currents & Tides
Passages
Islands
- Paxos or Paxoi - to the S of Corfu
- Othoni - to the N of Corfu
- Erikoussa - to the N of Corfu
See individual ports.
Entrance
If you are entering or exiting Greece you can either go to Corfu Town or to Gouvia Marina. The latter is generally easier for yachts.
Note: It is not necessary to berth in the marina to visit the Port Police. Many yachts anchor in the bay on the north side immediately before the buoyed channel into the marina.
Berthing Options
Ports
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
- Gouvia Marina
- Corfu Yacht Club
- NAOK Yacht Club
Anchorages
Gouvia
39°39.5′N, 19°51.5′E
Gouvia Bay is located five nM north of Corfu town and features a Venetian arsenal of 1716. One can climb to the summit of Mount Pantokrator for a beautiful view of the surroundings and an abandoned monastery of 1347. The village of Kondokali - adjacent to Gouvia - is nowadays more German or English than Greek. Fortunately, the facilities are excellent. Yachts are not permitted to anchor in the bay, but may anchor in the bay of
Ormos Kammeno immediately N of the entrance to Gouvia Bay. The location is convenient for visiting the Port Police in the nearby Gouvia Marina and also for the chandleries, shops, laundry outside the marina. Depths generally 6.0 – 10.0 metres. Holding is good in mud and weed. The anchorage is subject to water skiers and other power boats from the hotel at the east end of the bay. Gouvia Marina, one of the oldest in Greece, is the safest place to leave the boat for any period and explore this lush island.
Agni
Agni (Αγνή) bay is the first of the anchorages on the NE tip of Corfu, heading N from Corfu Town. The S part of the bay is lined with tavernas, some with long jetties to the end of which a yacht may anchor and take a line with care. Most yachts tend to anchor off in depths of 8.0 – 10 metres. It is also possible to take a long line ashore on the S side, but this will leave you beam on to any swell. The holding is good in sand, mud and weed. Shelter is good from the prevailing NW winds, but, like all the anchorages along this coast, it is open E and S and is likely to be untenable in strong winds from that quarter. Also, like all the others, it is subject to swell from passing ferries and ships. Alternatively, it is possible to anchor with care off the small beach at the N end of Agni Bay. There is really only room for one yacht to anchor fore and aft here in 7.0 – 8.0 metres, but 2-3 can fit in if they each take a line ashore to the E side of the cove (the W side is steep-to and there is little to take a line to). Be careful to avoid the small mooring buoys used by visiting day boats. Depths here are 3.0 – 3.5 metres at 10 metres off the rocks. The holding is good in sand and weed once your anchor is through the weed. There is a cliff path from here round to the tavernas at the S end of the bay. Shelter is good from the prevailing winds, although an occasional heavy swell enters from passing ships.
Kalami
39°44.38′N, 19°56.16′E
Kalami (Καλάμι) Bay is the next anchorage on the NE tip of Corfu, heading N from Corfu Town. It is the biggest of the anchorages here and can take perhaps 10-15 yachts before it begins to get crowded. Anchor 50 metres off the beach in 5.0 – 8.0 metre depths in sand and weed. Good holding once through the weed. It is also possible to take a line ashore to the rocks in the NW corner, where there are iron posts set into the rocks just S of the water skiing pontoon. The White House Restaurant, former home of the writer Lawrence Durrell, is excellent and well worth patronizing. Other tavernas, cafes and three good supermarkets ashore. Shelter is good from the prevailing winds, although an occasional heavy swell enters from passing ships.
Kouloura
39°44.59′N, 19°56.44′E
Kolouri (Κουλούρα) Bay is the third of the anchorages, just round the headland from Kalami Bay. Although a very beautiful little bay, the only suitable spot for anchoring, on the S side of the bay just N of the tiny small craft harbour, is now occupied with mooring buoys. Anchoring on the N side will make you unpopular (at least in the season) with the locals as it is a favorite swimming spot. Further out, clear of the beach, depths are 15 – 20 metres and only suitable for a lunch stop. One taverna ashore.
Ayios Stefanos
39°45.91′N, 19°57.09′E
Ayios Stefanoss (Άγιος Στέφανος) or Agios Stephanos is the fourth and most northerly of the anchorage, lying about a mile N of Kaolouri Bay. It is around 500 metres SW of the dangerous reef of Ifalos Serpa, which extends 200 metres off the shore. The inner part of the bay is partly protected by a short breakwater, but depths in this part are too shallow for most yachts to anchor at barely 2.0 -3.0 metres. It is possible to anchor in the outer part of the bay in 4.0 – 5.0 metres, but more than five yachts at anchor here and the bay becomes crowded. Shelter is good from the prevailing winds, although an occasional heavy swell enters from passing ships. It also feels a little bleak in the outer anchorage. Cafes and tavernas ashore and limited provisions.
Ayios Vroulias
39°47.22′N, 19°55.98′E
Ayios Vroulias is an open bay on the N side of Corfu. It is sheltered from W-SW-S-SE. Anchor towards the SE end of the bay as there is more sand bottom tha in the W part. Good holding in sand and weed.
Ayios Yeoryios
39°42.83′N, 19°40.26′E
Ayios Yeoryios ('Αγιος Γεώργιος) or Agios Georgios is a large and open bay on the NW side of Corfu, sheltered from the prevailing NW winds but open to the S-SW. The bay has a very slowly shelving sandy bottom and a long sandy beach. Anchor in 5.0 – 6.0 metres at the NW end for the best shelter from the prevailing winds. Holding is good in sand and weed.
Yacht Services and Repairs
Also see each Port.
Marine Stores
- The main town of Corfu Town has most of what a yachtie needs
- Boatmans World just outside Gouvia Marina is well stocked
- Chandlery in Gouvia Marina is small but excellent. They have a surprising variety of stock and can get most anything delivered from Athens next day.
Repairs/Yards
At Gouvia Marina.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- At the Gouvia Marina
- Water
- At the Gouvia Marina
- Electricity
- At the Gouvia Marina
Αlso see individual ports.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The whole island is interesting, if overcrowded. It is best to rent a car or a scooter and allow a few days for exploration. Many of the inland villages are most attractive. Corfu Town itself is a bustling center of activity. In the evening the old town becomes very much alive with numerous restaurants, cafes and bars setting out tables in every conceivable bit of space.
Grocery & Supply Stores
See individual port entries.
Eateries
See individual port entries.
Internet/WiFi
See individual port entries.
Laundry
- At the Gouvia Marina
- On the main road 200m south of the entrance to Gouvia Marina tel +30 26610 91127, 0830 - 2030 Mon - Sat
- In Corfu Town
Motorbike & Car Rentals
- Cars at the Gouvia Marina
- Cars & Motorbikes in Corfu Town
Garbage Disposal
See individual port entries.
Transportation
- Flights - Scheduled and charter flights to the UK and other European countries. Domestic flights to Athens. Sea-plane to Patras. Please note that in the winter, flights are often canceled.
- Ferries - Frequent ferries to Igoumenitsa on the mainland. Also ferries to Patras in the Gulf of Corinth and international ferries to Italy.
- Buses - It is possible to get on a bus in Corfu that will take you to Athens. This can be more convenient than taking the ferry to Igoumenitsa and then having to find the bus station there.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
- Corfu at the Wikipedia
- a yachtsman's video guide
References & Publications
- Gerald Durrell, My Family and Other Animals, Penguin Books, ISBN 978-0142004418
- Gerald Durrell, Birds, Beasts, and Relatives, Penguin Books, ISBN 978-0142004401
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit. Personal experiences?
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Corfu and this page's details validated:
- July 1988 --Istioploos
- August 2010 --Wayward
- September 2012 --Athene of Lymington 17:40, 16 September 2012 (BST)
- Sept 2014 -- Monterey
This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
Contributors to this page
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Names: Lighthouse, Istioploos, Atheneoflymington, Wayward, Haiqu, Monterey |