Seven-Day Sailing Route from Corfu
Alexandra
Marina Gouvia functions as the primary logistical hub for a one-week Corfu loop: fuel dock and provisioning points are available before departure, customs clearance is straightforward for domestic Ionian hops, and daily legs average 15–40 nautical miles, allowing for predictable passage planning and overnight berthing at well-equipped marinas or sheltered anchorages.
Route Overview and Operational Notes
This itinerary covers Corfu, Paxos, Antipaxos, Lefkada, Meganisi, Sivota and returns to Corfu. The loop is optimized for comfortable day sails, with each passage timed to typical light winds and currents in the Ionian Sea. Skippers should monitor local forecasts for meltemi-like shifts and plan fuel and water top-ups at Gouvia or Lefkada Town if heading into more secluded anchorages.
Practical table: daily legs, distances and estimated sailing times
| Day | Route | Distance (SM) | Est. Underway Time | Primary Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marina Gouvia (Corfu) | — | — | Gouvia Marina |
| Day 2 | Corfu → Gaios (Paxos) → Antipaxos | 27 | 3h 50m | Anchorage near Voutoumi |
| Day 3 | Antipaxos → Lefkada (coastal run) | 35 | 4h 15m | Lefkada Town or coastal anchorage |
| Day 4 | Lefkada → Vathi (Meganisi) | 14 | 2h | Vathi |
| Day 5 | Meganisi → Lefkas | 15 | 2h | Agios Ioannis / Lefkada Town |
| Day 6 | Lefkas → Sivota | 40 | 4h 30m | Sivota Bay |
| Day 7 | Sivota → Corfu (Gouvia) | 15 | 2h | Gouvia Marina |
Daily Highlights and Anchorages
Day 1 — Corfu: final provisioning and cultural check
Use the first day to confirm provisions, check navigation electronics and clear any local formalities. Corfu Town’s UNESCO-protected old town and the Old Fortress are nearby and worth a short visit before casting off. Fuel, ice and fresh produce are easily obtained in Gouvia.
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Day 2 — Paxos & Antipaxos: caves and turquoise coves
Sail to Gaios (Paxos) and explore the dramatic west coast around Erimitis. From there, hop to Antipaxos for Voutoumi and pristine snorkeling. Anchor off small beaches to use the tender for cave access; many of the grottoes are easier to approach by small boat.
Day 3 — Lefkada coast: beaches and cliffs
Coastal sailing toward Lefkada offers opportunities to call at Porto Katsiki, Egremni and Vassiliki. Favor morning windows to minimize swell when approaching steepshore beaches and use designated anchorages rather than beaching in protected coves.
Day 4–5 — Meganisi and Lefkas: secluded beaches and local life
Vathi on Meganisi provides quieter, boat-access-only beaches such as Fanar and Megalo Limonari. On the next leg, a stop at private Scorpios measures nicely with an afternoon swim, followed by Agios Ioannis for windsurfing and a lively taverna scene in Lefkada Town.
Day 6 — Sivota: island scatter and tavernas
Sivota offers calm anchorages, and the nearby uninhabited islets are ideal for day excursions and paddleboarding. If local marinas are full, anchor in nearby sandbar bays; nightly shore visits to family-run tavernas are part of the experience.
Checklist: gear, provisioning and crew tips
- Documentation: skipper’s license if required, passports, yacht paperwork.
- Provisioning: top up water, fuel and ice at Gouvia or Lefkada; plan one resupply mid-week.
- Safety: lifejackets for all, up-to-date charts and local VHF channels, anchor watch plan.
- Leisure: snorkel set, fishing gear, paddleboard, and spare anchor line for remote coves.
Anchoring strategies and marina reservations
For popular anchorages (Antipaxos, Porto Katsiki), arrive early afternoon to secure a position. In peak months, reserve berths in Lefkada Town and Gouvia ahead of time. When anchoring off secluded beaches, scope at least 5:1 and check for holding on sand versus weed.
Historical and local context
Corfu’s maritime tradition stretches from Venetian fortifications to modern yachting infrastructure. Small island economies such as Paxos and Meganisi rely on seasonal boating visitors: anchoring respectfully and patronizing local tavernas supports the maritime communities and keeps popular spots maintained.
Forecast and planning advice
Short-term: this route remains a stable, well-established choice for Mediterranean sailors and is unlikely to cause any significant shift in global tourism patterns. Long-term: growing demand for experiential sea travel may slightly increase peak-season congestion at prized anchorages. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!
The most important highlights are the variety of coastal landscapes — from cliff-lined beaches to secluded coves — and the blend of maritime culture and local cuisine that each stop offers. Experiencing a new location is always multifaceted: you learn about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors, its rhythm of life and also the unique aspects of the service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
Summary: This one-week Corfu loop balances daily passages with ample time ashore and in anchorages: start at Marina Gouvia, then sail south to Paxos and Antipaxos, continue along the west coast to Lefkada, detour to Meganisi, touch Lefkas and finish via Sivota back to Corfu. For charterers, selecting the right vessel and checking make, model, ratings and on-board amenities ensures comfort and safety. GetBoat.com offers a transparent marketplace where you can compare offerings and choose a yacht or boat suited to your budget, captain needs, and group size—making it easier to turn this route into an unforgettable sailing, charter or yachting holiday. Set your course and enjoy the sea breeze.
