Sailing the Ionian Sea
Bless my sea legs and lack of sea sickness, or I would have missed out on the sail of a lifetime. If you have two, three weeks to spare, definitely charter a boat for five to seven days and explore the islands offshore Greece. Diverse coastal landscape and villages with personality keep you excited for the next destination; Corfu’s proximity to other islands makes for a great sailing itinerary.
Day 1
We actually kicked off our first day with morning hours spent at the Old Fortress east of Corfu town. It wasn’t until we were on the boat that we could see it in its entirety; up close its bastions and massive walls speak of its Byzantine and Venetian construction. It’s an archive of Corfu history, housing ancient barracks, the small church of St. George, a 1700s prison, military hospital turned music school and paper trail of over 6 centuries.
Embarking at Gouvia Marina Corfu in the afternoon, we set the course for Kalami Bay and anchored there for the night, taking our meals on board.
Day 2
The day was dedicated to exploring Kalami Bay alone. Its horse-shoe shaped bay makes it a safe anchorage spot and cozy swimming nook, but I spent most of it wandering up scenic hills. Wander through the olive groves to get a taste of a much older Greece; I can imagine how serene it would be off-season.
Make sure to hit up the restaurants for traditional Corfu dishes! Fuel up for the next day of water fun.
Day 3
Waking up bright and early, we set course for Petriti. You won’t get bored of the sea just yet, so it is the perfect time to go snorkeling, paddle boarding or kayaking. I alternated between snorkeling and rolling around the beach, and when my stomach demanded food, I gobbled up on fresh seafood at one of the beachside taverns.
Day 4
Sivota Mourtos takes us away from Corfu Island. Depending on what you’d like to do, you can start the day earlier or later. We decided to spend some time at Sivota’s offshore islets before lunch, and dedicated the afternoon to exploring the town quay Mourtos. It’s not a big village, but its traditionally Grecian set is exactly what you need after being out at sea.
Day 5
The sail to Paxos and Anti Paxos is further, so ready your stomach. The islands exude a more isolated ambiance but beautiful with lush greenery and vineyards. We spent the day dipping around the perimeter and stopping by cozy beaches and coves. It was ultimately a lazy cruise day.
We sailed back to Corfu Island the day after, but those who have more time should take a trip to Parga along the mainland. It is the modern, commercial center where you can enjoy shops and lavish dining.
Sounds like a dream right? The mingling blue and green tones of the Ionian Sea are mesmerizing. The waters were relatively smooth but do take along some stomach meds if you’re sensitive when rocked about.
Source: corfudiary.com
DIAPONTIA ISLANDS
Diapontia Islands adorn the Ionian Sea, on its north side. These are the three large islands and nine islets. Othonoi, Erikousa and Mathraki, are the names of the Islands, while the islets are the Diakopo, Diaplo, Karavi, Kastrinos, Lipso, Ostrako, Plaka (or Ankira), Plateia and Trahia. They are located at the westernmost point of Greece, and only ten kilometres from the island of Corfu.
They took their name from their location, located between the Adriatic and Ionian Sea, while the Venetians chose it to make colonies, and then fled in search of larger areas. Nevertheless, the remnants of this era are still evident as many family names are the same between those three islands.
Othonoi
Othonoi, is the largest island of this cluster, with approximately 560 residents and two overall settlements. According to mythology, othonoi was the island of Calypso, where Odysseus spent seven years in captivity before he left for Corfu.
Also othonoi was the place where the British sent the sick as it is said that there is a very good climate, ideal for recovery. On the island you will also find a lighthouse, which was demolished by the Germans, but was rebuilt again and now is in its original state.
On the beach White sand you will find the cave of Calypso where there, in the cave of Calypso remained Odysseus as a prisoner. To the North of the island you will find the wreck of the ship Sarah.
Erikousa
The second largest island of Diapontia Islands Erikousa has approximately 400 inhabitants. In the port there is a beach, pretty big, which indeed is preferred by both Corfiots, and tourists from all over the world.
The name comes from the shrub Reiki that grows on the island, and during the month of October all the beaches are filled with a purple coloured bush. The most beautiful part of the island is Pera Katergo, from where you can see the whole island, while the stone cross reveals the story of a nautical disaster that happened there years ago. Moreover, Pera Katergo was the quarry of the area, as the territory was rich in rocks and was preferred for mining.
Mathraki
The third and smallest of the Diapontia Islands is mathraki. Legend has it that it got its name from ‘ athrakia ‘, which means coal, when it was once burned down many years ago. While most beautiful beach is that of Portelo, which deepens smoothly, while if you like diving the Northwest beaches is a must for you, as the waters are crystal clear!
Source: CorfuDiary.Com
A SEA WALK – A DAY AT GOUVIA MARINA
The sea fascinated me since I was a little girl. Its view, the feeling of its vastness, helped me relax and forget everything. Having lived in coastal cities, I feel that the sea is part of my everyday life, whether it’s winter or summer. This is probably why I love the Gouvia Marina in Corfu; during winter it is a break from my daily routine and during summer it is a chance to walk in its beautiful piers, drink a cold afternoon coffee, or have casual dinner or relax for a drink.
Gouvia marina is located in front of the village of Kontokali, in Gouvia Bay, just 7 km from Corfu town and the airport, and is the first private Marina in Greece. Its location is wisely chosen; both locals and sailors considered the picturesque bay a link between the Adriatic and the Mediterranean sea and a safe, sheltered place to anchor and get to know the beauties of Corfu and its cosmopolitan character. This encouraged the Venetian navigators of the 17th century to build the first naval base and shipyard, whose ruins are still there.
This tradition is held until today as sailboats and motor boats from around the world arrive in Gouvia Marina to enjoy the beauties of the beaches and sceneries, the cool breeze and the beautiful corfiot villages . Moreover, owners and passengers of vessels have the opportunity to enjoy high quality services such as shops, boat rental agencies, car and bike rentals, restaurants, cafes and bars, harbour station while the outdoor facilities include cricket court, a swimming pool and a playground.
I’ve spent many beautiful afternoons by the sea, gazing away, walking on the piers or sipping my coffee with the view of majestic sailboats, yachts, catamarans and smaller boats, with a dose of jealousy for their passengers’ lives far from stress. I’m never tired of watching the sailing races ending in Gouvia Marina, with a huge participation of vessels from Greece and abroad. Thousands of people share their passion for sea traveling in places of incomparable beauty. This includes many difficulties but also unforgettable memories. Visitors can watch these races and get a small taste of a different lifestyle.