Agathonisi

The small harbor, Port Ayios Yioryios or San Giorgio, is at the south of the island at the end of a large bay whose western entrance has a light house (Qk Fl W 4M). It is very well protected from the meltemi, but exposed to southerly winds. The main ferry quay on the east side, where most yachts moor, has depths of 5.5 metres all along. However, the northern third is reserved for coastguard use and the southern third is used by the ferry. Yachts can berth alongside, avoiding the nasty black rubber fenders, but only on the middle third. It is possible to berth alongside the southern third, but you should be prepared to move off for 10 minutes or so when a ferry is due. (Note: it is preferable to go alongside rather than doing an anchor moor, as the depths are considerable – 12 -15 metres – and the holding suspect in weed). There is a further, low quay at the end of the inlet, which has depths of only 1.5 metres and is really only suitable for small craft.

Alternatively one can anchor just off the beach at the head of the inlet. Drop your anchor in 5-6 metres towards the east side of the sandy patch and let out no more than 25 metres of chain to avoid swinging into the buoyed-off swimming area. Because of the tightness of the swinging space here, it is usually only possible for one yacht to anchor close in; later arrivals will need to anchor further out, ensuring their anchors penetrate the thick weed. However, there are two yellow-painted metal bollards set into the rocks just east of the beach, and two or three yachts could anchor here with care, taking stern lines back to the bollards to prevent swinging.

Ashore, there are three tavernas of which Glaros (owner Yiannis, 2000) is popular with long term cruisers. Another of the tavernas has a very small very basic grocery store.

A new fuel station has opened in 2000 right across the quay but you still need to use jerry cans as they do not have a long hose.

In the same bay as Port San Giorgio and to its east, there is the Tsangaris (Τσαγκάρης - cobbler) cove, it is reasonably protected from the meltemi, although there is a westerly breeze in many summer afternoons. It is a tranquil anchorage from which one can easily visit San Giorgio with the dinghy.

It is best to drop the anchor as close to the SE shore (reasonable holding) and take 2 stern lines to the NW shore which shelters the boat from the afternoon breeze.

Another good cove is west of Port San Giorgio, also known by the locals as Spelia (Σπηλιά - Cave). It is reasonably protected from the meltemi. It is less isolated than Tsangaris because a dirt road, leading to San Giorgio, was bulldozed in 1995.

It is best to drop the anchor as close to the SW shore on a patch of sand and take a line ashore to a rock at the NE shore (under the road).

There may be a few campers at the small beach. San Giorgio is about a 10 minute walk.

The cove of Gaidourávlako (Γαϊδουραύλακκο - oxen trough) is just S of Spelia. It is more isolated and wider. It is reasonably protected from the meltemi.

On the north side of the island there is the small anchorage, Catholiko (Καθολικό - Catholic) which provides year round shelter (protected from both the norther meltemi and the southerlies) .

Anchor offshore. Good holding.

About 1.2 nM east of the Port San Giorgio bay there is another large bay with several coves. These are not as well protected as the coves in the San Giorgio bay and are only good for a brief stop.