From Corfu to Catania – The journey begins!
Daydream Yachting This page was translated automatically from German. View the original
Sailing area:
Corfu – Calabria – Sicily
On our sailing trip through the Ionian Sea, we can expect a sporty active week with long sailing days and unspoilt places.
The sailing voyage takes us from the north-westernmost part of Greece along the often underrated coasts of Calabria to history-laden Sicily, via the small Diapontian Islands of Erikoussa and Othonoi.
From there, Italy is already within reach. We should definitely make a stop here, though, because here we find two quaint harbours, caves, turquoise water and white cliffs.
The coast of Calabria, especially the heel of the boot, is noticeably flatter. On the crossing to Santa Maria di Leuca, land is only in sight right at the end, whilst Othonoi is still clearly visible behind us.
If the weather permits, we will also explore the Gulf of Taranto with ancient Greek Gallipoli, Taranto and Crotone.
In sailing terms, this trip offers an exciting mixture of longer sailing days and characterful places for the evening.
We can see mighty Mount Etna days before our arrival. It grows larger each day and with a bit of luck we'll see it spitting lava at night.
The voyage's destination is finally Catania at the foot of the volcano. Here it's lively, loud and full of energy – Sicilian through and through.
Voyage:
We start in Mandraki, the small Venetian harbour directly below the old fortress in the heart of Corfu's old town.
If the weather permits, we initially sail north to the Diapontian Islands. From Othonoi it's only about 45 nautical miles to Santa Maria di Leuca at the very end of the Italian heel.
Depending on the weather, we explore the Gulf of Taranto with ancient Greek Gallipoli, Taranto and Crotone. In the home town of Pythagoras we find an almost tourist-free promenade, a good fish market and, as always, pizza.
From here we have to align our route more closely with wind and weather. There are some longer passages and only a few harbours, but don't worry, many sections of the coast are excellent for anchoring freely. Not cosy anchorages but wide beaches with spectacular landscape formations in the background.
We'll probably see Etna two days before our arrival and it serves as a leading mark. The Strait of Messina is still quite wide here, but there's a lot of traffic we have to cross before entering the safe harbour of Catania.
Vessel:
SY ANNA is a Bavaria Cruiser 45 (built 2013) and undeniably one of the best models Bavaria has ever built. Solid, fast, comfortable and with extras such as a watermaker, Code Zero (108m²) and ample refrigeration and battery capacity, she is perfect for long sailing voyages.
The hull design is by Bruce Farr, whilst BMW Designworks were responsible for deck layout and interior architecture. The result is a well-balanced yacht with very good sailing characteristics and great comfort on board – a vessel that is simply a pleasure to sail.
Map from OpenStreetMap. When the map is displayed, data is transmitted to the provider.
More InformationMap from OpenStreetMap. When the map is displayed, data is transmitted to the provider.
More InformationBavaria Cruiser
45 feet
