Sivota sits on the mainland coast of Thesprotia, directly across from Corfu’s southern tip, and it manages to be both achingly beautiful and almost entirely unknown to the average tourist. The village itself is a cluster of stone buildings around a natural harbour so sheltered it resembles a lake. The coastline in either direction — north toward Perdika, south toward Plataria — is a maze of uninhabited islets, hidden lagoons, and beaches that turn up in drone footage and nowhere on printed maps. Getting there from Corfu takes about ninety minutes by private boat, which means the journey is half the point.
The crossing from Corfu
Il Sivota full-day tour departs from Gouvia Marina and heads south along Corfu’s eastern coast before crossing the strait to the Greek mainland. The approach to Sivota from the sea is beautiful in a way that creeps up on you — the coastline grows greener and more intricate as you get closer, with small islands appearing in clusters and the water shifting from deep Ionian blue to the pale, milky turquoise that signals shallow sand below. Your captain threads through the islets at reduced speed, partly for safety and partly because rushing through this landscape would be a waste.
The Blue Lagoon
The first stop on most Sivota itineraries is the Blue Lagoon — a shallow bay between the islets of Mourtemeno and the mainland shore where the water colour defies description. On a still morning, the lagoon is a single unbroken sheet of turquoise, so clear that you can count the pebbles on the bottom from the deck. The sand beneath is white and fine, the depth rarely exceeds two metres across most of the bay, and the surrounding islets block any swell. It is, in practical terms, a natural swimming pool of staggering beauty.
Snorkelling here is rewarding despite the shallow depth. Small fish school around the rocky edges, and the light filtering through the water creates shifting patterns on the sand that are mesmerising to watch from below. The crew anchors the boat in the centre of the lagoon, and you swim directly off the platform into water that is warm enough to stay in for an hour without thinking about it.
Bella Vraka and the hidden beaches
Further into the island cluster, Bella Vraka is a sandbar beach connecting the mainland to Mourtemeno island. At low tide, you can walk across; at higher water, it narrows to a thin strip with sea on both sides. The effect is surreal — you stand on a sliver of sand with turquoise water lapping at your ankles in both directions, and the green hillsides of the islets rise around you like the walls of a natural amphitheatre.
Beyond Bella Vraka, the coast is dotted with unnamed coves accessible only by boat. Your captain knows them by sight rather than by name — a curved beach with a single pine tree growing from the cliff above, a flat rock shelf perfect for sunbathing, a narrow inlet where the water is so still it reflects the sky like a mirror. These are the stops that make a private charter fundamentally different from a group excursion: you go where the day takes you, stay as long as you like, and leave when the mood shifts.
Sivota village: lunch by the harbour
The village of Sivota wraps around a harbour so protected that the water inside barely ripples even when the open sea is rough. Fishing boats and sailing yachts share the mooring space, and the waterfront is lined with tavernas that serve the morning catch. This is mainland Epirus cooking — richer, meatier, and more rustic than the Corfiot kitchen. Try the grilled sardines, the local feta baked in clay, or the lamb chops rubbed with oregano from the hills above. The portions are generous, the prices are honest, and the pace of service assumes you have nowhere else to be.
After lunch, a short walk through the village takes you past a handful of shops selling local olive oil, honey from Thesprotian bees, and handmade soaps. Sivota has not been polished for tourism in the way that Corfu Town has — the edges are rougher, the cats more numerous, and that is precisely the charm.
The afternoon: more water, more light
The return leg to Corfu takes a different path through the islets, with afternoon swimming stops chosen based on the light and the group’s energy. The sun is lower now, and the colours intensify — the water turns from turquoise to a deeper teal, the cliff faces glow orange, and the shadows on the islets grow long and dramatic. This is the time of day when the Passion V’s sun deck earns its reputation, with guests stretched out watching the mainland recede and Corfu’s mountains grow larger on the horizon.
Choosing the right vessel
The Sivota crossing involves open water, so comfort and stability matter. The Sea Ray Sundancer 370 is the most comfortable choice for groups, with a full cabin for shade and a swim platform that makes getting in and out of the water effortless. The Marex 310C Sun Cruiser is excellent for families, offering a shaded cockpit and gentle boarding. For couples who want speed and agility, the Vipera Grigoris makes the crossing thrilling and can access the narrowest channels between the islets. View all options on the boat rental page.
Practical information
Departure from Gouvia Marina is at 09:00, returning around 18:00. The crossing to Sivota takes approximately 90 minutes each way, leaving a full four to five hours for swimming, exploring, and lunch. Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a light layer for the return crossing. Snorkelling gear, towels, water, and refreshments are provided on board. Euros in cash are recommended for the Sivota tavernas, though most accept cards.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sivota on an island or the mainland?
Sivota is on the Greek mainland, in the Thesprotia region of Epirus. It sits directly across the strait from Corfu’s southern coast, roughly 90 minutes by boat from Gouvia Marina.
How does the Blue Lagoon compare to beaches in Corfu?
The Blue Lagoon is shallower, calmer, and arguably more vivid in colour than any beach on Corfu itself. The sheltered position between islets creates conditions more like a tropical lagoon than a typical Greek beach. It is a highlight for virtually every guest who visits.
Can we combine Sivota with other destinations in one day?
The crossing time means Sivota works best as a dedicated full-day tour. However, if you are interested in the mainland coast, the half-day Sivota route offers a shorter version that covers the Blue Lagoon and Bella Vraka without the village stop.
Is the open-water crossing rough?
The strait between Corfu and the mainland is generally calm, particularly in the morning. Your captain checks conditions before every departure and will advise on what to expect. The larger vessels handle any swell comfortably.
Book your Sivota adventure
Sivota offers something Corfu’s own coast cannot — mainland Greece at its most untouched, a lagoon that belongs in the Caribbean, and a fishing village that still feels like a secret. A full day here is a reminder that the best places are often just around the next headland. Contact SeaDreamers to reserve your date and choose the boat that suits your group.
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