Corfu can claim some of the finest watersports facilities in the
Mediterranean. Equipment - from the humble pedalo to top-of-the-range competitive windsurf boards and sails - can be rented out in most resorts, and larger places also have waterskiing and parasailing facilities. The last few years have seen a massive growth in the popularity of windsurfing in
Greece. Corfu's bays and coves are ideal for beginners, and boards can be rented in most of the resorts. Due to geography and prevailing winds, the west coast-provides the best conditions. Morning winds are gentle, ideal for novices, and the afternoon winds will test even the most experienced. Rentals start from around € 10 an hour.
Waterskiing is available at a number of the larger resorts, and even on the smaller islands. By the rental standards of the ritzier parts of the Mediterranean, it is a bargain, with twenty minutes' instruction often available for around €13-16. At many resorts, parasailing (parapent) is also possible; rates start at €18 a go. A combination of steady winds, appealing seascapes and numerous natural harbours has long made the
Greek islands a tremendous place for sailing. Holiday companies offer all sorts of packaged and tailor-made cruises (see the "Getting there" sections above). Locally, small boats and dinghies are rented out by the day at many resorts. Larger craft can be chartered by the week or longer, either bareboat (where you steer yourself) or with skipper, from marinas on
Corfu and bases in most of the islands. The Ionian has its notorious maestro, which can blow for up to three days and make for pretty nauseating sailing, most often at either end of the season, but sometimes at points during it. More and more companies are offering sailing as options, and there are numerous agencies who will organize skippered or bareboat charters - one of the most popular in Corfu is London-based Sailing Holidays Ltd.
Scuba-diving is still a minority sport in Corfu but growing fast because of its popularity among north European visitors. Many schools are in fact run by visitors from
Germany and the Nordic countries, with some Brits now muscling in on the act and an increasing number of Greeks catching on. The average charge for a single-tank dive is € 40, usually with a discount for multiple dives. Instruction for PADI courses and guided introductory dives are available at most schools so you do not have to have any previous experience. We list diving schools in the Guide and more extensive information can be obtained in Britain from the British Sub-Aqua Club or the Union of Greek Diving Centres in Athens.
