Boat Rental in Corfu: Gouvia Marina or Benitses?
Where to start a boat charter in Corfu: how Gouvia Marina and Benitses differ, how many boats each has and which suits your trip.
Almost all charter boats on Corfu start from one of two marinas, and the choice shapes the first day of your trip. In October 2026 the boats we list were based as follows: 231 at Gouvia Marina, 25 at Benitses and three in Corfu Town, at the Old Port and the Old Town marina.
Gouvia Marina
Gouvia is the largest marina on Corfu, about 7 km north of Corfu Town on the east coast. Because it has so many boats, it is where you will find the widest choice of sizes, prices and open weeks, and it is the easiest place to compare. The town of Corfu is a short drive away, and the north-east coast, with its coves and beaches, is on your doorstep: read the swim-stop route from Gouvia and the Barbati half day to see what a day looks like.
Choose Gouvia if you want the most boats to choose from, or if you plan to explore the north-east coast and the channel towards the mainland.
Benitses
Benitses is a small harbour on the south-east coast, about 12 km south of Corfu Town. It has fewer boats, so there is less to choose from, but starting here saves the first hours of the trip when you want to head south towards Paxos and Antipaxos, which are covered in our guide to the Paxos day trip.
Choose Benitses if the south is your goal, or if you prefer a smaller harbour.
Corfu Town
A few boats are based in Corfu Town itself, a few minutes from the old town and the harbour front. There are very few, so check the open weeks early.
How to choose
- Most choice and best chance of your dates: Gouvia.
- Heading to Paxos: Benitses saves the first stretch, though a boat from Gouvia gets there too, with a longer first day.
- First-time charterers: either port works. The skipper (see chartering without a licence) or the operator will help with the first harbour.
Each boat page names its home port, and the list of boat rentals lets you compare ports, sizes and prices. For an overview of what boats cost and the difference between a sailing yacht and a catamaran, see our main guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where do most charter boats in Corfu depart from?
From Gouvia Marina, about 7 km north of Corfu Town. In October 2026, 231 of the 259 boats we list were based there.
Is Benitses good for a charter?
Yes, especially if you want to head south towards Paxos and Antipaxos. It has fewer boats than Gouvia.
Can I leave the boat at a different port?
That depends on the operator. Ask before booking whether a one-way charter is possible.
