Sailing in Corfu
Ionian Sea is a yachtsman's paradise with the gentle, calm, clear waters making it one of the safest sailing areas in the world. Sailing holidays in Corfu and the other Ionian island are ideal either for the novice or for expert sailors due to the geographical position combined with the beauty of the landscape, the many anchorages in the region, the mild climate and the existence of an international airport.
The scenery is beautiful with plenty of picturesque villages, numerous fortresses and other ruins showing the centuries of domination by the Venetians. Lovely sheltered bays surrounded by pine and olive groves, lively towns and sandy beaches where you can swim and eat at the local tavernas. Yachting offers the freedom to get to places which are completely inaccessible by road.
The Ionians islands rise out of sparkling blue waters and are scattered with tiny villages, some of them white-wwashed, nestling on the slopes of evergreen hills covered with olive groves and cypress trees. The local people, warm and friendly, are always ready to welcome visitors with their traditional Greek hospitality. The whole area simply oozes historic atmosphere. In Homeric times, Corfu was famed for the nautical skills of its people. Indicative of this characteristic were the "ships without a wheel", that is, ships with no rudder which were guided by sail and oar. From Corinthian times (8th century BC) and onwards, Corfu became famous for the strength of its navy and while the Athenian Alliance endured it played an important part in sea battles.
As the years passed and various conquerors dominated the island, the Corfiots distanced themselves from the sea. It is probable that the Venetians forced the people to return to agriculture, because it would make them a profit and since they themselves were sailors, the Venetians needed farmers. They made use of the fine port of Corfu town and built a shipyard in Gouvia, whose vaulted remains still stand today as an imposing structure beside the Marina. Today Greece has the largest fleet of yachts in the Mediterranean, upholding a centuries-old tradition.
The northern Ionian sea is separated from the rest of Greek waters. During spring and autumn the temperature is similar to a bright summer day in Northern Europe. In high summer it gets considerably hotter but the sea breezes ensure that, even during this heat, you remain feeling comfortable.
The Meltemi, the strong northerly wind which hits the Aegean in late summer, is unknown here in the Ionian. On summer afternoons the Maistros (north-westerly wind) blows, especially on eastern shores, but rarely exceeds four knots. The winds vary from island to island and even from bay to bay but usually just the right strength for a pleasant afternoon sail. Occasionally the winds can reach Force 5 or 6 which gives keen sailors a chance to put the yacht through its paces, whilst the less energetic can relax in one of the many ports or safe protected anchorages. In the evening the wind usually dies down.
During winter, the prevailing winds blow from the south with a strength often exceeding Force 8 and can last for days. Navigators will appreciate the characteristics of the south winds, which swell the sails slowly, allowind time to reach a safe anchorage.
Corfu is famed for its mild climate (local sailors call the sea "holy") and visitors, with or without yachts, can enjoy their holidays far from climatic variances.
To the north-west of Corfu are the Diapontian islands, known as Mathraki, Othoni and Erikoussa. Mathraki has reefs and rocks making access very difficult. However, the other two were always the first landfall for ships coming out of the Andriatic. The coastlines here are an attraction for lovers of wildlife and nature. Along the Corfiot coastline in the north from Sidari to the peninsula of Saint Spiridon it has mostly shallow sandy shores ideal for novice swimmers. The north-east coast of Corfu is well suited for sea trips as it offers easy access to land and has calm, warm waters. The western shore of the island offers the most contrasts. The northern section has many rocky headlands and these are the best venue for scuba diving. Further south, the landscape softens, with boundless beaches of golden sand, bordered with a sea tinted with blue and green. Strong swimmers can enjoy body surfing at one of these beaches. South of the town, the shores are more uniform in nature, with shallow water which is excellent for swimming.
The beautiful coastline of Paxos is renowned throughout the Ionian and the natural harbours of Lakka, Gaios and Mongonisi soon fill up with yachts during the summer months. The value of these anchorages is recognised when the Maistros blows and in the Paxos strait the currents and waves strengthen. The western shoreline of the island consists of impressive cliffs with sea caves, which, weather permitting can be visited. Although Antipaxos does not have a safe anchorage, the gorgeous beaches and spectacular turquoise waters of its north-eastern shore are nevertheless extremely popular.
