Fiskardo

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==Radio Nets==
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==Communication==
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Revision as of 17:50, 28 April 2016

WorldMediterraneanIonian SeaGreeceKefaloniaFiskardo
Fiskardo
38°27.62′N, 20°34.64′E Chart icon.png
Fiskardo.jpeg
Magnify-clip.png
Yachts moored in Fiskardo
Chart of Fiskardo
Lighthouse on N side of entrance to Fiskardo

Fiskardó (Φισκαρδό) or Fiskardho or Phiscardo is a charming and well sheltered small harbor at the NE end of Kefalonia. The name of the town is a corruption of its Norman overlord's name Robert Guiscard. Because the town was not destroyed by the 1953 earthquake that flattened most of Kefalonia, it is the most architecturally picturesque town on the island and, as a result, tourists flock here. The small harbour is almost always crowded and it pays to arrive early, especially during the peak months of July and August. Even arriving as early as mid-day, it is more than likely your only option will be to anchor on the N side of the harbour with lines ashore. Shelter in the harbour is excellent in the prevailing NW winds but becomes uncomfortable in strong S or SE winds.

Weather

See Ionian Sea Weather.

Also see Ionian Sea Currents & Tides.

Charts

BA
203 Nisos Zakinthos to Nisos Paxoi
1557 Argostoli Port
Imray-Tetra
G12 Nísos Levkas to Nísos Zákinthos
NIMA
54280 Corfu Channel to Nisis Proti
Greek
2 Ionio Pelagos
30 Kefalonia, Ithaki

Communication

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Islands

Navigation

There are no dangers in the approach. Fiskardo harbour can be difficult to spot when arriving from N, but the old Venetian lighthouse on the headland on the N side and the taller, modern lighthouse above it are conspicuous once close in. Beware of ferries entering and leaving at speed, which will not be seen until around the headland if approaching from N.

Entrance

Fiskardo is not a port of entry. The nearest ports of entry on the island are Argostoli or Sami.

Berthing Options

Visting yachts have a number of options for mooring in the harbour. Unfortunately, the pontoons which used to be in place on the W side of the harbour have been removed by order of the Greek authorities and have been dumped on the S quay, considerably reducing the number of berthing spaces and blocking the section of the S quay with the best depths for mooring.

Currently yachts have the following berthing options:

Breakwater quay

Around 10-12 yachts can anchor moor to the short breakwater at the SE end of the harbour, although half of the inner side is reserved for use by a passenger ferry and will have to be vacated if a ferry is due. Depths along the inner and outer sides and on the end are less than a metre owing to rock ballasting, but are 3.0 - 4.0 metres just off. Mooring is to stainless steel rings on the top of the quay.

South quay

Some 6-8 yachts can anchor moor on the south quay, where there are also 2-3 private laid moorings to be avoided. Depths range from 1.0 metre at the E end to 1.5 metres at the W end, again owing to ballasting and a short ledge at the waterline, but are 3.0 – 3.5 metres just off. Mooring is to stainless steel rings on the quay or rusty iron ones on the quay wall. The western section of the quay, which has better depths of 1.5 – 2.0 metres, is currently (2013) blocked with disused pontoons.

West quay

Around 6-8 yachts can anchor moor on this quay in depths of 2.0 metres at S end, 3.0 metres in centre and 2.5 metres at N end. There are also a few private laid moorings along the quay. If not in use by tripper boats, there is also room for 2-3 yachts on the end of the short jetty at the N end of quay in depths of 3.0 metres. Mooring is to stainless steel rings and/or two bollards (hard to spot since they are amongst the taverna tables).


Ferry jetty

There are possible overnight berths for 2-3 yachts on anchor moor on the ferry quay on the N side of the harbour, just E of the small shingle beach. Yachts mooring here will need to leave before 11.00 as a ferry uses it. Depths here are from 3.25 metres at the W end to 1.5 metres at the E end.

Click on Interactive map of berthing options in Fiskardo for further details.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

Along the N shore of the harbour there is a good anchorage for 10-12 yachts in depths of 10-12 metres, taking lines ashore to stainless steel rings set into the rocks. Holding is only moderate in sand and some weed, so make sure your anchor is well dug in. Shelter here is good in all but strong E or S winds.

There are also several very attractive fjord-like coves S of Fiskardó (see Kefalonia).

Yacht Repairs and Services

In Fiskardo Mr. Makis who runs the Philoxenia agency is a retired seaman and very helpful to yachties. He listens on the VHF channel 16 and can arrange for a mechanic and other services.

Marine Stores

Small chandlery with limited stock on the W quay.

Repairs/Yards

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel
No fuel
Water
Water from tavernas only
Electricity
None

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Fiskardo is a gem of a place, its quays lined with pastel-coloured houses in the Venetian style and the harbour a constant bustle of activity. It is deservedly popular, and hence invariably thronged with tourists, both land- and yacht-based. There is a good walk from the N end of the harbour through the trees out to the old Venetian lighthouse and around the headland to the N. Close to the path is the ruins of a Norman church, said to have been erected in memory of Robert Guiscard.

Grocery & Supply Stores

  • Three supermarkets (the biggest one is in the refurbished main square)
  • Two small marine and fishing supplies shops

Eateries

  • Numerous tavernas and cafes along the waterfont
  • Tassia Restaurant was good (if pricey) in 2013 --Athene of Lymington

Internet/WiFi

From several tavernas and cafes.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

  • Car and scooter rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Bins on the road behind the quay.

Transportation

  • Local buses to Sami and Argostoli

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.

  • Fiskardo seems to bring out the worst in some when it comes to parking. Don't be surprised if while you are readying your anchor another boat speeds past to steal your intended berth! -- Fair Game

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Date of member's last visit to Fiskardo and this page's details validated:



This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly.


SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Istioploos, Athene of Lymington, Fair Game, Monterey


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