I often visit the yachts in Corfu at the start and end of the season but this year I got the chance to experience Corfu in August.
I haven’t been onboard in peak-season since I worked on the yachts myself and it was a privilege to experience a proper ‘summer holiday’.
Enjoy a few observations below or check out our Corfu sample itineraries A Typical Week and Greek Sailing Teenage Tour – Fleewinter.
Pack Light!
This seems like quite a personal thing to start a blog with but I couldn’t believe how little I actually wore during the week!
I write the guidance and explain how small a bag you will need on your holiday on almost a daily occurrence and I still packed too much!
With the heat of August I was very grateful for a couple of long sleeved linen shirts, floating dresses, shorts and sandals. Apart from the odd swimming costume this was all I really needed.
However, the best thing about packing light…skipping the baggage queues!
Heading straight for my pre-booked transfer (also recommended) and overtaking the luggage carousels put an instant smile on my face as well as beating the crowds on my departure by heading straight for security.
An extra hour of holiday, instead of queues…yes please!
Mandraki and Corfu Town
I do like a bit of history and spending the night on a yacht under the impressive fortress feels like you become part of the history.
For me this is the perfect spot to spend the night exploring Corfu Town. The town comes alive in the evening and quite frankly I wouldn’t want to explore the town whilst the sun is at it’s highest.
I love the walk from the yacht up through the fortress itself (don’t forget to scan the QR code for free access) taking in the layers of history before making your way into the heart of Corfu Old Town. Take in each building which boasts architecture ranging from Byzantine to Venetian with some British influences thrown in too.
Make sure to venture into the winding streets of Corfu Town as well as the impressive esplanade and communal gardens where you will find beautiful boutiques, hidden away cocktail bars and all manor of restaurants from fine dining to traditional tavernas.
Some of my favourite places include Cale Larga, Salto Restaurant and Imabari Corfu.
The Durrells
The popular TV programme ‘The Durrells’ may have long finished however it’s recent release onto a popular streaming platform means the Durrell influence is back…that’s if it ever left.
Not only can I almost guarantee you will sail past the filming location of the Durrells house on entering and leaving Gouvia Marina but another popular bay is home to their actual house. It is not often you can experience fiction and fact so close together.
It also helps that their actual house, The White House, situated in Kalami Bay is now a stunning waterside restaurant where you can experience fine dining, an extensive Greek wine list and a view of your very own yacht!
Kalami makes for the perfect first or last night stop on your holiday as it is only approximately 40 minutes from Gouvia Marina. The bay is surrounded by tall Cypress Trees and crops of rocks perfect for snorkelling.
Off the Beaten Track
There’s no hiding it. July and August in the Ionian is busy. However because none of our routes are set there is no need to follow the masses.
Instead take the lead from your crew and weave in and out of the busy to get the very best of the Ionian.
A couple of my favourite examples of this is enjoying a dinner onboard tucked into a beautiful bay that isn’t listed on any popular routes. The name of the bay…I’m not telling you that…we have to keep the secret!
Of course I wanted to tick off popular sites too, such as the caves on Paxos. However, the crew suggested venturing there for breakfast so we could see them before the day tripper boats arrived. This meant a much quieter experience…we certainly weren’t the only yacht there but it was peaceful and impressive all the same.
Off the beaten track can also apply to restaurants too. Having crew recommendations means you don’t just sit at the first restaurant with a free table but get taken to somewhere you might have never found yourself. Pre-booking is also worthwhile too…skip the queue and get to those Dolmades faster!
Explore Corfu with Fleewinter
From the moment we started our descent over the church on Mouse Island, I had that holiday feeling.
There is something about Corfu that sticks with you and it is somewhere worth exploring as part of your sailing holiday. Every time I return I find something new to discover…as well as visit old favourites that I’ve been dreaming about since my last visit.
It was exciting to be in the Ionian in the peak of high season and appreciating Greece in its prime holiday mode.
Discover more about sailing out of Corfu by emailing me at helen@fleewinter.com.
Written by Helen Eltringham
Top Travel Tip
If holidays are precious and treasured, then sailing holidays are the jewel in your crown.
Don’t spend one more holiday on a quayside looking at the yacht in the background. Instead, be the people having the time of their lives on that yacht!
– Helen
