Corfu Yacht Charter Guide
Coated with olive groves the lush island of Corfu is the second biggest of the Ionian Islands and is surrounded by a rugged coastline, with many fine sand beaches. Previous Italian, French and British rules have led to a rich culture, as well as fantastic food and wine which is not to be missed by any discerning traveler! The eventful history of the island has left its mark, with remnants of ancient times dotted throughout the towns creating heaven for those with an interest in architecture and history. A private yacht charter in Corfu is the ideal way to make the most of the crystal clear waters, with boat rental the perfect option for those wishing to partake in watersports and swimming, or simply relaxing on board.
Best Time To Visit: The Mediterranean is pleasant all year round, though from April to November is ideal, with hot summer months. Spring draws fewer tourists.
Key Cruising Areas: Beach hopping along the east coast and mainland Greece offers sheltered sailing with good afternoon breezes. Nearby islands Paxos and Anti-Paxos are great to explore.
Don’t Miss: Esplanade Square is the largest and most impressive square in Greece. Filled with statues, cloisters and at the foot of the bridge to the fortress, this is a must-see for anyone who appreciates interesting architecture. Grab a coffee in one of the cafes and wander through the beautiful gardens.
Best Spots for Wining and Dining: The east coast has a cluster of trendy establishments, and Taverna Agni is certainly a highlight. Try the famous stuffed sardines complemented by crispy fried courgettes and Corfiot wine which never has chemical additives. A dry Kakotrigis is perfect on a hot day.
Best Local Dish: Specialities are based on local produce of honey, olive oil, and sheep’s milk yoghurt. Try a traditional Sicomada – a cake made from figs, almonds, pepper, cinnamon, and wine with a bitter Greek coffee.
Local Culture: Corfu’s diverse history has led to a rich culture, blended from French, Italian and English influences. Visit the 400-year-old Mortiotissa Monastery sitting amongst olive groves, or the magnificent neoclassical Achilleon Palace. The Easter Festival is a wonderful example of Greek festivities.
Best Beach:Â On the southern end of Paleokastritsa, you will find the stunning and unspoiled beach of Rovinia. Crystal clear water and white sands shaded by concave rock formations make this secret spot a perfect choice for a peaceful afternoon.
IYC recommends: For an amazing dining experience, eat at the restaurant situated inside the Venetian fortress. Enjoy the historical splendour with views of Garitsa Bay over a plate of meze.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The APA, or Advance Provisioning Allowance, is a key component of the yacht charter process. It is a fund paid in advance of your charter, typically equal to 25–40% of the base charter fee, and is used to cover all operational expenses incurred during your trip. This includes fuel, food and beverages, marina fees, port taxes, transfers, and any special arrangements made to tailor your experience.
The APA is held onboard and managed by the yacht’s Captain, who ensures all provisioning and logistics are carried out efficiently and in line with your preferences. Prior to boarding, guests complete a preference sheet, noting dietary requests, beverage selections, activity interests, and more, which guides how the APA is allocated. Every expenditure is documented, and at the end of the charter, a full accounting is provided. Any unspent funds are refunded, while any overages are settled directly with the client.
As an example: if your weekly charter fee is $100,000, an APA of approximately $25,000 to $40,000 would be requested in advance. These funds might be used for cruising fuel, provisioning of meals and drinks, berthing fees, and third-party services such as private transfers or curated onshore excursions.
This system allows for complete flexibility, ensuring that the charter experience can be adjusted in real time, whether you decide to cruise further than originally planned or make spontaneous arrangements along the way. APA funds must be received before embarkation, typically via bank transfer alongside the final balance payment.