Sporting Activities In Corfu

Sailing Sailing is a wonderful pastime on the generally calm Ionian waters with its sheltered coves and steady afternoon breezes, and as you would expect, there are sailing schools dotted around the island.

In Avlaki (well known for constant breezes) there is a dingy sailing school with many different types of small "fun and fast" craft.

For those that prefer larger craft there are various yachting agencies and private charter individuals in Gouvia Marina that offer captained or bare boat charters on request.

Windsurfing

Though not known particularly for its windsurfing Corfu none the less has two good windsurfing schools. , One is in the south of the island and the other is on Avlaki beach in the North. ,

Windsurfing is something all the family can enjoy, either out at sea or from the comfort of a sunbed on the beach! A range of boards and lessons from qualified instructors are available, if required

Watersports Virtually all major beaches and many of the smaller ones have water sports of one form or another available. ,

Generally pedalos and small canoes can be found everywhere and sports activities include water-skiing and water boards, para-gliding, ringos, banana boats and the latest 'fish' which works on a similar principal. ,

Most water sports jetties offer lessons and some offer courses for children.

There are very few places that now offer jet skiing. , One beach is Gouvia beach where a qualified instructor has tow jet skis available for hire.

Scuba diving The clear waters around Corfu are lovely for scuba diving and there are various scuba diving schools around the island. Some of the better known are Water hoppers who operate from Gouvia and Ipsos and Dive Med who have a school on the other side of the island in Paleokastritsa.

There is also a diving school in Kassiopi. There are usually opportunities for all levels of diver and for lessons that lead to diving certificates. Always check your travel insurance and take qualification certificates with you when you go scuba diving.

Walking Although technically not a sport, walking is a great way to excercise and reduce the effect of those long lunches.

Corfu is a beautiful island for walkers particularly in early and late season when the temperatures are slightly milder and the wild flowers are out in abundance. ,

There are various footpath books for those that want to be independent and even just to stop the car and walk down the olive tracks near the sea or up in the hills is a pleasure. ,

Organised walking trips are available but tend to be less frequent in the summer months as the heat can prohibit lengthy walks midday. Always remember to take plenty of water with you when walking.

Cycling Cycling is another wonderful way to see the island if you enjoy a bit of activity. It is generally more pleasurable in early and late season because of the midday heat.

Bicycle hire is readily available from most resorts and there are also a few very good organised cycling tours available for groups or individuals on request.

Horse riding

If you prefer not to do all the work what better way to enjoy the scenery and tone up the muscles a bit than by horse. , There are several horse riding schools around the island.

There are two very nice ones: One at Avlaki where ,Alison takes you ,on a ride through the Eremitis peninsular with its lovely sea views, another is in Kato Korakiana where Sally takes lovely rides through the countryside from her well-tended stables.

Tennis There is a tennis club in Corfu town for the avid tennis player, otherwise tennis can be played at many of the larger hotels such as Nissaki beach hotel on the North East coast.

Racket hire is usually available and the hotels are generally more than happy for non-residents to use the courts for a small fee.

Ten-Pin Bowling A recently opened ten pin bowling and games hall just outside Corfu town has proved a great success locally. Open from 10.00 to 02.00 it is a great place for a day or evening out with a difference.

There are 12 bowling alleys, a large café bar and downstairs there are billiard and mini football tables, pin bowl & basketball machines and various computer games. All family members are welcome

Cricket Left over from the days of British Rule, cricket is still played in Corfu and there was a cricket pitch in the centre of Corfu close to the Liston. Sadly the cricket pitch has moved out of the centre of Corfu, it was getting too dangerous!

The cricket pitch is now in the Corfu Marina and the cricket club often has games there. Please ask in resort if you would like to go along to one.

Self drive boat hire The North East corner of Corfu is an ideal location to hire a small boat and skipper yourself and family for the day.

There are a number of resorts where boats of several different sizes can be hired locally

Usually there are boats with tiller steering and ones with steering wheels. Most boats have a sun canopy. All boats have life vests and are fully prepared. You do not need a speedboat licence to drive a boat with an engine smaller than 25hp.

Instruction can be given if required.