Corfu, Greece Travel Community

What are the best islands to sail to from Corfu?

1 - 16 of 16 Posts
K

knicks_fan87

Active member
I would love to take a small boat from Corfu to a nearby island...what is the best place I can visit for a day trip? I don't want to dock and stay at another island for an night because I've already booked a spot in Corfu for 4 days.
 
Here are a few amazing Greek islands to check out that are close to Corfu (not sure about sailing, but close for sure!, in no particular order):

- Lefkada
- Ithaca
- Kefalonia (one of my personal favorites!)

Thanks for the question!:)
 
The islands mentioned about are outstanding, but way too far for a day trip from Corfu Town. There are Corfu day boats that go to the highly recommended, very popular and beautiful Paxos and Anti-Paxos. Prior to the COVID pandemic, you could also take a day trip from Corfu to Saranda, Albania and see the amazing World Heritage site of Butrint, a UNESCO world heritage site.

​

 
  • Like
Reactions: Worldwide Greeks Editor
These recommendations are not self-sail; they are tours by boat or hydrofoil. There are three small islands off the northern coast of Corfu, but someone else will have to comment on any available tours or self-navigation options.
 
  • Like
Reactions: nm1999 and nadellii
Deborah said:
These recommendations are not self-sail; they are tours by boat or hydrofoil. There are three small islands off the northern coast of Corfu, but someone else will have to comment on any available tours or self-navigation options.
Click to expand...
By self sail do you mean chartered boat?
 
nm1999 said:
By self sail do you mean chartered boat?
Click to expand...
Depending on the location and where you plan on going, there are boats for hire. Many people also sign up with a sailing group. The day tours really only provide you with transportation; rather than any do-it-yourself nautical experience.
 
  • Like
Reactions: d_kakavouli
Deborah said:
Depending on the location and where you plan on going, there are boats for hire. Many people also sign up with a sailing group. The day tours really only provide you with transportation; rather than any do-it-yourself nautical experience.
Click to expand...
If you have a good group of people and you split a chartered boat it can be a pretty affordable splurge for a day
 
d_kakavouli said:
If you have a good group of people and you split a chartered boat it can be a pretty affordable splurge for a day
Click to expand...
Chartering a boat can be really fun! I haven't done this in Corfu, but I imagine it would work just as well on Corfu as it did in Crete when I did it.
 
knicks_fan87 said:
I would love to take a small boat from Corfu to a nearby island...what is the best place I can visit for a day trip? I don't want to dock and stay at another island for an night because I've already booked a spot in Corfu for 4 days.
Click to expand...
You can rent boats almost at every port in Corfu with small outboards up to 35 hp without license. The problem is they all have limits as to where you can go and in most cases other islands are off limits.
If you have a car you can drive to Agios Stefanos. Thomas boat and Jetski hire, they have small boats with 30 hp ? motors from memory and they will let you go to a close by island called Diaplo and another little one next to it. They are only about 2 miles away from Agios Stefanos, Mathraki is a little further out but I don't think you are allowed to go there.
Should be around the 100-120 Euro per day plus any fuel you use.
When you come back to mainland I would recommend you stay at Syvota a couple days.
Have a good time and enjoy your stay in Corfu. I can't go anywhere this year locked up in Sydney.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tomipark
Jerry s said:
You can rent boats almost at every port in Corfu with small outboards up to 35 hp without license. The problem is they all have limits as to where you can go and in most cases other islands are off limits.
If you have a car you can drive to Agios Stefanos. Thomas boat and Jetski hire, they have small boats with 30 hp ? motors from memory and they will let you go to a close by island called Diaplo and another little one next to it. They are only about 2 miles away from Agios Stefanos, Mathraki is a little further out but I don't think you are allowed to go there.
Should be around the 100-120 Euro per day plus any fuel you use.
When you come back to mainland I would recommend you stay at Syvota a couple days.
Have a good time and enjoy your stay in Corfu. I can't go anywhere this year locked up in Sydney.
Click to expand...
Syvota looks beautiful, I hadn't heard of it before thanks for sharing. Maybe I'll take a trip down there sometime soon. Is it as peaceful as it looks? I like to stay away from crowds
 
Normally very busy at the peak of season however it shouldn't be very busy this year. Check out Hotel Syvota, we stayed there a couple times, nice people and nice setting.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dubai_suzie
Jerry s said:
Normally very busy at the peak of season however it shouldn't be very busy this year. Check out Hotel Syvota, we stayed there a couple times, nice people and nice setting.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the advice!! Can you share the link? I can't find it the actual hotel
 
dubai_suzie said:
Thanks!! The pool area looks really nice from the pictures
Click to expand...
Not just the pool, the outdoor breakfast and dinning area is just as nice. The hotel is family run, numerous family members work there. Some nights they even entertain guests with Greek dances. They grow their own vegetables there and they have lots of fig trees. They allow guests to to pick if they want.
Another Island you may want to visit is Kefalonia, not as well known as Corfu or the famous Agean islands but very nice with crystal clear water and some nice beaches including the famous Myrtos beach.
 
  • Like
Reactions: efhernandez_
Jerry s said:
Not just the pool, the outdoor breakfast and dinning area is just as nice. The hotel is family run, numerous family members work there. Some nights they even entertain guests with Greek dances. They grow their own vegetables there and they have lots of fig trees. They allow guests to to pick if they want.
Another Island you may want to visit is Kefalonia, not as well known as Corfu or the famous Agean islands but very nice with crystal clear water and some nice beaches including the famous Myrtos beach.
Click to expand...
Sounds so lovely. I visited a similar hotel where they grew their own veggies and fruit and had their own honey. It's called Symantron and it was somewhere in the Peloponnese region.
 
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Is the New Fortress Worth the Climb?

I’m planning a trip to Corfu and trying to decide which sights in Corfu Town are really worth making time for. The New Fortress keeps coming up, but I’m wondering how much of a climb it actually is and whether the views at the top make it worthwhile.

For anyone who has visited, how strenuous did you find it? I don’t mind walking, but if it’s a long uphill climb in the heat, I’d probably want to plan it for earlier in the day.

I’m especially interested in the views over Corfu Town, the harbor, and the surrounding area. Is there much to see inside the fortress itself, or is the main appeal the scenery and history?

Would you recommend visiting the New Fortress if I only have limited time in Corfu Town, or are there other sights you would prioritize first?

How expensive is Corfu?

I’m starting to look into Corfu for a possible trip and was curious how it compares cost-wise to other Greek islands. I’ve been hearing a lot lately about places like Santorini and Mykonos getting pretty expensive, especially in peak season, so I’m wondering if Corfu falls into that same category or if it’s a bit more reasonable.

From what I can tell so far, it seems like there might be a range depending on where you stay and when you go, but I’d love to hear from people who’ve actually been. Are accommodations and meals fairly affordable, or does it add up quickly?

Best areas to stay in Corfu for first-time visitors?

I’m looking for some advice on where a first-time visitor to Corfu might enjoy staying, because I’m oddly stuck on what to recommend.

I’ve been to Corfu many times and know the island pretty well, but that’s almost the problem—I’m so familiar with it that I’m not sure what makes the most sense for someone seeing it for the first time. A friend of mine is planning their first trip, and they’ve asked me where they should base themselves.

Would you steer a first-timer toward Old Town for the history and atmosphere, or is it better to stay near a beach area like Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, or Agios Gordios? How important is having a car for these areas, and are there spots that balance scenery, walkability, and easy day trips?

I’d love to hear what you’d recommend to someone who wants a classic Corfu experience without feeling overwhelmed or isolated.

What is Corfu like in September?

I’ve been thinking about visiting Corfu in September instead of the middle of summer, and I was curious what it’s actually like that time of year. I’ve heard mixed things from people. Some say September is the perfect balance because the weather is still warm but the crowds start to calm down a bit, while others say certain places begin slowing down after August.

For anyone who has been there in September, how was your experience? Was the water still warm enough for swimming? Were restaurants, beach bars, and boat tours still operating normally? I’m also wondering if the island still feels lively or if it becomes noticeably quieter.

I’d probably be going sometime in the first half of September if I do go. Would you recommend it over July or August? Any advice or experiences would really help while I’m trying to plan.

Advice Needed - North Corfu vs. South Corfu

I'm thinking about visiting Corfu either this summer or next year, and I'm trying to decide whether I'd prefer staying in the northern or southern part of the island.

From what I've read, North Corfu seems to have dramatic scenery, picturesque villages, and places like Paleokastritsa and Sidari. On the other hand, South Corfu sounds quieter, less crowded, and maybe a bit more relaxed overall.

I enjoy beautiful beaches, local tavernas, scenic drives, and wandering through villages, but I'm not really looking for a nightlife-focused trip. I'd rather experience the island at a slower pace and get a feel for the local atmosphere.

For those who have visited Corfu, which part of the island did you prefer and why? If you were planning your first trip, would you stay in the north, the south, or split your time between both? I'd love to hear your recommendations.
Share and discuss your Corfu photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top