Corfu is one of the finest sailing departure points in the Mediterranean. The Ionian trades, arriving reliably each afternoon from the north-west, provide consistent sailing conditions across the whole chain, and the protected passages between islands allow for confident route planning even in mixed weather. The crewed sailing fleet available from Corfu includes performance monohulls, classic ketches and ocean-capable yachts in the 25m to 50m range. Weekly rates for a crewed sailing yacht from Corfu typically begin around 18,000 euros for a 28m and can reach 70,000 euros for a well-known 45m. Add 30% for the advance provisioning allowance covering fuel, berths, provisions and crew. Corfu’s international airport makes arrivals and departures straightforward from most of northern Europe. From Corfu, sailing south to Paxos takes three to four hours in good breeze, and Antipaxos adds another thirty minutes. Lefkada’s inland waterway is a highlight of the Ionian cruising circuit: a narrow canal through flat farmland leads to the protected basin of the lagoon, and the west coast offers some of the most dramatic sailing scenery in Greece. Ithaca’s port of Vathy is one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the Aegean, sheltered on all sides and with good provisioning nearby. Kefalonia and Zakynthos complete the chain, giving a fortnight’s programme real variety.
