Exploring Beautiful North East Corfu by Boat
Unspoiled beaches, hidden coves, and emerald-green waters, there is nothing like exploring north east Corfu by boat.
The posh northeast coastline of Corfu is known for its luxury villas, unspoiled beaches and hidden coves. My friend who spent a week in Kalami in July suggested we explore the beautiful northeast coast by boat. A boat – I thought? Yes, it is possible to hire a self-drive boat up to 30hp without a licence. What a great idea! With that, we booked a 2023 5.5m 6-seater 30hp boat ‘Funsea’ with Fun Sea Corfu from Corfu Port.
After a short tutorial on how to operate the boat, the owner gave us his preferred route. And we were off for a fun day exploring north east Corfu by boat with Captain Dad at the helm.
From Corfu Town to Erimitis Peninsula
From Corfu Port, Captain Dad drives the boat due north towards the Atlantica Hotel on Nissaki Beach as our marker. The journey was smooth and relaxing as we enjoyed the view of this verdant island and Mount Pantokrator. Cruising along, Captain Dad takes as far north as possible to the Erimitis Peninsula, a protected area and the last undeveloped corner of Corfu. It took about 45 minutes cruising at a good speed to reach the Erimitis from Corfu Port. This is the shortest distance between Albania and Corfu (2.2 miles), where you see Erimitis Peninsula on one side and Ksamil, Albania on the other. Any further north, you’ll be out in the open sea!
Agios Stefanos to Agni Bay
A quick check on the map and Captain Dad turns the boat around, this time cruising at a slower pace. On the return, the first village was Agios Stefanos, a small harbour village surrounded by lush hills. We stop in one of the many scalloped bays where we moored away from the beach. Ladder down and off we go for a refreshing swim to a secluded white pebbly beach. Back on the boat, we pass by the three “Ks” villages: Kerasia, Kouloura, and Kalami, the former home of the famous Durrell family.
Continuing on, we made it to the picturesque Agni Bay, a delightful area with several seafront tavernas including Toula’s, Taverna Agni, and Taverna Nikolas each with its own jetty. With no tables available for lunch, we went south back to Nisaki, followed by Barbati, a blue flag beach with Mt. Pantokrator looming in the background. Here we stop for a seaside lunch.
Lunch at Taverna Glyfa
Having spent the past three summers in Corfu, my friend kindly gave me a list of her favourite seaside tavernas in north east Corfu.
- Taverna Galini, San Stefanos
- Eucalyptus, San Stefanos
- White House, Kalami
- Taverna Agni, Agni Bay
- Toula’s Seaside, Agni Bay
- Taverna Glyfa, Barbati
However, I told her we would only have time for one meal so please make a recommendation. She said either Taverna Agni which was fully booked or Taverna Glyfa for the idyllic location, beautiful sea views, free sunbeds, and fresh seafood. And Taverna Glyfa did not disappoint!
One of the staff helped Captain Dad moor the boat at the little jetty. Sunbeds line the narrow pebbly beach. Up the steep stairs, a beautiful hanging chair awaits for some Instagram-worthy photos. The food was as divine as the gorgeous seaview. We started with the mezze platter of Greek classics, followed by the seafood platter of fish, prawn, and octopus. All the dishes were fresh and delicious. Definitely my favourite meal in Corfu! After lunch we got back on the boat and stopped at a secluded cove and went for a swim to find a wild sand-and-pebble beach.
To Dassia Bay and Gouvia and Back Corfu Town
Captain Dad takes us along Dassia Bay, passing by the lively resort town of Ipsos, Gouvia and Kontokali. This stretch of the coastline is filled with luxury 5 star hotels such as Ikos, and Grecotel Corfu Imperial. From here, it is back to Corfu Port, passing by Vido Island before returning the boat.
It was a blissful and relaxing day exploring north east Corfu by boat. A perfect way to enjoy the fresh breeze, gorgeous vistas, tiny coves, and picturesque villages. So grateful to make special memories with my little family and special thanks to Captain Dad for navigating us along the beautiful northeast coastline of Corfu.
