Marina do Lugar de Baixo

[Chris_Robb]

but isn't that the reason you sail in these waters apart from the sunshine?

If it was run correctly with taxes paid and no 'brown envelopes' the costs would shoot up and you would be paying Marina fees on a par with western Europe. Look at the costs of berthing in Monaco and other such places. Those costs are a lot higher because they pay the correct dues and have to pass these on to yachts who use the facilities.

Eight months ago one of the British mainstream TV programs (Panorama or BBC News24) ran a program about the corruption inside the Greek economy. One of the points which I remembered is that the main Hospital in Athens 'employed' seventeen full-time gardeners to maintain the 'grounds'. They don't even have any grounds to maintain as it is inside the city and just have a few pot plants.

Absolutely the reason for sailing in these waters. I think I paid about 2 nights dues last year in total (2x8 euros). Heaven forbid they get their act together!

However the inflated prices of groceries on the islands (and mainland?) makes up for it! Roll on the drachma!

 

[macd]

but isn't that the reason you sail in these waters apart from the sunshine?
...you would be paying Marina fees on a par with western Europe.

Doubt it, unless they tax anchors. Seriously, surely one of the reasons Greece is such a delight is the wealth of brilliant anchorages?

Look at the costs of berthing in Monaco and other such places. Those costs are a lot higher because they pay the correct dues and have to pass these on to yachts who use the facilities.

I'm not sure Monaco is a relevant comparison with anywhere, certainly in Greece. The charges are huge because people with more money than sense are prepared to pay them. To a large degree they're not buying facilities but what they regard as kudos.

Eight months ago one of the British mainstream TV programs (Panorama or BBC News24) ran a program about the corruption inside the Greek economy. One of the points which I remembered is that the main Hospital in Athens 'employed' seventeen full-time gardeners to maintain the 'grounds'. They don't even have any grounds to maintain as it is inside the city and just have a few pot plants.

I don't doubt it. The place is a mess. But lovely. Oddly, the only staff at the 'marina' at Mitylina is the gardener who wanders in periodically (but actually does some gardening...obviously a different union from the Panorama blokes). The incentive in noticing him is that he turns on the water for his sprinklers, so you know it's also time to fill your tanks.

 

[ccscott49]

I agree with your comments and I dont really understand what he was getting at, how can you compare Monaco to the Ionian?
I am in Greece for the cruising, I dont expect to pay nothing for services (if there was any). Amazing how the defence of the greek way is in the forefront of many minds on here. If you wish to support a corrupt system, go ahead be my guest, but it will all end in tears yet.