One Week Placement Flotillas

One Week Placement Flotillas Overview

Explore the Ionian Islands without the crowds. Enjoy tranquil harbours and deserted bays during our early and late season placement flotillas, in the North and South Ionian areas.

Why join a placement flotilla?

These are some of the most popular flotillas of the year! They only happen once or twice a year and because they are at the end of April and October they are some of our most affordable. This time of year also means the weather is less predictable than peak season, meaning good wind is more common. Fantastic for keen sailors!

Why do we do placement flotillas?

During the winter, our yachts are serviced in Gouvia Marina, Corfu, where they receive comprehensive maintenance and cosmetic attention. At the end of April all the yachts are sailed to their summer bases and these trips are known as ‘delivery’, ‘placement’ or 'shakedown' flotillas. These trips show up anything that mightn't be perfectly shipshape, hence they are that little bit cheaper.

Typical Itineraries & Highlights

Whole Ionian Delivery Flotilla (Gouvia to Sivota)

Travelling from North to South you begin at Gouvia Marina on Corfu Island. Here you will be met by our crew who will show you to your boat. After a quick look round it is time to sit down and relax at one of the many tavernas on offer, with a cold beer and bite to eat.

Days 2 - 5, North Ionian highlights

Depending on the weather you may head further up north and explore the fishing villages on the mainland as well as Corfu town.

The next few days are spent exploring the delightful villages of Lakka and Giaos on Paxos Island. A highlight of the trip is a lunchtime stop (or two) in Emerald Bay on Anti-Paxos Island.

A mainland stop in the Greek Town of Parga should not be missed, with its long sandy beach, buzzing promenade and the unbeatable choice of evening entertainment.

From here you will wend your way south, perhaps via the harbour of Ligia, or a night at anchor on Two Rock Bay, to the Lefkas Canal.

Days 6 - 7, Southern Ionian highlights

In the South Ionian you will visit a few of our old favourites as well as quieter spots (which we love as they remind us of what flotillas used to be like 30 years ago)! The route will vary depending on the weather but will almost certainly visit one or two of the small fishing villages at the top of Meganisi Island.

Another popular stop is our pontoon at Stena, near Nidri, where you will meet Christos and Evanthia at the Iris Hotel. This is a great spot for enjoying a cold beer or two by the hotel pool before wandering into Nidri town for dinner.

Days 7 - 8, Finishing in the South

On your final day you will finish in either Sivota, a small fishing village on Lefkas Island or Nidri which is just a little further north.

Then it is time to sit back, relax with a cold drink and sample some of the best food the Ionian Islands has to offer, in one of the many quayside tavernas.

The lead crew often organise a group meal so that you can enjoy the company of your fellow sailors for one final evening before heading home the following day.

Paxos Placement Flotilla (Gouvia to Plataria)

After a short transfer from Corfu airport you will arrive in Gouvia Marina. Here you will meet your lead crew and home from home for the week (your yacht). As well as the quayside options, Gouvia Marina has a selection of tavernas just a short walk away in the nearby village. Marina amenities such as showers, cafes and basic shops are available just a short walk from the boats.

On Monday morning there will be a thorough boat briefing and a chat about where you are heading that day. Then it is time to stock up on provisions, ready for a lazy lunch at anchor...

Days 2 - 3, Exploring Northern Corfu

During this week there may be an opportunity to visit the small villages of St Stephanos and Kassiopi on the northern side of Corfu. These picturesque harbours are the perfect way to get away from it all and idyllic Greek atmospheres. These places are particularly special at the start and end of the season when the flotillas are the only boats around!

Another possible stop is Corfu Town where you can spend an evening exploring the traditional tavernas in the backstreets, along with the brilliant shops.

Days 3 - 5, Sailing around Paxos Island

From Plataria you will wend your way south to the delightful villages of Lakka, Longos, Giaos and Mongonisi on Paxos Island.

The crystal clear emerald water of Lakka Bay is not to be missed for a lunch stop within a stones throw of Lakka Village - a favourite evening destination. Gaios is a traditional Greek town, with a number of tavernas to explore. Mongonisi is a highlight for many - the only stop on Paxos without a village. Mongonisi's charm lies in the idyllic environment where you can swim of the back of your boat and Greek dance the night away.

A highlight of the trip is a lunchtime stop in Emerald Bay on Anti-Paxos Island for a lazy lunch and swim stop. For the more adventurous sailors among you, a sail down the west coast of Paxos, with it's stunning cliffs is a great way to spend a day.

Days 5 - 6, Visiting Paxos Island

From Corfu you will make your way south to the beautiful village of Lakka on Paxos Island (weather permitting). The crystal clear emerald water of the bay is not to be missed for a lunch stop within a stones throw of Lakka Village - a favourite evening destination. Gaios is a traditional Greek town, with a number of tavernas to explore. A highlight of this trip is a stop in Emerald Bay on Anti-Paxos Island for a lazy lunch and swim stop.

Days 6 - 7, The Greek mainland

You may visit Sayaidha which is a small fishing village on the greek mainland, close to the Albanian border. The village is best known among sailors for it sunsets and the prawns at Alex's taverna - served by the kilo and not to be missed!

Another great mainland spot is Mourtos, where the surrounding archipelago of island provides excellent swim stops. The quayside tavernas offer an array of evening options from the cocktails at Bamboo Place, to the traditional Greek dishes at The Blue Coast taverna.

Days 7 - 8, Finishing in Plataria

On Saturday you will head to Plataria where the crew will host a final night meal at one of the tavernas along the quayside. Simply spend your final night relaxing and regaling tales of the weeks events with your fellow sailors over delicious Greek food and wine.

We also run these delivery flotillas in reverse, at the end of the season, and they are just as popular!