Crossing Aegean from Bodrum to Athens area

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tchierici

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I am thinking of taking my boat from Bodrum towards Athens in late June hopefully avoiding the worst of the Meltemi, I have about 3 weeks, so no rush. What is the nicest/most confortable route? I was thinking working up towards Patmos then cross west to Donousa, Naxos, Paros, Serifos, Kythnos, Poros, keeping away from the gusty leeward side of big islands. I have not had a look at the pilot but I assume all the islands mentioned have good sheltered spots.
 
Hi and welcome here,
The plan is correct. Here some tips. Close to Patmos is Arkoi with anchorages not to be missed. From Patmos even with a F5-6 Donousa can be done, preferably the second day of F4-5 .
The tip at Donousa is to avoid at all cost the most uncomfortable port and stay at the narrow bay NE, entering below Skylonisi and going as far in as possible. Very easy if you plan so that you enter during day light. Good fishing but no provisions. If caught there by strong meltemi, you can easily go downwind to Koufonisi. Either stay at marina (23euros per night electricity and water included for 12m) or at fishermen little port for free but you will have to carry your provisions. For us a few days stay at the lee of Kato Koufonision is mandatory specially with meltemi. So Naxos I would avoid. From there Schoinousa port can be a next stop. So a week with good meltemi can be well spent in the last two. On the first window bellow F5 you can hop between Despotiko and Antiparos. You can do it with F6-7 but the place is really windy.
Usually next hop is Vathi in Sifnos –avoid Kamares the port. With light weather Serifos is a must. Then Kythnos at the port only for provisions then at Fikiada or Kolona for a stay waiting for next window which will take you to Poros etc. Enjoy your trip.
 
Gnatsis is right.

A word of caution regarding Serifos. Either on the leeward side of the quay or on anchor. Avoid at all cost the windward (North) side of the quay.
 
Glyka said:
Gnatsis is right.

A word of caution regarding Serifos. Either on the leeward side of the quay or on anchor. Avoid at all cost the windward (North) side of the quay.
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This is why the forum works so well, Different opinions and views as one sees them.
Schoinousa is very beautiful after you have fought with the gin palaces for space, their A/con on all night ,walked up and down the hill a few times looking for a meal in the super market with 20 items to chose from ,10 of them rice ,its good to go to Naxos town.imo
 
1bobt said:
This is why the forum works so well, Different opinions and views as one sees them.
Schoinousa is very beautiful after you have fought with the gin palaces for space, their A/con on all night ,walked up and down the hill a few times looking for a meal in the super market with 20 items to chose from ,10 of them rice ,its good to go to Naxos town.imo
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You see, I never went close to the gin palaces. Always straight ahead with lines on the rocks and your stern at the wind. I'm with you on the rest. And it is not the one or the other.I also like Naxos a lot . In fact in better weather, Naxos Syros is an alternative route. A third, which we did this year, was Ios, Folegandros, Kimolos (not the port under construction) and Milos. Here you need a window for Peloponissos or Spetsai-Hydra.
 
We did that route a couple of years ago in May however we didnt have much time to sight see as i had to get to Athens to fly back to work. We did Yalekavik - Patmos - Naxos - Kythnos - Athens. Great run and we really liked Naxos. Kythnos was our favourite, tiny little harbour, tavernas tables right on the waters edge and a hot spring rockpool at the other end of the beach.
 
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