The areas prevailing wind during the summer months is the infamous Meltemi blowing from the N-NW. It is first felt in June and becomes stronger through July, August and September when it can reach force 8. It dies down in October. In the spring and autumn gales are common from the N and the SE. The summer months are hot, average temperatures are 25 deg C and temperatures often reach 35 deg C.
Serifos is barren in the main but there are several green valleys around Livadhi on the east coast of the island. Go bow or stern to the jetty in the SW of the bay. If the Meltemi is blowing the S side of the jetty is preferable. There is reasonable protection from the Meltemi. There is water on the jetty and fuel can be delivered by mini tanker. Most provisions can be obtained in the village. The natural surroundings are pleasant, the bay lined with trees and the view up the hill to the whitewashed buildings of the Chora. Koutala is an open bay on the S coast of the island and provides good protection from the Meltemi. Anchor in the north of the bay just to the E of the village. There are foul chains immediately in front of the buildings.
Sifnos lies 7 miles to the SE of Serifos. It is a hilly island with the highest peak, Mount Ayios, rising to 694m. The west coast is barren but the east coast is greener and cultivated in places. In the past Sifnos was rich thanks to its gold and silver mines. A geological catastrophe, still not understood, destroyed the mines and led to the island's decline. Today the island has become known for itxs whitewashed settlements, its remarkable cleanliness and its superb beaches. Yeoryios is a narrow inlet in the NW of the island. It is exposed only to the W and offers good shelter from the Meltemi. Anchor fore and aft at the head of the bay as there is no room to swing. There are a couple of tavernas ashore. Further south is the bay of Kamares. Berth bow or stern to the quay between the two moles. The bottom is hard sand with weed and rocks. Holding is fair at best. Alternatively anchor at the head of the bay. There is good shelter from the Meltemi although wind fro the W produces some swell. There is water on the quay. Most provisions can be obtained subject to delivery by ferry. There are a number of decent tavernas. Vathi is a landlocked bay further south down the western coast. This is the best all round shelter on Sifnos. Anchor in the N of the bay, good holding on sand and weed. Water is available and there are several tavernas. The setting is very attractive, the waters a translucent turquoise. Fiikiadha is on the island SW tip. Anchor to the N of the inlet with a long line ashore or go bow to the pier below the chapel. Apart from the chapel the place is quite deserted. Plati Yialos is a bay on the SE coast. Anchor in the NE corner, the bottom is sand and rock and the holding patchy in places. There are tavernas and hotels on the beach. Faros is a little further to the NE and provides good shelter from the Meltemi. Anchor at the head of the bay off the village or in one of the coves either side of the entrance to the bay. The bottom is sand and weed and provides good holding once through the weed. There are limited provisions and a few tavernas in the village. This is another lovely setting with hills surrounding the bay. The waters are good for both swimming and snorkelling. Kastro is an open bay lying under a medieval village. It is only usable in calm weather. If you cannot get to it by yacht it is worth a bus trip from other locations on the island.
There is a deserted anchorage on the south side of the uninhabited island of Dhespotico offering good shelter from the Meltemi. Ormos Dhespotico lies between the islands of Dhespotico and Andiparos. The two islands provide good all round shelter. Anchor in the north in 2-4m where sand and weed provide good holding. There are several tavernas on the Andiparos side. To the NE of Andiparos is a narrow channel. Anchor in the cove of the village. There are several tavernas and some provisions can be found in the village.
Paros is a large oval island mainly barren. It remains a tranquil destination with some of the most charming villages and best beaches to be found in the Greek islands. The island was in the hands of the Cretans when the Ionians arrived in about 1100 BC from mainland Greece subsequently destroying the Cretan civilisation. One hundred years later Arcadians arrived on the island, under a leader known as Paros. The mix of Arcadians and Ionians produced a race that developed the island's agriculture and expanded on the neighbouring island of Antiparos, which was then called Oliaros. Paros became into a major maritime power controlling sea communications in the Aegean. In the 6th century, the neighbour island of Naxos replaced Paros as the centre of power in the Cyclades. It was only natural that war should break out between the two islands and continue for many years.
Paroikia is the main port and care is needed in the approaches with a number of rocky outcrops and reefs. Berth bow or stern to in the inner harbour. If the harbour is crowded it is possible to anchor in one of the two bays to the north, the one to the NE providing better shelter from the Meltemi. Good holding in sand and weed one through the weed. There is water on the quay and fuel can be delivered by mini tanker. All provisions can be obtained from the town. There are numerous tavernas to choose from and other restaurants catering to more cosmopolitan tastes. A visit to the old quarter around Kastro is rewarding. Naousa is a large bay on the N end of Paros with a choice of anchorages. The village of Naousa has a small but busy harbour. Yachts should go on the outside of the mole. There is water on the quay. The village will be able to supply most provisions and there are several good tavernas. On the E coast is Piso Livadhi. Go bow or stern to the breakwater with a long line. It is open to the SW and becomes untenable with strong winds from this direction. There is water one the mole and limited provisions from the village. The tavernas around the waterfront have wonderful views across the harbour. Aliki is a bay on the SW coast of Paros. Anchor in the bay, the piers have insufficient depths for a yacht. There is a hotel and a taverna ashore.
Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades. It is mountainous island but has numerous green plains, fertile valleys and long sandy beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters. According to mythology Zeus, king of gods, grew up in Naxos, as did his son Dionysus, god of wine and feast. Dionysus loved Naxos so much that he made it a fertile land, full of vineyards, producing a wine of excellent taste and fine quality. There are several possibilities for mooring in Naxosxs harbour, under the breakwater in the NE corner, the bottom is sand, rock and weed. Go bow or stern to in the new basin, really only suitable in calm weather, the bottom is sand and rock with poor holding in places. Anchor and take a long line ashore On the NE side of the isthmus. Good holding and shelter from southerly winds but open to the Meltemi. Water and fuel are available in the harbour. Showers. Most provisions are obtainable in the town and there are many good tavernas. Naxos is the safest harbour on the island and should be used as a base if exploring inland. The anchorages of Ayios Prokopiou, Kouroupa and Kalando offer some shelter but there are no facilities ashore. Apollonia is near the NE tip of Naxos. Go bows to the outer part of the breakwater taking a long line to the shore. There is reasonable protection from the Meltemi. There are tavernas in the small village and some provisions can be found.
Dhenoussa lies 9 miles to the east of Naxos. Ormos Roussa is a bay on the E coast. Anchor in the N corner for the best shelter from the Meltemi. Limited provisions can be found ashore. Dhendro is on the south coast and offers good protection from the Meltemi. There are no facilities. Stavros lies just to the west, less protection but some provisions can be found ashore as can a taverna.
Iraklia lies 3 miles to the south of Naxos. Ayios Yeoryios is a deep inlet in the NE of the island. Go bow to the short mole or anchor off. Good holding on sand and rock. There is a taverna ashore in this very attractive setting. Pigadhiin is in the SE. It should only be used in calm weather when it too is an attractive setting.
Skhinoussa is a small island one mile to the NE of Iraklia. Mirsini is the ferry port. Go bow to the quay north of the ferry berth or anchor of. The bottom is sand and weed with poor holding in places. There are several tavernas ashore. A walk up the hill to the Chora is a must. There are a further 2 bays to the south of Mirsini that should only be used in calm weather.
Koufonisia is actually two islands, upper and lower. There is a bay on the NE tip of the upper island that is open to the E and provides some shelter from the Meltemi. Koufonisia village is on the south coast. There is some protection from the Meltemi but the constant swell makes the place very uncomfortable. There are provisions and tavernas ashore. Parianos is a small harbour just to the west. There is better shelter here and the village of Koufonisia is a 20 minute walk.
Amorgos lies to the east. It is mountainous with vertical cliffs dropping to the sea in places. Katapola is on the NW coast. Go bow or stern to the quay to the E of the ferry berth, good holding on sand and weed. Sewage is pumped into the harbour and it is smelly in the summer heat. As an alternative anchor in one of the three bays to the north or in the cove to the W of Katapola. There is water on the quay. Most provisions can be obtained. Good tavernas along the waterfront. The bay is a fine setting with steep cliffs dropping into the sea. Both the Chora and the monastery at Panayia should be visited. Ayios Annas lies of the village of Yialis. Go bow or stern to the mole or the quay keeping clear of the ferry berth. The bottom is mostly rock and poor holding. There is limited protection from the Meltemi. Despite the problems the surroundings are wonderful and the place is well worth a visit. Water is available as are some provisions. There are tavernas on the waterfront. There are further anchorages at Kolofana, Akrotiri and Kalotiri. There are no facilities at any of these. |
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