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"Corfu, the second largest of the Ionian Islands, the beautiful ‘Emerald Island’ combines cosmopolitan living with traditional character… "

Sailing

The Ionian Sea is the ideal place for sailors, with its peaceful and clean water which makes it one of the safest regions for sailing in the world . Yachting holidays in Corfu and the other islands of the Ionian Sea are ideal for beginner, as well as fot experienced sailors, because of its geographic position, combining beauty of the landscape, many havens , mild climate and the existence of an international airport.
The landscape is beautiful with numerous picturesque villages , numerous fortresses and fortifications from the Venetian times. Well-protected bays surrounded by ; pine and olive tree forests , busy cosmopolitan towns and endless beaches , where you can swim and eat at the local restaurants . Sailing will give you the freedom to go to places which are not accessible by land.
The islands emerge through the crystal emerald water , with scattered tiny villages , some of which seem white like little birds nested on the slopes of hills covered with forests of olive and cypress trees. The local people, warm and friendly, are always ready to welcome visitors with the traditional Greek warmth.

History is present all over the area. During the era of Homer , Corfu was famous for the sailing skills of its people. Corfu’s emblem is the Rudderless ship , guided by sails and oars. Since the Corinthian era ( 8th century BC), Corfu became famous for its powerful fleet . Today, Greece has the biggest yachting fleet in the Mediterranean, based on century-old tradition. Northern Ionian sea differs from the other Greek seas. In spring and autumn , the temperature is similar to a sunny summer day in Northern Europe . The summer is even warmer, but the sea breeze makes sure that, even during the hot summer months, you will feel comfortable . A strong northern wind that blows in the Aegean Sea in the end of summer, is unknown here in the Ionian sea . In the summer afternoons, a northwestern wind blows, especially at the eastern coasts, but it is rarely stringer than four degrees on the Beaufort scale. Winds differ from one island to another, even from one bay to the other, but usually they are just as strong as they should be to blow your sails. Occasionally the wind can be as strong as 5 or 6 degrees, which gives the experienced sailors the chance for exciting sailing, while the less experienced ones can relax in one of the numerous havens or protected bays . During the night the wind usually stops completely.

In winter , blow south strong winds , often more than 8 degrees on the Beaufort scale , which can last for several days. Experienced navigators will appreciate the characteristics of southern winds, which blow the sails slowly, givng time for finding a safe haven. Corfu is famous for its mild climate (the local sailors call the sea « Sacred » or ” Female “) and visitors, with or without their own yachts, can enjoy their holidays. The Diapontian isles (Mathraki, Erikousa , Othoni) are located northwestern of Corfu . Mathraki is surrounded by reefs and cliffs which make access a hard but unprecedented experience . The other two islands are always the first stop for sailing boats coming from the Adriatic Sea . Their shores are ideal for the lovers of wind nature.

Along the coast of Corfu in the north , from Sidari to the cape of Agios Spyridon, the beaches are usually sandy and shallow , ideal for beginner swimmers and young children. The northeastern shore of Corfu is ideal for sea trips , offers an easy access and has got calm, warm water. The western coast of the island is the most controversial . The northern part has got many difficult capes, ideal for scuba-diving . More to the south , the scenery becomes milder, with endless sandy beaches , and a blue-green sea with trees which come down to the water. Surfers can enjoy their favourite sport on one of these beaches. At the eastern coast to the south of Corfu town, the beaches are more uniform with warm, shallow water ideal for children and beginner swimmers.
The pretty islands Paxos and AntiPaxos are famous destinations and their ports Lakka, Gaios, Loggos and Mongonissi are full of yachts during the summer. The western coast of the islands is characterized by impressive steep cliffs with sea caves , which you can visit.
Even if AntiPaxos don’t have a safe haven, the beautiful beaches with the spectacular crystal turquoise water of the northeastern coast are really popular .
Marinas : Gouvia , Benitses
Clubs Panhellenic Open Sea Sailing Club
Sailing competitions in Corfu.

Check out Regata Brindisi – Corfu – Brindisi
Check out Regata Rimini – Corfu – Rimini

Aeromodelling

In Corfu, you can combine your love for aeromodelling with family vacation. Only 11 kilometres from Corfu toen and near the famous resorts of Gouvia, Dassia and Palaiokastritsa there is the home of aeromodelling, which offers a range of relative services.

For more information, please visit rchotel

Guided Tours

No matter where your accommodation is, there is certainly a tourist agency which can suggest a few guided tours by bike or by coach, a car safari, a boat trip to interesting places of the island, as well as of the greater regionτης , like the Diapontian islands, Paxos (or Corfu, if you are staying at Paxos ) , Parga , the archaeological city of Vouthroto in Albania etc.

Corfu Town Market

Welcome to one of the wealthiest markets in Greece. The market of Corfu town reflects its history and the atmosphere which you will experience wil take you back to the trade of the 17th and 18th centuries in Corfu. These centuries, the port of Corfu was a meeting point for peoples and cultures . Ship travelling around the Mediterranean would stop here, at the first important port of the Serene Republic of Venice , and, naturally, people , ideas and merchandise from’ all over the world were introduced here and enriched the local culture .
Corfiot identity still contains trace from this period : today on the island reside many “foreigners” whi have chosen to live here permanently , they have created their own businesses and they introduce to the island goods , at a unique variety for any other place of Greece.
At the historic center of the town, workmen and artisans would manufacture and sell merchandise of unbelievable variety. Evraiki (the Jew area) , Pinia (another central point of the town) and generally the entire town would provide all kinds of shops.

Today, both downtown and throughout the island, you will find stores and galleries that keep this tradition alive . Items and products of the nature of Corfu and its popular tradition will attract you with their elegance and original character . Hand-crafted jewelery, ceramics, woodcuts, wine, desserts, honey, olive-oil, green soap, kum-kuat are but a few of the products which you will find in abundance and reasonably priced.

Trekking

Thick vegetation, deserted villages, isolated chapels and a relatively smooth morphology make trekking in Corfu ecpecially interesting. Rare wind flowers, Byzantine and Venetian buildings, “secret” lakes and tiny rivers will cross your way from your very first off-road journey“”.

Several among the Municipalities of the island organise path networks with the necessary signals and resting points, thus supporting you on your trekking through the nature of Corfu.

Cycling

Thousands of people come to Corfu each year exclusively for cycling . Everyone consider Corfu to be the ideal place for their favorite hobby . Your bike can take you to places that you would have otherwise discovered only on foot, you can feel the place and the people there, you can feel the peace and quiet and discover desert beaches.

Slow cycling through shadowy roads or the sensation of comfort along paths through rivers , are experiences which you shouldn’t miss .
Most of the travel agencies in Arillas do rent push bikes and mountain bikes.

Golf

Corfu has got a well-known golf course (18 holes ). It’s got the infrastructure and comfort that a golf player will need, as well as a unique environment that will enchant you .
Designed by the famous architect Donald Harradine at Ropas meadow, at the region Ermones , Corfu Golf Club is open from March till November and it is suitable both for beginner and for experienced players.
CORFU GOLF CLUB
18 holes – Par 72-SSS 72
Length 6.802 yards (6.183 metres)
The Corfu Club’s beautiful course has been praised by many as one of the best kept in Europe. It was designed by the famous Swiss based architect, Donald Harradine and he has blended the natural resources of the lovely Ropa Valley including the river Nafsika (Odyseus was rescued by Princess Nafsika at its exit on Ermones beach), with man made hazards to make the course a good test but a fair test. It is as enjoyable for the scratch player as it is for the long handicap one.
The magnificent greens of Penncross Bent are considered to be the finest in the Mediterranean; the treelined fairways and the sandtraps combine with the several lakes and meandering steams, to make an attractive picture against a backcloth of high hills. The course has been extensively renovated, with major work carried out on the bunkers and an upgrade to the irrigation system, therefore keeping the course in perfect condition at all times.
From March to November and sometimes beyond, there is warm sunshine and blue skies in Corfu but even in high summer on the golf course there is almost always a cooling breeze blowing in from the sea. Golf can also be played during the very mild winter in Corfu so any time is golf time. There are three sets of tees thus providing enjoyment for all categories of players. The turf is very good so it is easy to walk on and every hole on the course provides infinite variety – and its own problems. Corfu is a great golf course and its fame is spreading rapidly as golfers come from all over the world to test their skill at golf and to enjoy an island which offers spectacular scenery, fine hotels, good food and a warm welcome.
FACILITIES
The attractive looking clubhouse built of local stone has recently been refurnished and is not only impressive outside but charming and comfortable inside, with a lounge area – offering snooker and satelite TV, and a bright cheerful restaurant where appetizing snacks and meals are served at very reasonable prices. We can extend our catering to weddings and christenings as our own small church “St. Charalambos” is situated beautifully next to the clubhouse and putting green.
There are locker rooms, shower and changing facilities.
The professional’s shop is well stocked with items of golf equipment and golf bags and golf clubs can be hired. The practice ground is particularly large and buckets of balls can be supplied to those wishing to indulge in serious practice. In front of the clubhouse there is a putting green.
The professional staff are on hand at all times to give lessons and to make all visitors feel very welcome making sure they thoroughly enjoy their Corfu Golfing Holidays and all that the beautiful island has to offer.
Corfu Golf Club
Ropa Valley P.O.B. 71 – 49100 Corfu Greece
Tel.: 26610 94220
Fax: 26610 94221
e-mail: cfugolf@hol.gr

Tennis

The first time that tennis was ever played in Greece was in Corfu at the late 1800s. Ever since then, Corfiots continue playing tennis to this day, as it has become a popular sport. Besides the historic Tennis Club of Corfu , organized courts exist in several hotels on the island. It is also important to know that matches of the world championship take place on the island every summer.

Cricket

The tradition of 170 years continues to this day at the only place in Greece where cricket has serious foundations. Five clubs and two fantastic pitches are there for you if you want to come here with your team or alone and have a great time practicing your favorite sport. Official tournaments and friendly, inofficial matches are organized all summer long at the most spectacular pitch in Europe: at the Spianada square in the historic center of Corfu, while the pitch at the Marina, Gouvia is more comfortable and has got better infrastructure.

Sea sports

In every major beach on the island there are stands in the sea, where professional trainers will initiate you to the magic of doing activities over the sea level’ : skiing, jet-skiing, parachuting, surfing as well as well-known (and slower) sea bicycles and canoes , are there for you to quickly explore all the most distant beaches . The safety rules are pretty strict, the controls are frequent and the staff are all serious professionals , so’ there is nothing to worry about: sea sports in Corfu are safe and enjoyable .

Diving

Corfu, Paxos, Othoni, Erikousa and Mathraki are the top destination for scuba-divers therefore ’ organized diving centers exist around the islands of Corfu and Paxos . Beaches and gulfs , capes and big reefs , consist the ideal place for younger and older divers .

From June and all through the summer, the sea is warm and anyone can practice their favorite underwater activity . Regardless if you want to go fishing in order to ensure a bite for your friends or if you just want to take underwater pictures or even to spend several hours contemplating the sea with your mask and snorkel, the underwater world of the islands of Corfu is amazing.

What to see?

Corfu is a place that satisfies people with different interests and quests.
From the Old fortress in Corfu town to Achilleion palace,from Agelokastro to Paleopolis in Kanoni and from St Spyridon Church to Paleocastritsa’s Monastery places are numberless to visit.
For more details visit Corfu’s municipality website at: Corfuvisit