Astakos

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WorldMediterraneanIonian SeaGreeceAstakos
Astakos
38°31.88′N, 21°04.92′E Chart icon.png
AstakosQuay.jpg
Magnify-clip.png
The quay in Astakos has space for 6-8 yachts

The town and harbour of Astakos lie on the Ionian coast of Greece, at the head of a three-mile long inlet eight miles NE of the island of Kastos. Offshore at the entrance to the bay is a cluster of small islets, the Dhragonera islands. The town is an out-and-out commercial hub, with a busy fishing fleet and regular ferry service to the islands of Ithaca and Kefalonia 20 miles to the W. Along its breakwater are numerous flat-bottomed boats which serve the extensive fish farms in the channels between the Dhragonera islands. The harbour lies at the N end of the inlet, partially protected from W by a long breakwater. Shelter is good in the prevailing winds, but the bay is completely open S and it is better to seek shelter elsewhere in strong southerlies.

Local Weather

Charts

BA
203 Nisos Zakinthos to Nisos Paxoi
Imray-Tetra
G12 Nísos Levkas to Nísos Zákinthos
NIMA
54280 Corfu Channel to Nisis Proti
Greek
2 Ionio Pelagos
30 Kefalonia, Ithaki

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Approach and Navigation

There are no hazards in the approach to Astakos, although it necessary to navigate with care if passing between the Dhragonera islands, as there some shallow reefs around them.

The quay where yachts moor is at the E end of the quay, 100 metres from the root of the breakwater and immediately before the fishing boat and ferry quay.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Vathi, Ithaca or Zakinthos (Zante) are the nearest ports of entry. See relevant port page for details.

Berthing Options

The mooring rings are somewhat suspect
The breakwater is filled with abandoned yachts and fish farm vessels

The only berthing option for yachts in Astakos is the short length of quay as described above. The inside of the breakwater is filled with laid up vessels and fish farm boats on laid moorings, as is the first 100 metres or so of the quay heading E from the breakwater root. Between the end of the small craft moorings and the start of the fishing and ferry quay there is a length of 30 – 40 metres where up to six yachts can berth using their anchors. Depths along the quay are 4.5 – 5.0 metres and the holding is good in mud. Mooring is to rather dodgy mooring rings, which would not inspire confidence in extreme weather (see photo). Shelter on the quay is good in the prevailing W/NW winds, although there can be severe gusts off the mountains behind the town. Any southerly winds cause an uncomfortable slop on the quay and conditions would become untenable in very strong southerly winds. During the summer there are sometimes quite unpleasant sewage smells on this quay.

Once this main section of the quay is full, it is possible to moor alongside (or, with care, on an anchor moor with your anchor on a slant so as not to lay over yachts on the main section of quay) the edge of the fishing/ferry quay (see photo with people sitting on this section). Depths here are 3.5 metres.

The port police are very diligent in Astakos and you will almost certainly be asked to report to them and pay harbour dues (around Euros 5 for a typical 13 metre yacht).

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

In settled weather, it is possible to anchor off in the bay E of the harbour in depths of 6.0 – 8.0 metres. The holding is good in sand and mud. Shelter is adequate in the prevailing winds, but in southerlies or strong winds it is better to go to the anchorage at Pandeleimon Template:Coord legacy just over two miles S , where it is possible to find all-round shelter.

Offshore Islands and Groups

Yacht Repairs and Services

None.

Marine Stores

None.

Repairs/Yards

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel
Fuel can be delivered by road tanker from the nearest garage.
Water
Water points among the flower beds back from the quay
Electricity
None

Things to do Ashore

The main business of Astakos is fishing
The area around Astakos is big in vegetable growing

Tourism

Astakos is a functional town and not at all picturesque, but it is not unpleasant and grows on one after a day or so. It gets few visiting yachts, even during the summer, and is one of the rare places in the Ionian where they attract curious interest.

Grocery & Supply Stores

  • A couple of good greengrocers in the town
  • Minimarkets

Eateries

  • Several tavernas and cafes along the main waterfront

Internet/WiFi

From a couple of tavernas on the waterfront.

Laundry

None

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None

Garbage Disposal

Bins behind the fishing quay.

Transportation

Routes/Passages To/From

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

References & Publications

See Ionian Sea.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit. Personal experiences?

  • While shelter here is good in the prevailing W/NW winds, there are strong gusts in winds of F5 and above. --Athene of Lymington 09:43, 16 June 2013 (BST)

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)



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SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Athene of Lymington


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