sailing holiday in corfu.

GPS: Lat: 39° 39' 1N,     Long: 19° 50' 36E

Approach: Gouvia marina is the only functionally complete marina in the Ionian; it is in the closed bay of Gouvia about 3 miles north of Corfu town. When approaching from Corfu's northern channel the islet of Lazaretto is a landmark about a mile south of the entrance, and when one approaches still further, the large hotel is visible on the headland which is the northernmost point of its entrance channel. When approaching from Corfu harbour, the islet Lazaretto is precisely on course for the marina's entrance and one may pass to the east or to the west of it. The channel is demarcated by 2 pairs of lighted buoys, with depths of 8 to 9 meters in the middle. The depths especially on the channel's south side lessen abruptly and care is needed to pass to the west of the second red buoy both when entering and when exiting. In case of doubt when approaching, the marina's office provides round the clock information on channel 69 as well as instructions about the pier where one should moor.

Mooring: Depths from the docks are from 3.9 to 6.7 meters. Permanent moorings have been laid for all berths and they are connected by a submerged rope with corresponding positions at the dock. One must approach the dock to catch hold of the rope and bring it aft to secure it. Because of its location the marina provides very good protection in all weathers. Only when there are strong northerly or northwesterly winds do small waves form in the southwest basin.

Further information: At this point in time, the marina provides 960 berths with water, electricity, and telephone connections. There is a fuel station on the western dock near the entrance. The marina's office and that of the Greek Tourist Organization are available for information. There are also the following : harbour master, supermarket, restaurant, cafe-bar, toilets, showers, laundromat, yacht chandler's shops with electronic equipment, currency exchange, car and motorbike rental, and a diving center.
The marina provides possibilities for repairs in collaboration with businesses and craftsmen that cover practically any job a boat may need, from sail repairs to installation of a new engine, plastic repairs, carpenter's repairs et al.
The travel-lift has a 65 ton capacity and there are two more cranes with 45 and 15 ton capacity. Finally, there are several offices for yacht rentals and sales. The marina is surrounded by a developed tourist area full of restaurants, bars, and hotels within walking distance of the two entrances. The center of Corfu town is about 6 kilometers away; there is regular bus service on the main road, a short distance from the marina entrances.