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Syvota is a yacht charter base in Epirus, on the northwest Greek mainland coast, serving the North Ionian sailing region. Located in the traditional fishing village of Mourtos, Port Mourtas/ Syvota marina sits midway between Corfu and Paxos, with Paxos just 18-20 NM away and Antipaxos, Parga, and southern Corfu all within easy reach. It is a sheltered, uncrowded alternative to the busier Corfu and Lefkada marinas, with full port facilities and some of the most scenic coastal sailing in Greece on its doorstep.
Most sailors wanting to explore the North Ionian by boat head straight for Gouvia Marina in Corfu or one of the Lefkada bases. Syvota offers a different starting point: quieter, more authentically Greek, and better positioned for the destinations that draw people to this part of the Ionian in the first place.
Lakka Bay in Paxos and Voutoumi beach in Antipaxos, consistently rated among the most beautiful sailing stops in Greece, sit less than a half-day's sail away. Parga, one of the most dramatic mainland ports in the region, is a short 11 NM up the coast.
If you want a week of North Ionian sailing without starting and ending in a busy commercial marina, Syvota is the base worth knowing about.
> Read More: Top 5 Reasons to Go Sailing in the Ionian Islands
Syvota sits on the northwest Epirus coastline, approximately 22 km south of Igoumenitsa, in the Thesprotia regional unit. The port (also known as Port Mourtas) occupies a natural sheltered bay formed by small offshore islets, giving it calm water and a straightforward approach even for less experienced crews.
Geographically, Syvota is the closest mainland base to Paxos. The island is roughly 18-20 NM offshore, making it a realistic morning sail with time to anchor at Antipaxos the same afternoon. Corfu lies approximately 24 NM to the north, and Parga is 11 NM up the coast. That triangle - Syvota, Paxos, and Parga - forms the core of any week based here, with Corfu and Antipaxos within natural reach.
The village of Mourtos has developed steadily as a resort destination while retaining the feel of a genuine fishing harbour. Tavernas line the waterfront, the pace is unhurried, and you won't share the anchorage with cruise ships. It is the kind of base that reminds you why you chose a sailing holiday in Greece over a resort.
* Note for Sailors: Do not confuse Syvota Mourtos (on the Epirus mainland) with Sivota Bay on Lefkas Island! While both are beautiful, Syvota Mourtos is a fully equipped mainland town quay/marina ideal for launching a North Ionian sailing route.
Syvota Marina/Port Mourtas accommodates around 50 berths with a maximum vessel length of 25 m and a draft of up to 4 m, covering the full range of standard bareboat charter yachts and larger catamarans. The port operates 24 hours a day and is staffed through the season.
Marina Services
Provisioning is handled easily in the village. Igoumenitsa, the regional hub with a full supermarket and chandlery options, is a 20-25 minute drive for anything specialist. The marina is not a boatyard, but routine yacht charter needs are well covered on-site.
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The most convenient arrival airport is Corfu International Airport (CFU), approximately 35 km away by road and sea crossing, typically 45-60 minutes by transfer depending on the route. Corfu handles the majority of direct seasonal charter flights from the UK and northern Europe, making it the natural gateway for most crews.
Ioannina Airport (IOA) is roughly an hour's drive inland. Preveza/Aktion Airport (PVK) is further south, around 80 km, and mainly serves Lefkada-based charters, usable if Corfu is not an option. For UK charterers in particular, Corfu airport is almost always the right answer.
The North Ionian has some of the most beginner-friendly sailing conditions in the Mediterranean. Summer winds are predominantly from the north and northwest, the Maistros, building gently through the afternoon and dropping by evening. Mornings are typically calm, giving crews time to plan the day before the breeze fills in.
Water temperature holds between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius across the May to October season. Visibility is consistently good. The coastline between Syvota and Parga is particularly striking under sail, green hillsides dropping to clear water, with the Epirus mountains as a backdrop. It is scenery that genuinely earns the yacht charter price, and it is at its best when seen from a yacht rather than the road.
Syvota's position on the Epirus coast puts the best of the North Ionian within a single day's sail in any direction.
The key stops:
The jewel of the North Ionian. Paxos is a small, forested island with no airport and minimal crowds by Greek island standards. The three main ports, Gaios, Lakka, and Longos, each have distinct character: Gaios is the busiest and most sheltered; Lakka is the prettiest, tucked into a near-landlocked turquoise water bay in the northwest; Longos is the quietest, with excellent tavernas. Plan to spend at least one night, ideally two.
Just 4 NM south of Paxos. Antipaxos has two beaches - Voutoumi and Vrika - that rank among the clearest-water anchorages in Greece. The turquoise here is not a photography trick; it is how the place actually looks. Antipaxos is a day stop rather than an overnight base, but it is one of the most memorable stops in the North Ionian and is worth scheduling into any itinerary that comes within range.
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A mainland port town 11 NM up the coast from Syvota, Parga sits below an Ottoman castle with two bays separated by a pine-covered headland. It is visually one of the most arresting ports in northern Greece and an easy afternoon sail. Anchor stern-to on the town quay or swing at anchor in the bay. The old castle is worth the climb for the breathtaking view.
Syvota's local swim stop, a narrow sandbar with turquoise water on both sides, consistently one of the most photographed natural features on the Epirus coast. Best visited by dinghy or a short sail from the marina. The Blue Lagoon immediately offshore offers shallow, calm water for anchoring and swimming and is a practical first-day stop while crews find their feet.
24 NM north of Syvota and a natural anchor for a longer itinerary. Corfu Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site; the old town, Venetian fortifications, and covered market reward a half-day ashore. The south coast anchorages are quieter than the marina strip. Learn more about sailing holidays in Corfu.
> Browse Boat Rentals in Corfu
The following itinerary is designed to show what a week chartering from/to Syvota actually looks like in practice. Distances are short by Ionian standards; this is deliberate. The North Ionian rewards those who slow down and stay longer in the right places rather than ticking ports.
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Total sailing distance for the week: approximately 110-120 NM. Daily legs average 15-20 NM, comfortable for most crews and short enough to leave the afternoons free for swimming and exploring. The itinerary can be reversed or shortened depending on weather, crew preference, or how long the Paxos tavernas keep you.
Most charter companies concentrate their fleets in Corfu (Gouvia) or Lefkada. Both are excellent bases, but well-established, busy, and geared toward high throughput. Syvota offers a different experience:
For charterers who have already done the Corfu or Lefkada circuit and want something less predictable, Syvota is the right next choice. For first-timers, it is arguably the friendliest entry point in the North Ionian.
The yachting community's most-asked questions, answered by our experts.
Corfu International Airport (CFU) is the closest and most practical option, with a transfer to Syvota of around 45-60 minutes. Corfu has the best selection of direct seasonal flights from the UK and northern Europe. Ioannina Airport (IOA) handles some summer routes but has limited connectivity.
Approximately 18-20 nautical miles, depending on route and conditions. At typical cruising speed in the North Ionian, that is a comfortable morning sail of 3-4 hours, leaving the afternoon free to anchor and explore.
Yes. The bay is well sheltered, daily sailing legs in the North Ionian are short, and skippered charters are available for crews who want professional helm support. The Maistros wind pattern is predictable and manageable, and the anchorages between Syvota and Paxos are well marked and forgiving.
Bella Vraka is a narrow sandbar near Syvota village with shallow, turquoise-coloured water on both sides. It is one of the most recognisable natural features on the Epirus coast and a standard first-day stop for charters departing Syvota. Accessible by dinghy or short sail from the marina.
Yes. Syvota is an active charter departure point with sailboats and catamarans available for bareboat and skippered hire throughout the season. Charter companies operating in the North Ionian increasingly use Syvota as an alternative base to Corfu for crews who prefer a quieter start and direct access to Paxos without a long first leg.
