Yachting in the area is ideal. To the northwest of Corfu lie the DiapontianIslands - Mathraki, Othonoi, and Erikoussa. The first of these is surrounded by shelving reefs and the approach is extremely difficult, making the island the most isolated of the group. The area from Sidari to the Ag.Spiridon peninsula, forms shallow, sandy beaches, ideal for novice swimmers and beach games.
The northeast coast is ideal for exploring by boat, with its easy access to shore, and calm, warm waters. The west coast of Corfu has the most variety. Its northern section, with a rugged, rocky coastline, is crowned by the cliffs of Palaiocastritsa, perfect for exciting underwater exploration, where the small harbour offers a safe anchorage and cosmopolitan entertainment. Further south, the landscape softens and there are endless beaches of golden sand lapped by an aquamarine sea. South of the town of Corfu and to the east, the shoreline is level and the shallow waters most suitable for swimming.
The unique beauty of the coastline of Paxos is renowned throughout the Ionian. The natural harbours of Lakka, Gaios and Mongonisi teem with boats in the summer months. The importance of the anchorage they offer increases when the maestro blows and the microclimate is a refuge from the currents and the swell of the Paxos straits. The west coast of the island forms impressive cliffs with sea-caves and underwater caves which must be visited when the weather permits.
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Prevailing wind and climate of Corfu
With the nation’s highest rainfall, scores of vegetables and herbs thrive here, especially in spring. With its beguiling landscape of wildflowers, and cypress trees rising out of shimmering olive groves, Corfu hangs in there as one of Greece’s most beautiful islands. The humidity and rainfall are what make Corfu, and the rest of the Ionian Islands, lush with vegetation. As Corfu weather tends to be a little cooler than other regions of Greece, it is recommended that visitors have a light jacket handy in the evening.
Corfu’s temperature rises in April, climbing to the mid teens, while May temperatures in Corfu reach the low 20s. In June, July and August, Corfu’s weather becomes very pleasant, ranging between the mid to high 20s. Sometimes temperatures in the hottest time of the year may reach the low 30s. September and October are perfect for visitors that prefer cooler temperatures as they drop to the mid teens.
In the summer, which begins in May and goes through to the end of September, the usual prevailing wind comes from the North West. It will normally arrive around noon lunch time, blows in a force 2-5 and then subsides during the sunset. In the morning it can also be common that a light Easterly wind may blow at a force of 1-2. During July-August, North West winds can blow with a little stronger than usual but overall the weather conditions in the Ionian area are extremely favorable for relaxed trouble free sailing. The area is highly recommended for family yacht charter sailing in July and August - when winds in other Greece regions are blowing stronger than in the Ionians.
Marina & starting point : Corfu/ Marina Gouvia-
Marina Gouvia, is situated on the eastern side of the island, about 6 kilometres north of the town of Corfu and 7 kilometres from the InternationalAirport.
In perfect harmony with the traditional architecture of Corfu, the marina provides various services for customers and guests, such as commercial shops, car motorbike and boat rental offices, restaurants, bars and cafe, port police office, refueling station, supermarket, laundry, showers and WC facilities. Water & electricity on the pier are free of charge. The broad quaysides include kindergarten, a swimming pool, sports facilities as well as a cricket and a croquet field (traditional sports in Corfu). In the marina there is also a seaplane base with flights to close destinations. Additionally, the marina offers a full range of technical boat services.
