Lefakada to Corfu

[Rosie1963]

I have few weeks on a syndicated the yacht. I have 4 days to get from Lefkada single-handed to Corfu (next set of crew).
1. New to Greece so any recommendations/ideas gratefully received? Do it one go or split it up (and if so where would be good to stop-off?)
2. The next crew want to split their time 3 days in Corfu (doing Durrell inspired tourism) and 4 days local sailing (I know it is not a lot), but what could we go in that limited time (returning back to Corfu)? They like relaxing/swimning in coves.
3. One syndicate member says it's unwise to spend the night on the hook in Greece due to changing winds in the night, but I have previously done this on charters in Spain without difficulty. Yacht is equiped with a Rocna. Any thoughts on this?

 

[mikegunn]

I have few weeks on a syndicated the yacht. I have 4 days to get from Lefkada single-handed to Corfu (next set of crew).
1. New to Greece so any recommendations/ideas gratefully received? Do it one go or split it up (and if so where would be good to stop-off?)
2. The next crew want to split their time 3 days in Corfu (doing Durrell inspired tourism) and 4 days local sailing (I know it is not a lot), but what could we go in that limited time (returning back to Corfu)? They like relaxing/swimning in coves.
3. One syndicate member says it's unwise to spend the night on the hook in Greece due to changing winds in the night, but I have previously done this on charters in Spain without difficulty. Yacht is equiped with a Rocna. Any thoughts on this?

If you are working to a schedule I would recommend that you plan on motoring or motor sailing. Ionian winds are predictably unpredictable in both strength and direction. You could do the trip comfortably within one day during daylight hours at this time of year. However, there are many suitable anchorages in which to break the journey. Lakka on Paxos, Parga or Syvota on the mainland come to mind.
Anchoring in Greek waters is not a problem. Many cruisers and live aboards will spend Summer months on the hook. Just keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared to move to a more sheltered anchorage if necessary.
I was taking you seriously ‘til you mentioned Rocna! Just make sure it’s big enough.
Mike

 

[jordanbasset]

I would anchor at Lakka on Paxos, good holding and no problem with winds and a lovely place to. Only problem is it's likely to be busy so get there in good time
Plenty of secure anchorage on the mainland aswell
I've done it from Gouvia to Lefkada in one day, took around 11 hours, 2 days easy but shame to miss out some nice stops on the way

 

[Tranona]

First get your self a copy of Heikells "Ionian". You are in one of the best "playgrounds" for leisurely yachting in Greece with more coves and harbours than you can get around in a typical couple of weeks' charter or holiday. Anchoring can be a bit tricky in some places because of thin cover over rock but you will find plenty of useful places. Rocna is fine!. Wind is usually short duration in late afternoon and early evening but nights and mornings are usually quiet. Biggest challenge is cross winds coming off the mountains when mooring stern to at town quays.

On your way up my choice would be to avoid quays on your own and anchor in Lakka on the north end of Paxos then across to Sivota/Mourtos where there are 3 anchorages rowing distance from town or for isolation in End Bay south of the islands. Presumably you are aiming for Gouvia and if so suggest spend a night in Agni Bay or one of the other bays on the NE coast. This is Durrell land from the sea. of course in summer the area is crowded but that does not spoil the beauty of the place (much!). pLenty of places for day sails with lunch stopover or overnight for boats based in Gouvia. We had our boat there for 10 years and never got bored. also the island is big enough for a choice of land based activities as well.

 

[mjcoon]

On one visit we were slated to visit the "Faraway Islands" just N of Corfu, having never been there despite multiple visits to Corfu and environs. But when it came to it the winds were apparently not suitable for their little harbours (this was on flotilla) so we never made it. On a subsequent attempt we did get there but the trip was a bit complicated by our oldest crew member falling of the back of the boat and failing to let go at the right moment...

www.mjcoon.plus.com/...

 

[Ray Purchase]

We've spent the best part of 8/9 months a year at anchor in a myriad of places in Greece for years. Overall there are plenty of safe places to anchor.

 

[Rosie1963]

Thank you, very useful info.
So yes, aiming to get to Gouvia. Do I need to book or is it OK to rock-up?
My friends now only want 4 nights and 5 days onboard (rest of the week hiring a car exploring the island) which sort of restricts the itinerary a little. They want some beach/cove swimming and a decent harboarside resturants - but not too much sailing was they want to relax onboard. Any pointers?

 

[Ray Purchase]

Thank you, very useful info.
So yes, aiming to get to Gouvia. Do I need to book or is it OK to rock-up?
My friends now only want 4 nights and 5 days onboard (rest of the week hiring a car exploring the island) which sort of restricts the itinerary a little. They want some beach/cove swimming and a decent harboarside resturants - but not too much sailing was they want to relax onboard. Any pointers?

I'd book in advance, you might have to work around charter change overs.

 

[Irish Rover]

As far as I remember all the D-Marin marinas insist you use their online system for enquiries and bookings.

 

[wonkywinch]

Agios Stefanos Bay is nice and sheltered - 39°45'57.0"N 19°57'00.8"E

 

[Tranona]

Thank you, very useful info.
So yes, aiming to get to Gouvia. Do I need to book or is it OK to rock-up?
My friends now only want 4 nights and 5 days onboard (rest of the week hiring a car exploring the island) which sort of restricts the itinerary a little. They want some beach/cove swimming and a decent harboarside resturants - but not too much sailing was they want to relax onboard. Any pointers?

Any of the bays on the NE coast Agni, Kalami, Kouloura, Stefanos or the town of Kassiopi on the N coast. across to the mainland Paganias. All possible overnight stops and the bays have tavernas on the beach. Mostly motoring in the morning and a breeze in the afternoon for a bit of sailing.

 

[pmartin127]

One place that, to me, is a must is to get a berth in Mandraki marina. You will have to book in advance and, at this time of year, may well have nothing to offer you.
Mandraki is under Corfu fort to the north. Access to Corfu town from Mandraki is by climbing up through the fort which is fascinating. Free admission to get back
to the boat as well!

 

[mjcoon]

One place that, to me, is a must is to get a berth in Mandraki marina. You will have to book in advance and, at this time of year, may well have nothing to offer you.
Mandraki is under Corfu fort to the north. Access to Corfu town from Mandraki is by climbing up through the fort which is fascinating. Free admission to get back
to the boat as well!

Agreed! Our flotilla was berthed there at least once. Sorry, I can't find any photos; maybe it was pre-digital!

 

[duncan99210]

Agree with Vic re stop off point on the way north, Lakka is best but likely very crowded.
Booking at Gouvia is essential, you may not find space there as August is very busy with the Italians there in full strength. Booking is via their website only: I’ve tried to book by phone before now and they’re simply not interested! Link is Explore Marina Gouvia Corfu: Your Greek Island Adventure | D-Marin and use the book a berth button.
If you get hold of the Navily app it has a map interface populated with info on just about all the worthwhile location in the area. It’s free as well!
Anchoring is easy and safe in the area, just keep an eye on the weather forecast. Most anchorages in the area offer protection from the prevailing northerlies, you may need to search for a more sheltered spot if there’s a big southerly forecast.
We spend most of our time at anchor, quays in the area become horribly crowded and most charge too much for our tastes.