Sailing in Greece

This article looks at harbours and anchorages of the Saronic Islands and the coast starting in the north at the Corinth canal and running south as far as the cape at Skillaion

It is difficult to generalise about weather patterns within the area. In the summer months the north usually sees the Meltemi from the NNE – NE. But unlike the rest of the Aegean it is by no means guaranteed and if it does not blow winds are usually light and from the south. The prevailing wind in the south of the area is from the SE and it will blow from midday before calming in the evening. It usually does not exceed force 5. There are limited problems with gusts from high land. Astrous on the Peloponnisos is renowned for a katabatic wind at night. It gets up quickly from calm conditions and can blow a force 7 for up to 6 hours.

Korfos is a landlocked bay on the coast two miles to the east of the cape at Trelli. Care must be taken with a reef that runs out some 400m from the cape. With strong winds from W -NW fierce gusts can be expected from the land. Yachts can go bow or stern to off the quay or anchor off in depth in excess of 10m. The bottom is mud and weed and poor holding in places. There is water on the quay and fuel can be delivered. Most provisions can be obtained and there are good tavernas on the waterfront.

Epidhavros lies further to the south. Yachts can go bow or stern to the quay or pier. Alternatively anchor off in the bay. The bottom is mud and weed and provides moderate holding. There is water on the quay and fuel in the town. Most provisions can be obtained in the town and there are tavernas in the town and on the waterfront. The village sits at the bottom of wooded slopes and it is an attractive setting. A visit to the ancient Epidhavros theatre, a thirty minute taxi ride away, is well worth it. The acoustics are amazing in a theatre that seats 14,000.

Vathi is a small fishing village on the Methana peninsula. Yachts can go bow or stern to off the quay with the tavernas. Alternatively anchor off and take a long line to the breakwater. The bottom is mud and weed and good holding in the main. There are several tavernas ashore and some provisions can be found in the village. The setting here is delightful and does not get to crowded unlike a lot of the harbours in this area.

The Island of Aegina is 12 miles south west of Piraeus. The island is pine covered with beautiful beaches, picturesque villages and important historical monuments.

Aigina Town. Be aware of the ferries and hydrofoils travelling at speed at the entrance to the harbour. Yachts can go bow or stern to the town quay. Alternatively use the marina outside the southern breakwater. The holding is good in the main in mud but there are some rocks. Shelter is good in all but strong southerlies that produce some swell. There is water and electric on the quay and in the marina. Fuel can be delivered. There is good shopping for provisions and there are some good tavernas on the waterfront.

Perdika is a small bay in the SW of Aigina. Go bow or stern to the outer end of the middle pier or on the outer end of the inside of the western breakwater. Alternatively anchor in the southern end of the bay. There is water on the quay and fuel can be delivered. Limited provisions are available but there are several good waterfront tavernas specialising in seafood.

Aiya Marina is an open bay on the eastern side of Aigina. It should only be used in calm conditions. From here you can visit the temple of Aphaea, which was built in the 6th century BC. The temple is reckoned to be the most perfectly developed in Greece.

Nisos Angistri is a small island lying 4 miles to the W of Aigina. There is a small harbour in the NW of the island. Yachts can go bow or stern to the small pier or to the inside of the breakwater. Alternatively anchor off clear of the approaches to the quay. There are several waterfront tavernas and some provisions are available from the village.

The marina at Methana lies to the southern end of the town. Care is needed negotiating the narrow entrance. Go bow or stern to the west or north quay. The holding is very good in sticky mud. Shelter is good in all conditions. Water is available on the quay and fuel can be delivered. There are good tavernas in the town and most provisions can be obtained.

Nisos Poros lies just off the coast of Peloponnisos. The island is heavily wooded; pine in the main but with some citrus and olive groves. Poros is the main town. Yachts can go bow or stern to the northern quay or alongside the southern quay. There is good all round shelter. Water is available on the quay and fuel can be delivered. The town has good sopping for all provisions and there is a wide choice of tavernas on the waterfront and in the streets behind. The town is built on rocky slopes and is one of the most attractive approaches from the sea in Greece. The ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon are to found 5 km from the main town, on the road to the monastery of Zoodochos Pighis. The temple was built in the 6th century B.C. This, according to legend, is where Demosthenes drank the "Konio" poison in 322 BC and died. Other anchorages in the locality include, Ormos Vidhi, Ak Dana, Russia Bay, Ormos Neorin, Aliki, Ormos Porou and Monastery Bay.