The Ionian island of Corfu is one of Greece’s most enchanting destinations, renowned for its verdant landscapes, crystal-clear waters and rich history. Combining fascinating architecture in the main town with a vibrant culture and stunning beaches gives it a unique and enduring appeal. A stroll through Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO world heritage site, reveals cultural influences from the Venetians, French and British, reflected in its elegant mansions, cobblestone streets, and arcaded squares. Out of town, and sculptured by wind and sea, Corfu’s coastline features golden sandy beaches, pebbled shores, and dramatic rock formations. Highlights include Paleokastritsa Beach, known for its turquoise waters and rugged cliffs, and the Achilleion Palace, built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria as a serene retreat. Unlike much of Greece, Corfu never fell under Ottoman rule, preserving its distinctive character and European influences.

Just a few kilometres from Corfu Town, Marina Gouvia sits on the island’s east coast, serving as one of the Ionian Sea’s most prominent yachting destinations. With its sheltered location in Gouvia Bay, it offers excellent access to the surrounding waters and islands. Originally opened in 1996 as Greece’s first privately owned marina, Marina Gouvia has been undergoing a major transformation to meet growing demand. In 2023, its owners, D-Marin, launched an ambitious modernisation project aimed at expanding capacity and enhancing visitor experience. The upgrade includes an additional 104 berths, increasing the marina’s total capacity to 1,350. To bring this vision to life, D-Marin partnered with SF Marina. The first phase of the project, completed in summer 2023, introduced 550 metres of high-quality concrete pontoons, securely anchored with precast blocks and heavy-duty chains. Manufactured by SF Marina in Porto Lagos, Greece, the pontoons were transported to Corfu and installed seamlessly. By pre-assembling the docks and preparing anchors and chains in advance, SF Marina minimised disruption, completing the dock replacement in under three weeks. With these enhancements, including a second phase that will add another 500 metres of pontoons and floating breakwaters, Marina Gouvia continues to strengthen its reputation as a world-class yachting destination, offering state-of-the-art facilities in one of the Mediterranean’s most picturesque settings.

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