Ionian elegance meets effortless charm
On Corfu’s shimmering east coast, just a short drive from Corfu Town, you'll find Gouvia, a welcoming harbour village that offers relaxed island living with a cosmopolitan flair. Once a Venetian naval base, today Gouvia is a stunning marina resort that attracts couples, families, and sailing enthusiasts looking for laid-back luxury and sunlit simplicity. With calm, crystal-clear waters, a lively promenade of cafés and tavernas, and easy access to the island’s cultural heart, Gouvia offers the perfect balance between tranquil retreat and gentle adventure.
Travellers come here for its sheltered bays, charming waterfront, and the easy rhythm of island life. Spend long afternoons exploring the old Venetian shipyard, or set sail from the marina to hidden coves fringed with olive groves. Evenings are for lingering dinners by the sea — fresh seafood, crisp local wine, and soft Mediterranean breezes. Whether you’re after a family escape, a romantic getaway, or a relaxed base for exploring Corfu’s natural beauty, Gouvia feels effortlessly refined, with a warmth that invites you to slow down and stay a while.
Luxury in Gouvia unfolds at an unhurried pace — in the elegance of its marina, the sophistication of its boutique resorts, and the timeless pleasure of sea-view dining. Here, five-star hotels overlook tranquil waters, offering private pools, indulgent spas, and exceptional Greek hospitality.
Book your trip with Sovereign and we’ll help you find your perfect luxury holiday in Gouvia. Chat to one of our Personal travel Planners who take the time to understand your wants and needs, before recommending one of our handpicked properties.
Every one of our hotels is handpicked and personally visited by our team
Start your days with a stroll along Gouvia’s marina, where sleek yachts sway gently against a backdrop of green hills. Relax on the village’s Blue Flag beach, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding in calm, shallow waters. For a glimpse into Corfu’s Venetian past, wander through Corfu Town’s UNESCO-listed Old Fortress, only fifteen minutes away, or explore Paleokastritsa’s dramatic coastline on a private boat trip.
Adventurous travellers can hike through olive groves and cypress forests, while culture lovers can visit Achilleion Palace, the former summer residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. As the sun sets, Gouvia’s waterfront hums with the sound of laughter and live music — the perfect invitation to unwind with a glass of ouzo and watch the harbour lights flicker across the Ionian Sea.
Flight time from the UK to Corfu (CFU) is around 3 hours.
If you're planning a trip to Corfu from the UK, the following airports have direct flights:
Aberdeen (ABZ), Belfast International (BFS), Birmingham (BHX), Bournemouth (BOH), Bristol (BRS), Cardiff (CWL), East Midlands (EMA), Edinburgh (EDI), Exeter (EXT), Glasgow (GLA), Leeds Bradford (LBA), Liverpool (LPL), London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), London Luton (LTN), London Stansted (STN), Manchester (MAN), Newcastle (NCL) and Norwich (NWI).
Transfers from Corfu International Airport to Gouvia take around 20 minutes by car.
Corfu enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and gentle springs. May to September offers the best beach weather, with temperatures between 25°C and 33°C and long, sun-drenched days. For a quieter experience, visit in April or October, when the island is lush and peaceful, ideal for sightseeing and walking.
Summer brings lively festivals — from Saint Spyrid celebrations in Corfu Town to open-air concerts and local wine fairs — all adding to the island’s festive spirit.
Currently visas are not required for UK citizens travelling to Greece.
A 10% tip is appreciated in restaurants, while small gratuities for porters and housekeeping staff are always welcomed. Rounding up taxi fares is also customary.
The official language is Greek, though English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas.
A few polite phrases:
• Kaliméra – Good morning
• Efharistó – Thank you
• Parakaló – Please / You’re welcome