Greece - Harbours and Marinas.

[charles_reed]

1. There is provision in law for a port entry charge for every visit, to any place, all boats.
2. There is provision in law for a daily "mooring charge" to be levied on boats.
3. Any boats which have current marina contracts, or which otherwise pay annual/monthly charges, are exempt from the daily mooring charge (its already paid)
4. Quays licenced to do so (and this includes places in addition to marinas) may make additional charges to cover facilities they provide.

I was sure that Jim would come along to set things straight but No 3 is wrong.You see regardless of who's collecting, all charges are for the local port municipality fund so it is to be payed on the spot.There is no state wide fund to distribute such collections since, i believe, 1998 when the responcibility for maintenance and improvements was passed on to municipal level.So when you pay, even in advance, your berthing or mooring fees is only for that port alone.

Pleias,

Thanks for confirming the situation as I have found it. ie that each port collects its own dues, especially the mooring fee.

Personally, I have no problem with this, it's entirely in line with the charging regime in other European countries and, especially, the UK. At €6.60/day (for my boat) it seems not to be excessive.
In a number of ports, the Port Police seem to be genuinely sympathetic to someone staying for a period in excess of 3 days and waive further charges. This I construe as being an entirely unofficial gesture of friendliness, rather than a right.

It does mean, however, that there is no advantage in having a long-term mooring contract with any marina; but I can see how the "right" has obtained currency, as various marinas have tried to protect their income stream.

In comparison with Italy and (even more so) Croatia, Greece remains a very economical and pleasant cruising ground; even with the threat of an annual boat tax looming in the background.

 

[blueglass]

In comparison with Italy and (even more so) Croatia, Greece remains a very economical and pleasant cruising ground; even with the threat of an annual boat tax looming in the background.

absolutely - in comparison with pretty much anywhere else at all in fact.(that I have been)

 

[tinkicker0]

In comparison with Italy and (even more so) Croatia, Greece remains a very economical and pleasant cruising ground; even with the threat of an annual boat tax looming in the background.

Without having direct experience, I have to concur. As far as some posters on mobo who boat in Spanish waters, some of the costs they quote, I would regard as having my leg lifted.

In my book, nowhere can compare to Greece for stark beauty, good weather, great people and fantastic waterfront tavernas.

 

[djk]

Fantastic waterfront tavernas-location YES food NO. I'm afraid the food in Greece really lets the country down. Huge menus,huge portions, everything comes with chips, nothing made with any love or finesse. I eat better Greek food in London although Athens does have some good restaurants.

 

[dslittle]

In Platarias just now and expecting the lady to turn up and ask for her 3€ per night fee (plus 3€ for water and 3€ for electricity if used). However, she hasn't turned up yet and its getting a bit late.
There are about 10 or so boat permanently moored here with some being used as liveaboards. According to one skipper, his berth costs him 500€ €a year to the local council and that includes his water and electricity but he doesn't stay year round, going back to UK in the winter. Also, if he leaves his berth at any time, there's no guarantee that it won't be taken over by someone in the interim and he'll have to wait for them to go before he can get back on to it - a significant problem as he's laid his own mooring lines.
When thinking about the size and type of boat, don't forget that the threat of taxes on MOBOs over 10m and sailing boats over 15m.

I believe that the 'lady' that you are referring to is Frau Patricia who I have had a number of terse discussions with in the past (including her watching me go alongside and setting all of my lines before approaching me when I had a bad back - early season with VERY few boats in a while ago AND I do normally go stern too...) On this ocassion Olga (who is a throroughly nice lady) intervened on my behalf and it appears that the aminosity continues to this day. Following on from that, the food at Olga's is great and well recommended. That being said, I agree with others that Greece is still a great place to cruise and, for the most part, extremely cheap. For other's information, I was told that the woman who collected 'harbour dues' in Gaois was a fraud and had no official status... Port Police are variable to say the least.

 

[jimbaerselman]

For other's information, I was told that the woman who collected 'harbour dues' in Gaois was a fraud and had no official status... Port Police are variable to say the least.

My receipts in Gaios and Lakka (same woman, both harbours) in 2008 were both normal port police documents. Has she privatised herself? Or is this a new lady?

Yes, port police are very variable in their treatment of leisure yachts.

Food. Greece is beginning to do gourmet, but you usually have to travel away from the quayside or a little off the beaten track to find it - something yotties are reluctant to do! For instance, try:

1. Navarino Bay, Yialova (near Pylos), the Oasis restaurant (root of quay, but you have to anchor off). Greek island prices (€30 for two), some very well prepared standard Greek dishes, plus 8 to 10 additional dishes well above average French restaurant standards. Worth a special journey.

2. Mytikas, Mainland, Inland Ionian, just opposite Kalamos, Koxili, a hotel/restaurant/café just 100m west of the old harbour. Worth a special journey. Linen table cloths, wide menu, good food, and only average prices for the area. Spoil yourself - but book ahead in high season, tel/fax: 26460-81356.

3. Fiskardo, Cephallinia. Lots of competition here, so higher than average quality, also higher than average prices (€35 per couple). For a change from pure Greek cuisine, try 'Lord Falcon'. Tucked 90m behind the SW corner of the harbour, they offer good Thai food as well as interestingly spiced conventional Greek dishes. Also Café Tselenti, (a restaurant too) which offers subtle flavourings to standard local food, and adds some Turkish style options to the menu (from Thessaloniki, he sais, whose strong Turkish influences make it the gourmet area of Greece)

4. Ag Euphemia, Cephallinia. Paradise restaurant, 500m to the right around the quay. Stavros still maintains the uniquely high standards he set some 40 years ago, which brought visitors from all over Greece. However, the world is moving on, and others are catching up. Still worth a trip though.

5. Finikas bay, between Methoni and Finikounda, S Peloponese. Destino Restaurant and pool. Higher priced (€35 - €40 a couple) but a truly international standard of catering in a suberb sandy beachside setting. Anchor off. Pampering stuff . . .

And loads more, especially in the North Aegean towns. Gourmet is happening . . . but there will be a price to pay for that quality.

 

[blueglass]

Fantastic waterfront tavernas-location YES food NO. I'm afraid the food in Greece really lets the country down. Huge menus,huge portions, everything comes with chips, nothing made with any love or finesse. I eat better Greek food in London although Athens does have some good restaurants.

fine dining - no, I agree. but good quality, value for money meals are easily found in many family run tavernas. The Greek restauraunts back in the UK are nearly always Cypriot in my experience - different ball game and yes superior to most local tavernas.
Personally not into the fine dining thing anyway except for maybe a special occasion so more than happy with the sort of meal that goes with a pair of shorts and a T shirt, with your toes in the sand and a caraffe of local (cheap) plonk. Each to his own.

 

[blueglass]

I believe that the 'lady' that you are referring to is Frau Patricia who I have had a number of terse discussions with in the past (including her watching me go alongside and setting all of my lines before approaching me when I had a bad back - early season with VERY few boats in a while ago AND I do normally go stern too...).

Sounds like the same lady who told me off for mooring alongside. also early in the season in an empty harbour - and on the quayside by the tavernas, with no services. Also usually go stern to of course, but initially hadn't actually intended staying over. She backed off when I showed her the pilot book with its clear indication of alongside mooring for that section of the harbour.

 

[tinkicker0]

fine dining - no, I agree. but good quality, value for money meals are easily found in many family run tavernas. The Greek restauraunts back in the UK are nearly always Cypriot in my experience - different ball game and yes superior to most local tavernas.
Personally not into the fine dining thing anyway except for maybe a special occasion so more than happy with the sort of meal that goes with a pair of shorts and a T shirt, with your toes in the sand and a caraffe of local (cheap) plonk. Each to his own.

You sound like a man after my own heart Blueglass.

I'm the same, not into fine food, just shovel it in and fill the hole. However I have learned to avoid Omelette's with Patatas.

Nice mushroom Omellette arrives with chips in it! Not good.

Call me old fashioned, but I like my chips at the side.

 

[Mr Cassandra]

Sounds like the same lady who told me off for mooring alongside. also early in the season in an empty harbour - and on the quayside by the tavernas, with no services. Also usually go stern to of course, but initially hadn't actually intended staying over. She backed off when I showed her the pilot book with its clear indication of alongside mooring for that section of the harbour.

Hi

In Poros we have a very diligent person .P---- who collects port fees.8- 10 hours a day in spring and autumn.And 12hrs in summer ,7 days a week.

A good few years back when showing papers to port police I told them P---- had collected the then fees. They asked who is P----?

I am sure it is legal now though!!!

 

[Appleyard]

harbour Meisters (or Meisteresses)

I an surprised that no one in the course of this discussion has mentioned the charming german lady "Eddie" by name who runs the harbour in Tilos .
Our first meeting with her was a bit tense,as she has very definite ideas on how everyone should enter,moor and leave "her" harbour,but the place is very definitely well run ,and subsequent visits did indeed prove more relaxed.
She is extremely efficient...(national stereotype) and her girlfriend is a bit of a looker (shame,such a waste)

 

[charles_reed]

Fantastic waterfront tavernas-location YES food NO. I'm afraid the food in Greece really lets the country down. Huge menus,huge portions, everything comes with chips, nothing made with any love or finesse. I eat better Greek food in London although Athens does have some good restaurants.

Can't agree about the food - whilst Greece is not a gourmet country, there are lots of good, cheap, local taverna, where you can eat the good native food.

Pano's in Preveza is one, there is one just by the marina in Kalamata, O'Tzakis in Poros, Cephallonia and one overlooking the commercial harbour in Pilos, apart from the place I frequent in Messolonghi.

They all have one thing in common - they're away from the waterfront and need a bit of a walk to hunt them out.

I still have to find any good ones in Xania or Rethymion - tourist blight, I suppose.