Galaxidhi

From CruisersWiki

Revision as of 18:27, 10 January 2014 by Maelms (Talk | contribs)
Jump to: navigation, search

Galaxidhi, Greece

Small info.png (Click links for more information)
World icon.png
38°22.65′N, 22°23.34′E
Photo icon.png
Photo gallery
Chart icon.png
Local chartlet
Greece Galaxidi h.jpgChart of Galaxidhi - Click for larger view
Galaxidhi (Γαλαξίδι) is a small harbour and resort on the N (mainland) coast of Korinthiakos Kolpos (the Gulf of Corinth), 36 miles from the W entrance to the Corinth Canal and 30 miles E of the Rio-Antirio suspension bridge at the entrance to the Gulf. The town has a long history of shipping and shipbuilding and hosts a good nautical museum, but today it is the upscale picturesque haunt of well-heeled Athenians and visiting yachtsmen. The quays here have recently been refurbished, making Galaxidhi one of the most yacht-friendly harbours in the gulf. It is also a handy place to leave your boat for a visit to the ancient site of Delphi. Shelter is good under most conditions, although strong NE winds send in a moderate swell.

Local Weather

The prevailing wind in Korinthiakos Kolpos in the summer is from the west and it rarely exceeds force 6. Like the meltemi, it reaches its peak in the middle of the day and subsides in the evening. In the autumn and spring the wind can be either from the east or from the west.

Charts

BA
1600 Korinthiakós Kólpos
Imray-Tetra
G13 Gulfs of Patras and Corinth
NIMA
54289 Korinthiakos Kolpos
Greek
232 Korinthiakos Kolpos

Radio Nets

  • Coast Guard - VHF channel 12, tel. +30 27410 28 888
  • Olympia Radio - VHF channels 02, 64, & 85

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Approach and Navigation

The approach to Galaxidhi is straightforward as long as you steer for the centre of the passage between the low islet of Nisos Apsifia (which has a few straggly trees on it) and the islet of Ay Yeoryios just N of it. There are least depths of 8.0 – 10.0 metres in the passage. Once through, continue on a course of around 310 degrees until well past the square concrete marker to port, which marks a dangerous reef. Once past, the harbour and the conspicuous cathedral of Galaxidhi open up on a course of 210-220 degrees. The moorings are on the W side of the long inlet that extends for nearly half a mile inland.

Danger: In the entrance to the harbor do not attempt to pass inside Nisos Apsifia, even if you see local vessels doing it. The approach from this direction is not safe for a yacht. Also, stay clear of the small island of Ayios Yioryios and its surrounding reefs. Use a good large scale chart.

Berthing Options

Visiting yachts either berth alongside on three sides of the concrete jetty at the entrance to the harbour or stern/bows-to using their anchors between here and the row of small boat moorings further up the inlet. Often there will be someone ashore to tell you where to berth. There is space for around 5-6 yachts alongside and 10-12 on anchor moor. The quay is well supplied with good quality stainless steel mooring rings set into the wall as well as small bollards on top of the quay. Depths along the quay are 3 – 5 m. The holding is only moderate in soft mud and you should lay out plenty of chain if anchor mooring. There are water and electricity points all along the quay.

Note: Galixidhi experiences unusual tidal effects in view of its position in the Gulf and proximity to the Corinth Canal. Depths at the quay can vary by up to half a metre as a result and you should allow for this when mooring.

Marinas & Yacht Club

None

Anchorages

See Korinthiakos Kolpos.

Offshore Islands and Groups

  • Ayios Yeoryios

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

None.

Repairs/Yards

None

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel
Can be delivered by mini-tanker
Water
Outlets along the quay (€/day charge)
Electricity
Outlets along the quay (€/day charge)

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The town is in a very attractive setting, protected from E by a wooded peninsula with shady walkways through the pines. The waterfront is also very pretty and lined with enough cafes and tavernas to keep a hungry crew happy for a week. The town’s small but interesting Nautical Museum, which records Galaxidhi’s past as an important centre for caique building, is also worth a visit. It houses a good collection of 19th century model ships (built in Galaxidhi), paintings, figureheads, and nautical instruments. Also worth visiting is the Archaeological Collection which is housed within the Nautical Museum.

But the town’s most spectacular treasure is in the cathedral church of Agios Nikolaos on the hill above the town. Inside is a carved wooden iconostasis that is a masterpiece of the woodcarver’s art, with intricate panels depicting biblical scenes and ornate foliage climbing its pillars from top to bottom.

Most visitors here will also want to organize transport to visit the ancient site of Delphi, which lies 25 kms to the NE.

Galaxidi Boat.jpg
Boat Painting
Galxidi Nautical Museum
Click for larger view
Delphi1.jpg
Delphi
Click for larger view'
Delphi2.jpg
The Charioteer of Delphi
Click for larger view
DelphiAthena.jpg
The Temple of Athena, Delphi
Click for larger view
DelphiTheatre.jpg
The theatre, Delphi
Click for larger view
DelphiApollo.jpg
Temple of Apollo,, Delphi
Click for larger view
DelphiStadium.jpg
The Stadium, Delphi
Click for larger view

Grocery & Supply Stores

A couple of minimarkets along the waterfront.

Eateries

  • Dozens of cafes and tavernas along the waterfront
  • Very good grilled chicken at a restaurant at the S end of the harbor
  • The Porto Restaurant at the top of the inlet is family-run and good value --Athene of Lymington 18:19, 15 September 2011 (BST)

Internet/WiFi

From internet cafes on the waterfront. The Cafe Liberty is closest to the quay and has a good signal.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Car hire can be arranged by telephone from the harbour.

Garbage Disposal

Bins near the quay.

Transportation

Transportation (local and/or international)

  • Regular buses to Itea and Delphi.

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

  • Galaxidhi is a delightful spot and thoroughly deserves its popularity with cruising yachts --Athene of Lymington 18:19, 15 September 2011 (BST)

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

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

Template:Guide2



SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Istioploos, Athene of Lymington, Maelms


Cruising Wiki Navigation

| HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | Greece | Korinthiakos Kolpos | Galaxidhi |
Personal tools
advertisement
Friends of Cruisers Wiki