Corfu and the Ionian Islands Catamaran Cruise from Marina Gouvia - 7 Day Sailing Itinerary through Paxos and Antipaxos
Ionian Islands, GR
7 days cruise
Catamaran
Shared cruises may require a minimum number of guests.
Price may vary depending on the cabin type, occupancy and cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
A 7-day catamaran sailing holiday through the Ionian Islands, navigating between Corfu, Paxos, Antipaxos and the Greek mainland coast, with calm sea conditions, protected anchorages and traditional harbours.
The Ionian Sea is one of the calmest and most accessible sailing areas in the Mediterranean, shaped by consistent thermal winds that build gently through the morning and ease off in the evening, creating ideal conditions for day sailing between islands. This 7 day catamaran cruise departs from Marina Gouvia on the eastern coast of Corfu and develops southward through an archipelago of green islands, limestone coves and fishing villages that remain closely connected to the water and to each other.
The sailing area combines two distinct environments. Corfu itself is the most varied of the Ionian Islands, with an interior shaped by Venetian, Byzantine and British influence, a UNESCO-listed old town, long sand beaches on the western coast and sheltered rocky bays to the east and south. Just a few miles offshore, the Greek mainland coast of Epirus runs parallel to the island with bare mountain ridges descending steeply into flat lagoons and empty stretches of sand accessible mainly by boat.
Further south, Paxos and Antipaxos offer a completely different character. Paxos is small, densely covered in ancient olive groves and home to a handful of quiet harbours where fishing boats and sailing yachts share the same moorings. Antipaxos is almost entirely undeveloped, with turquoise water over white sand that belongs in a different category from most of what the Mediterranean typically offers. Between the two islands, natural anchorages, sea caves carved into the limestone and small coves with no road access define the rhythm of a day at sea.
The route is not fixed in advance. Each day the skipper plans the navigation together with the group, taking into account wind direction, sea conditions and the preferences of guests onboard. This approach is a defining part of the experience, producing an itinerary that responds to actual conditions rather than a predetermined schedule. It also makes this Ionian Islands sailing holiday genuinely suitable for first-time sailors and guests with no previous experience, as the Ionian Sea in summer offers some of the most forgiving and enjoyable sailing conditions available anywhere in Europe.
Itinerary
Day1
Corfu, Boarding at Marina Gouvia and First Evening Sail
Boarding takes place at Marina Gouvia from 17:00. After settling into the cabins, the group gathers for a welcome briefing with the skipper covering safety, navigation planning and life onboard. The first evening introduces the rhythm of the cruise, with a short coastal sail toward a sheltered anchorage south of Corfu depending on wind and timing. Dinner is served onboard or ashore in a nearby village.
Day2
South Corfu Coast and Syvota
Morning navigation follows the eastern coastline of Corfu southward, passing alternating rocky bays and quiet coves with calm water suited to a first swim of the week. The route heads toward the sheltered bay of Syvota on the Greek mainland coast, surrounded by pine-covered hills and small uninhabited islands. Syvota is a well-protected anchorage with simple waterfront tavernas where grilled fish and local wine define the evening. Overnight at anchor or in the small harbor.
Day3
Paxos and the Northern Anchorages
After breakfast, navigation continues south toward Paxos. The crossing takes place in open Ionian water with typically steady conditions and good sailing. Depending on the wind, the skipper may choose to approach from the western coastline, where sea caves and white limestone cliffs are among the most photographed anchorages in the archipelago. The main harbor of Gaios on the eastern side of the island is well protected and offers a promenade of Venetian-influenced architecture, local cafés and quiet streets behind the waterfront. Overnight in harbor or at anchor in a nearby bay.
Day4
Antipaxos and the Clear Water Anchorages
A short morning sail south reaches Antipaxos, a small island with almost no permanent population and water clarity that stands among the best available in the Ionian Sea. The catamaran anchors in one of the coves on the western side, where the seabed is visible through eight to ten meters of water and the color shifts from deep blue to turquoise as the depth decreases. The day is dedicated to swimming, snorkeling and relaxing onboard away from the tourist boats that visit the main beach. Overnight at anchor between Paxos and Antipaxos depending on conditions.
Day5
Parga and the Greek Mainland Coast
Morning departure toward the Greek mainland leads to Parga, a small coastal town built in tiers below a Venetian castle at the edge of a bay. The setting is immediately recognizable, with colorful houses climbing the hillside, small beaches on either side of the headland and a waterfront lined with traditional tavernas. Guests can walk through the old town and up to the castle for views over the bay, swim near the castle beach or spend the afternoon in the harbor area before returning to the boat for dinner.
Day6
Return North toward Petriti or Kalami
Navigation heads north again along the eastern coast of Corfu, with the skipper selecting anchorages according to the prevailing breeze and the pace of the group. Possible stops include Petriti, a traditional fishing village in southern Corfu with a calm harbor and good seafood restaurants, or Kalami Bay further north, a quiet inlet enclosed by olive-covered hillsides with clear water well suited to paddleboarding and an unhurried last full day at anchor.
Day7
Return to Marina Gouvia and Final Evening
The final navigation returns to Marina Gouvia along the eastern coast of Corfu. Depending on timing and wind, a last swimming stop may be possible before entering the harbor. Arrival is scheduled during the afternoon. Guests spend the final night onboard and disembarkation takes place the following morning after breakfast by 09:00.
Important Note
This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, currents and marine activity. Anchorages and daily schedule are adjusted by the skipper to ensure safety and the best possible sailing experience throughout the week.
Cruise price details
Price per person
€ 978
Accomodation on selected shared cabin, check out single use and details
Cabin type
Standard Double Cabin
2
cabin capacity
double bed
Price/person
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Included in the price
Accommodation in shared cabin on board the catamaran
Sailing itinerary through the South Ionian Islands
Use of onboard equipment
Final cleaning
Safety equipment and dinghy
Not included
Flights to and from Greece
Transfers between airport and marina
Meals and drinks on board and ashore
Harbour and marina fees
Fuel consumption
Personal travel insurance
Optional excursions and activities
Towels
Professional skipper
Extra services
Bed linen
Shared onboard cash fund for food, fuel and harbour expenses
Optional paddleboard rental where available
Cabin upgrade options depending on availability
Extra hotel nights before or after the cruise
Optional sailing participation and basic sailing instruction
Yacht - Excess 11
The Excess 11 is a compact catamaran that sails noticeably better than its size suggests, with a layout that makes the most of every square meter through a dual helm design that opens the entire aft area into a single connected living space.
The Excess 11 is a 11.33 meter catamaran designed by VPLP with interior styling by Nauta Design, built to deliver a genuine sailing experience without sacrificing the onboard comfort that makes a week at sea feel easy rather than demanding. The most immediately practical feature is the twin aft helm configuration: the two helm stations are positioned outboard on either side of the cockpit, which leaves the entire central area of the stern free and creates a seamless connection between the cockpit, the saloon and the water. This one-level living approach means the boat feels considerably more open than its length implies.
The cockpit is the social center of the boat, with a table capable of seating the full group for meals, direct access down to the water from the stern steps and easy movement between the deck and the saloon through wide openings. The forward trampolines add additional outdoor space for relaxing at anchor or watching the water during a passage. The saloon is modest in size, as expected on a 37-foot catamaran, but well organized, with a galley suited to real cooking and a chart table that keeps navigation separate from the living area.
Below deck, the Excess 11 is available in three or four cabin configurations. The four-cabin version used by the operator accommodates up to nine guests including the skipper, with two double cabins in each hull and a shared bathroom per hull. Cabins are compact but practical, with opening skylights and large elongated portlights that bring in natural light and ventilation. The boat sails well in the light to moderate conditions typical of the Ionian Sea in summer, reaching comfortable passage speeds that make the daily distances between islands feel relaxed rather than rushed.
Yacht
Model
1999 Excess 11
Length
11 m
Accommodations
Max guests
4
Double cabins
2
Bathrooms
2
Private Bathrooms
No
Crew
1
Chef on board
No
Cabins
Standard Double Cabin
2
cabin capacity
double bed
Cruise activities and tips
Travel organizer tips
What to pack for a sailing holiday?
Pack smart for your yacht charter: choose a soft bag instead of a hard suitcase, bring lightweight layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and non-slip shoes for onboard use. A couple of swimsuits and motion sickness remedies can also make a big difference. Each boat has limited storage, so pack light but wisely! Need help building the perfect list? Read our full guide: What to pack in a suitcase for a yacht charter
What’s a Typical Day Like on a Yacht Charter?
Start your day with a swim in a quiet bay, sail to hidden beaches or seaside villages, and enjoy a slow lunch on deck. Afternoons mean snorkeling, sunbathing, or exploring ashore. As the sun sets, your boat anchors in a scenic cove or near a harbor, ready for a relaxed dinner and a night under the stars. Curious about the full experience? Discover more in our guide: What’s a typical day like on a sailing holiday?
Who Handles Cooking and Cleaning on a Yacht Charter?
On skipper-only charters, guests usually share cooking and cleaning duties think salads, pasta, and good teamwork. If there's a hostess, light meals and tidying are included, but it's still a casual, collaborative vibe. On fully crewed yachts, you’ll enjoy full service with a chef and crew managing everything. Want to know what’s included in your setup? Read the full guide: Who takes care of cooking and cleaning on a sailing charter?
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather During a Sailing Holiday?
Summer sailing holidays rarely face major weather issues but when the sea gets rough, skippers adjust the route for your safety. Expect protected bays, marina stops, or a change in plan. These moments often lead to unexpected gems: local towns to explore, time to relax on board, or cozy dinners ashore. Curious about how crews handle these changes? Read the full FAQ: What to do in case of adverse weather conditions or changes to the itinerary
Shared cruises may require a minimum number of guests.
Price may vary depending on the cabin type, occupancy and cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
per Person
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