Peoloponnese round trip

[vyv_cox]

We did it clockwise and had absolutely no problems with wind strength. But anti-clockwise would probably be OK as well, the meltemi is not very strong in the Argolic generally.

 

[jimbaerselman]

On the east coast of the Peloponnese, North of Ieraka/Monemvassia, afternoon southerly sea breezes blowing into the Argolic gulf about F4 are common. Then, in the Saronic, winds are generally pretty light and variable - with occasional afternoon blasts from the west or north. But well sheltered waters with little seaway.

So going north along the east coast is much easier than going north along the west coast during settled summer weather. Hence the anti-clockwise advice.

The southern coast, like the Gulfs, is predominantly westerly. If stronger - F5 or over - the big headlands down there produce some extreme gusts! So, on balance, it's probably nicer to do your west going through the gulfs, rather than the more exposed south coast. That's marginal, I guess . . . since in lighter weather there are excellent afternoon winds blowing into the big southern gulfs in the afternoons. That can make west going easier

Must visits?
The winery just north of Katokolon, and Olympia (do them by train!)
Gulf of Navarino; northern anchorages off sand dunes and walks in nature reserve, Yialova beach, Pylos main square
Methoni castle anchorage
Elafonisos southern anchorages
Monemvassia mediaeval town
Navplion (but if you don't like party noise, not Thu to Sat nights!)
Anchorages along the coast near Porto Heli
Poros, and anchorages in the sound
And so on . . .

 

[alexsailor]

Thanks a lot!

I'll try to sail it anti-clockwise.
I am arriving in Patra around 5th of July and then going round... I hope...

Thanks JimB for the "hotspots".
I've been cruising Greece for ten years- with my motorbike. I was in Pilos, Navplion etc..
Now I want to sail it.
Do not know why but I want to drop anchor in Avlemonas (Kythira)... There I was seven years ago dreaming that one day... one day

And since I'll be so close to Cyclades I am thinking to visit Folegandros again... Well it all depends from Meltemi.

Thank you and if somebody is on my way do send me a PM. My refrigirator is always full

 

[drawp]

Last year in Avelmona taken from the fortress. It is a lovely anchorage and the beer tastes wonderful from the tavernas at the head of the inlet.

 

[Chris_Robb]

Steve,
Was the big turtle in residence when you were there? By far the biggest we have seen to date, it frequently swam under the boat and the resulting motion could be felt even when below. We were there for a couple of nights, during which it didn't seem to leave.
Vyv

Vyv, we were there a week ago and both a small and large turtle were there. Someone said that the small one bites!!!!

We have not got to Kalimnos today having motored every day of our trip from Preveza (1st June) to here bar one day when we had a 20 knot northerly!

 

[charles_reed]

You can read my trips in 96 and 2000 on my sailblog. Anticlockwise is definitely the way to go!! Gythion is worth a day, you can bus to Sparta and then taxi to Mystras and walk down through the Byzantine town. Linger in Elafonisos or Neapoli before rounding Cape Maleas (early in the day). After beating round we then had to motor to Monemvasia! Lots to see, I may be following you this year.

There is a local bus from Sparta to Mystra - gives you about 4 hrs before returning. I'd agree about anti-clockwise as the easiest.

Visit Killini (anchor) miss Katakolo unless you want to do Delphi, Kisparissa, Pilos, Methoni, Koroni (don't go near the breakwater, lotsa rocks), Kalamata, Kardamili (anchor S of Chapel Is), Elafonisis, Monemvasia, Spetses Old Town. Give Korinthos a little time and Galaxidi more (visit Delphi by bus via Itea). There's always a contrary gale and 3 knots of current against you in the Rhion channel (whichever way you go).

 

[alexsailor]

@drawp
small pic but I can imagen cold Mythos in my hands

@charles_reed
Thanks.
My plan is to leave Patra and sail to Zakynthos (why sould I stop in Killini?) I was there several times with my motorbike but ist't Killini just a ferry harbour for Zakynthos and Kefalonia?
I'll stop in Strofades, Pilos etc..

 

[KellysEye]

It's a fantastic cruising area lots of bays and tavernas and even some beaches. Keep an eye on the weather three depression tracks meet there. Sunsail opened a base there, after three months they had to change the flotilla crew and they closed the base after six months - too tiring for the crew and too windy.

 

[alexsailor]

I think, I really have to do it! Hope that 2-3 weeks will be enough.

 

[alexsailor]

Hi
I am sailing to Kalamata and I want to know where the fruit and vegetables market is?

Thanks

 

[charles_reed]

Hi
I am sailing to Kalamata and I want to know where the fruit and vegetables market is?

Thanks

At the top end of town, past the bus station. Open every day, fantastic value and quality. The Messiiniakos plain is one of the most fertile areas of Greece.
I really miss it here in theaegean.

 

[alexsailor]

Thank you. So it would be the best to take taxi from marina or....?
I have to stock up with olives etc...

 

[jimbaerselman]

It's about 2km inland, say, 30 min walk. Out of marina, take a left until you hit the flash flood channel.

Then walk north along the flash flood channel until you see the bus station on the left. Cross over to right of channel, NNE a bit more, and you'll find the market. Early morning is best. Marina guys will give you map if you smile sweetly . . .

 

[alexsailor]

Thank you.
Been there today, early in the morning.
It is a 30min walk or. 4eur taxi drive (I took one on the way back with all the stuff).

 

[alexsailor]

Right now... Koroni.
Looks nice. We'll stay here for a day or two and then head to Kythera.

 

[charles_reed]

Careful in Koroni, near the breakwater, lots of blocks from the old,demolished one liable to snag one's anchor.

Kithera is short of decent harbours - I usually anchor in Dhiakofti, off the FV quay. Reasonably comfortable, hard sand so you need to dig the anchor in hard.
Heikell's suggestion of going inside the ferry quay is crazy - and most uncomfortable. In any case there's little ashore.

 

[alexsailor]

In Koroni I am on the W side of the bay. Good holding. Water a little bit smelly...

I always go lazy in Greece and this year is no exception. So I am wondering (and maybe some reply will help) should I sail to Kythera or not? I have a week or so to go there and return. But going there seems to be easier than returning (facing the wind).

 

[alexsailor]

crazy wind in Porto Kayo and to the north... crazy...

 

[alexsailor]

On the way from Elafonissos to Monemvasia.
I was considering to go back (to Koroni, Methoni, Zante) but the weather forecast said NO.
I do not think that strong SW (this Thursday) and strong W (yesterday and days ahead) is normal for this time of the year?
Heikel and other books are talking about strong NW that picks up at noon but till then you got time to go E to W without bigger problems. And that NW should turn SW in the bays between "fingers".
Any comments?

 

[jimbaerselman]

When the meltemi has stopped, that's because the low over Turkey and eastwards ain't low enough. So you're back to summer high over Africa, with lows north of the Alps.

Smile: look on the bright side. That means you'll have easy sailing, motoring around the Cyclades! Though some of the usual meltemi anchorages may be a little rolly. Like Methoni last night . . .