Poros
From CruisersWiki
Poros
Background
Click for larger view
Poros (Πόρος) is a small island, 33 km2, fairly near Athens. It is preeminently a vacation spot for middle class Athenians. Every weekend it is bustling with activity. Yet, it is not overwhelming. It is a pleasant island wooded with pine trees. It is separated by a narrow channel from the Peloponnese.
In antiquity Poros was sacred to Apollo and Poseidon and it belonged to the region of Trizinos where the hero Theseus grew up. In classical times it was in the Athenian sphere. I modern times, Poros took an active part in the Greek War of Independence of 1821 contributing ships to the fleets of Hydra and Spetses. Following independence it was used as a naval base, first by the Russian and then by the Greek navy. Today there is still a large naval base.
Poros has also been the place where the reconstructed Athenian Trireme was tested. This was joint project between British Classicist s and naval architects and was funded by the Greek Navy. The objectives were to find out the speed and fighting abilities of these remarkable ancient ships.
The channel between Poros and the Peloponnese is almost landlocked and affords excellent year round protection. There is only one harbor but there are many attractive anchorages which despite the island's proximity to Athens can be quite secluded.
Charts
BA 1657 Saronikós Kólpos
Imray-Tetra G14 Saronic and Argolic Gulf
NIMA 54344 Saronicos Kolpos & K. Petalion
Greek 413 Saronikos Kolpos
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
- Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
- Weather - VHF channel 89
Approaching Poros from either the north or south, one has to go through a fairly narrow channel, however neither approach is tricky.
Warning: Be very careful transiting the Poros channel S of the harbor. It is shallow in many places and there is heavy traffic.
Ports and Popular Stops
Poros Harbor
Click for larger view
This is the harbor [37°30' N 023°27' E] of the town of Poros. It provides excellent year round shelter but because of the constant traffic of large and small ferries, there is an almost constant wash caused by their wakes. Also, during S winds, there can be b gusts. Many yachts winter here. The town is built on a small peninsula surrounded by a quay. Visiting yachts use the North quay while the South quay is used by the ferries and a sail boat flotilla which operated from Poros.
Anchor at 10 m and come stern-to the quay but allow long stern lines to protect the boat from the swells caused by the wakes. The bottom is mud and provides very good holding. The harbor can be quite crowded and there is always a good chance that your anchor will be fouled by another boat, so be prepared for this during departure.
Warning: Be aware of the wake of the constant coming and going, at high speed, of the ferries. Leave as much distance between your stern and the concrete quay as possible.
Diesel fuel is delivered on the quay by a mini-tanker and water outlets are available.
 The North Quay |
 The South Quay |
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
Russian Bay
Click for larger view
Russian Bay [37°31.2' N 023°26' E] or Daskalia bay is a very well protected bay just 1.4 nmi W of Poros. Anchor at about 6 m depth, bottom is sand and weed, good holding. If the wind is b, it best to take a shore line to one of the rocks.
The bay was named Russian because in the last century there was a Russian naval base here. The ruins of their storage facilities, ashore, can still be seen. In the entrance of the bay is the tiny Daskalia bay island with a chapel. It is a very pleasant anchorage except that the water is murky and ones peace is disturbed by the frequent wash from the ferries. Still, it is good place to stay if one wants to avoid the bustle of the town. The town, on foot is about 1 1/4 walk. It is better to go with the dinky.
Vidhi Bay
This protected and shallow bay is on the Peloponnese and W of the island of Poros.
Galatas
Just across from Poros on the Peloponnese. It is very shallow and yachts seldom anchor here.
Poros Bay
The bay just E of the town. It is very deep and provided poor holding.
Aliki Beach
Just across from Poros Bay on the Peloponnese. It is very shallow and yachts seldom anchor here.
Monastery Bay
About 1 M E from the town, under the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. It is very deep and provided poor holding, suitable only for a brief stop. Stay with the boat as she may drag.
Barbaria Cove
Barbaria cove is on the N side of the island. It is a land locked and well protected cove, with only a couple of houses ashore. Good holding.
NW Cove
This cove is on the NW side of the island. It looks promising.
Cape Dana
This cove is on the westermost edge of the island. It looks promising.
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Tourism & things to do ashore
The town of Poros is a very picturesque and pleasant with may stores, and restaurants. A holiday atmosphere prevails.
Marine Stores & Facilities
See each Port/Stop
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
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 the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
.
