The northeastern coast of Corfu, with its pristine beaches, exceptional restaurants and luxurious villas, is one of the most coveted parts of the island; it’s not hard to understand why the likes of Lawrence Durrell and the Rothschild family have bought or rented property there. The length of the coastline and sheer number of bays and villages means that there are neverending places to swim, eat or explore.
The accessibility from and proximity to Corfu Town makes this corner of the island a perfect place to spend a day exploring by boat. It will offer you an alternative and breathtaking perspective of the island’s dramatic scenery, and in addition, is a more leisurely and relaxing way to experience the coastline. If this sounds like it might be up your street, then read on for our tips on how to discover Corfu’s northeastern coast by boat.
1. Before you go anywhere, you’ll need to arrange boat rental; our choice is kbboatrentalcorfu.com, where you can hire small motorboats for a half or full day at affordable rates. You’ll depart from Kontokali Bay, just 15 minutes north of Corfu Town. Watch carefully as you leave the marina – if you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins!
2. For your day out on the boat, you won’t need much; remember to bring a speaker to play music, water to drink, and some fruit from the local market in case you get hungry.
3. While you’re cruising up the coast, you’ll see some of the most important parts of Corfu’s history from a different angle. Be sure to spot the old manor houses, which were built by wealthy families who moved to the island much of the rest of Greece was under Ottoman rule. These houses were used principally as a base during the harvest to supervise the labourers who were bringing in the produce.
4. Of course, no boat trip would be complete without a few (or more than a few) swims! With the endless number of charming coves with their aquamarine waters, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Be sure to explore one of the many caves, like the one beneath Agios Arsenios church between Agni and Krouzeri beaches.
5. After a morning of sunbathing and swimming, Agni is the perfect place to make a pitstop; when you get there, aim for Taverna Agni, where one of the valets will help you park the boat at the dock. The taverna specialises in seafood, but their other dishes are also exquisite. Before you set off again, relax and take a dip in the crystalline waters at Agni Beach, then make your leisurely way back to Kontokali, ensuring you leave some time for yet more swimming.
We may be biased, but we think that this is the perfect way to spend a summer’s day on Corfu. Experiencing this part of the island by boat will not only give you a deeper appreciation for Corfu’s beauty, but it will also give you precious, valuable memories for years to come.
