Bespoke Coastal Journey – Explore, Swim & Relax Your Way

Our yacht White Lady gently leaves our mooring in Gouvia Marina, leaving behind the neat ranks of masts and the gentle, olive-green hills that cradle the bay on our gentle and majestic day long trip. The water is calm and luminous, and as the bow turns south, the coast of Corfu begins to reveal its layered history.

Passing Kontokali Bay on our starboard (right) side we get the beautiful view of the Durrell House used to film the popular TV series, it house can only be viewed from the sea!  On our port (left) side we are passing both Lazaretto and Vidos islands which are steeped in local history.  The possibility to have your first swim in the azure waters of the Ionian Sea in the bay at the North of Vidos Island is a perfect way to start the day.

Before long, the outlines of Corfu Old Town emerge. The Old Fortress (Pirgos Xira) rises directly from the sea, its massive Venetian walls glowing pale gold in the sunlight.  At the top is the Akra Sideros Lighthouse, which was built in the 19th century. It is considered the oldest lighthouse of its kind still in operation.  Behind this we see the New Fortress which its higher behind it, commanding views over the harbour. Between them lies a dense tapestry of terracotta roofs, church domes, and narrow streets shaped by centuries of maritime life.

As we gently pass by the skyline of Corfu Town getting nearer to the fortresses, we pass the Port of Corfu with the ferries and cruise ships looming large.

Underneath the Old Fortress is Mandraki harbour which houses the Corfu Yacht Club and the view of the famous steel spiral staircase leading from the Gardens down to the shore.

Rounding beneath the Old Fortress we get our first view of Garitsa Bay and the harbour of NOAK passing the bizarre and at the same time is the Church of Agios Georgios, which looks more like an ancient temple. Inside the temple church, built in 1824, there are Orthodox icons from all eras.

Skirting the edge of Garitsa Bay, the boat passes elegant neoclassical buildings and shaded promenades, where cypress and palm trees soften the shoreline. Fishing boats rock gently at anchor, and the sea takes on lighter shades of turquoise as the water shallows.

As the journey continues south, the historic Mon Repos Estate comes into view, its gardens descending toward pebbled beaches and clear water. This tranquil landscape leads naturally toward one of Corfu’s most photographed scenes. A narrow causeway stretches across the water, guiding the eye to Pontikonisi—Mouse Island.

The boat slows as Mouse Island fills the view. A tiny Byzantine chapel rests at its centre, surrounded by dense cypress trees that rise sharply from the rock. Above, planes descend low toward Corfu Airport, passing dramatically overhead before landing—an unforgettable moment that blends modern life with an almost timeless setting.

Another chance to swim, cool down and enjoy a long cold drink before we start the leisurely journey back to Gouvia.