Cythera

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Cythera

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36°08.6′N, 22°59.89′E
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Local chartlet
Kythera m.jpgMap of Cythera
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Cythera (Κύθηρα) or Kythera or Kithiira or Tsirigo is a small island of 2,500 inhabitants and over 10,000 immigrants to Australia. Tourism here is fairly low key. The sea of Kythera is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. According to the mythology she rose from the foam created from the genitalia of Uranos that his son Cronos threw into the sea after castrating him.

The first settlers on the island were Phoenicians. They traded in murex shells – Porphyry in Greek, which gave the island its other name Porhyrousa. The Phoenicians were followed by the Minoans. They made the island a trading center being at the cross roads between Crete and the mainland. This strategic location has made Cythera a very valuable property. The island has been invaded 80 times in recorded history. During the 10th century AD the island was continuously being invaded by Saracens from Crete to the point that its inhabitants abandoned it. The, then Byzantine general, and later emperor Nikephoros Phocas re-conquered the Cythera and Crete from the Saracens. The rulers of the island were the Byzantine family Eudhaemonoyannis from Monemvasía. In 1204 AD the island was occupied by the Venetians but the emperor Michael Paleologos regained it and restored the Eudhaemonoyannis. In 1537 Barbarossa destroyed the island. The Venetians re-took it in the 16th century and re-named it Cerigo (Τσιρίγο) a name still used. The British followed the Venetians and in 1864, along with the other Ionian islands, ceded it to Greece. Today, for some mysterious bureaucratic reason, the island is a province of Attica.

Charts

BA
1030 Southern entrance channels to the Aegean Sea
Imray-Tetra
G15 Southern Peloponnisos
NIMA
54303 Lakonikos Kolpos S Greece
Greek
431 Monemvasia to Souda Bay

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

  • Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
  • Olympia Radio - VHF channels 85 & 86

Weather

See Weather.

Approach and Navigation

The approaches to Cythera are straightforward except for possible strong gusts.

Berthing Options

Ports

Kapsáli

Chart of Kapsáli
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World icon.png 36°08.6′N, 22°59.89′E
Although there are several anchorages in the island, Kapsáli (Καψάλι) is the only one harbor. It is a pleasant small harbor open to the S. There is always some swell here. Sometimes the anchors do not hold in the sand/weed and rock bottom. I find it better, if there is room, to go side-to the quay and use lots of fenders. You can always anchor and go bow or stern-to.

Danger: With strong S winds the harbor is untenable.

Warning: With strong W winds there are fierce gusts and a bad swell develops.

Anchorages

Ayios Nikolaos

World icon.png 36°13.42′N, 23°04.87′E
Ayios Nikolaos or Avelomonas is a small natural harbor wit a very cute small village with 3 or 4 tavernas, but no shopping of any sort. There are small fishing boats in the harbour, but no room for a yacht. However, the large sandy bay just to the west of it has good holding and provides good protection from westerlies. It is an easy dinghy ride around to the little harbour.

Makronisos

World icon.png 36°16.28′N, 23°04.43′E
The N side of Makronisos or Dhiakofti Island offers good shelter from the SW and W winds. The bottom is sand and provides excellent holding.

Ayia Pelagia

World icon.png 36°19.79′N, 22°59.04′E
Ayia Pelagia is a small port about 4 nM south of Cape Spathi. There are strong SW and W gusts.

Danger: With NE winds the port is untenable.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Yacht Services and Repairs

Marine Stores

None.

Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel
A mini tank delivers, ask at the Limenarchio (Coast Guard) in Kapsáli
Water
A tank delivers at the quay in Kapsáli. Call +30 2736 311 164 or +30 6927 953 799
Electricity
N/A (Not Available)

Offshore Islands

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

You should visit Chora. There is a nice cave.

Grocery & Supply Stores

There is good grocery store in Kapsáli, more in Chora.

Eateries

There are several restaurants is Kapsáli, more in Chora.

Internet/WiFi

In Internet cafés.

Laundry

?

Garbage Disposal

There are bins around the harbors and in several anchorages.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

In Kapsáli, towards the fishing harbor.

Transportation

There are daily flights to Athens and hydrofoils to Piraeus. For taxis to Chora or the airport call the friendly Mr. Stathis at +30 2736 311 640 or +30 6977 917 698.

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 Greece.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:


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SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Istioploos, Lighthouse


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