Palairos
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Palairos
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 | 38°46.92′N, 20°52.68′E |
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 | Local chartlet |
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Palairos is a small and relatively shallow harbour on the mainland of Greece in the so-called Inland Sea, some nine miles by sea E of the S end of the Levkas Canal. It also lies barely a mile N of the harbour and marina of Vounaki, the main Sunsail charter base in this part of Greece. The harbour provides berthing for around 12-15 yachts in depths of 3.0 - 4.0 metres along its breakwater and for a further 16-18 on a pontoon just E of the breakwater. The pontoon is usually filled with the yachts of the Odysseus Sailing charter company at weekends (and often on Wednesdays also) but can be used by visiting yachts at other times. Shelter is good in the prevailing NW winds, although there can sometimes be katabatic winds from the mountains to the E which make the harbour uncomfortable in the evenings.
Local Weather
Charts
See Meganisi.
The approach to Palairos is free of dangers, although a shallow reef with less than a metre over it lies about a mile NW. This would only be a likely danger to a yacht tacking N into the bay towards the settlement of Pogonia, as it is not on the direct route from W or S.
Berthing Options
There are two principal berthing options in Palairos:
Harbour breakwater
The harbour is formed by an L-shaped breakwater extending W and N from the shore. The S and part of the W sides of the breakwater are occupied by local fishing and leisure boats on laid moorings, but there is a length of about 100 metres at the N end which is used by visiting yachts. Up to 14 yachts can anchor moor stern or bows-to here in depths of 2.0 - 4.0 metres. The quay is supplied with mooring rings and (widely-spaced) bollards. Holding is good in mud and sand (which is handy, since it is not possible to lay out much scope at some of the berths in view of the pontoon moorings). Depths along the quay are as follows: for the first 30 metres from the outer end of the breakwater (i.e. from the light structure) there are less than 2.0 metres and it is advisable to go bows-to; for the next 50 metres there are 3.0 metre depths; towards the root, where the fishing boat moorings start, there are 2.0 - 2.5 metre depths. Depths in the centre of the harbour, where you will be dropping anchor, are 4.0 metres.
Pontoon
The pontoon extends for about 50 metres from the shore due E of the breakwater. The inner part is taken by small local boats on laid moorings, but the outer half has laid moorings on both sides for around 18 yachts. These can be used by visiting yachts, but there is unlikely to be space on weekends and often on Wednesdays, when the Odysseus Sailing charter yachts use it for turnaround. Depths are 2.5 metres at the inner end, 3.25 metres in the middle and 3.75 at the outer end. There are electricity and water stanchions along the pontoon.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
In settled weather, it is possible to anchor N of the harbour in depths of 5.0 - 6.0 metres. Shelter is good from the prevailing winds, but it is exposed here if there are katabatic winds from the E.
Yacht Repairs and Services
None.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel by tanker
- None
- Water
- On the pontoon and at two points on the breakwater
- Electricity
- On the pontoon
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
Palairos is a popular beach resort and the beach to the S of the harbour caters for beach bunnies with a string of tavernas and cafes. It is also possible to swim off the outer side of the breakwater, where the rocks are interspersed with small shingly patches.
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Small supermarket up the hill in the village.
- Bakery close to main square, 50 metres from harbour.
- Two butchers up the hill in the village.
Eateries
- Plenty of choice of tavernas along the beach to the S of the harbour.
- Yacht Club cafe on the beach at the root of the breakwater does excellent wood-fired pizzas.
Internet/WiFi
At Yacht Club cafe and most of the other cafes.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
None.
Garbage Disposal
Bins near the root of the breakwater.
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.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
- Palairos is a likeable, if not especially pretty, town, currently in transition from a working agricultural town into a tourist centre, blessed with a long stretch of fine shingle beach and especially clear water. It is probably best avoided at weekends and midweek unless you get there early.--Athene of Lymington 17:17, 31 July 2012 (BST)
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- July 2012 --Athene of Lymington 17:17, 31 July 2012 (BST)
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Names: Athene of Lymington |
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | Ionian Sea | Greece | Palairos |
