Elafonisos
From CruisersWiki
Elafonisos
S PeloponneseS.jpg
Satellite View of Southern Peloponnese |
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Chart of Elafonisos |
Background
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The island of Elafonisos or Elaphonisos (Ελαφόνησος) is a sparsely populates island near Cape Maleas on the SE of Peloponnesos. There is only a small village on the island. The beaches of the S side of the island have rather impressive sand dunes. The dune area was until few years ago completely deserted but now it has been "discovered" and now there is a dirt road form the village to the S. side and in the delicate sand dunes house tents and even worse are scared by tire marks. What a shame!
Charts
BA 1685 Nisís Venetico to Nísos Spétsai including the channels between Akra Malléas and Kríti Yerakas
Imray-Tetra G15 Southern Peloponnisos
NIMA 54303 Lakonikos Kolpos
Greek 43 Kriti I. - Wastern Part Cape Tainaro to Milos I.
Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
- Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
- Olympia Radio - VHF channels 85 & 86
Weather
The winds here during the May - October period tend to be from the NE seldom exceeding force 4. During the November -April period they are from the SE often at gale force. But, because of the high mountains, there can be ferocious gusts especially near Capes Tainaron and Maleas. There is a popular Greek proverb among sailors: "Από τον Κάβο Μαλιά δέκα μιλια μακρυά, κι’ από τον Κάβο Γκροσσο δέκα κι’ άλλα τόσο" ("Stay ten miles off Cape Malea, and from Cape Grosso ten and then ten more"). Another problem here is that the weather, because of moving depressions between Maleas and Crete, can deteriorate very quickly especially during the spring and fall months. During the summer months there can be thunderstorms and squalls near the shore.
Approaches in general are straightforward.
Check-in facilities
There are several anchorages in Elaphonisos and one just across the channel on the Peloponnesian coast. However, not all of them are always tenable.
Ports and Popular Stops
Elafonisos Village
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There is a very small harbor in the village [36° 30.8' N 22° 58.7' E]. You can either go stern or bows-to the quay, if there is room, or anchor off in the middle of the bay in 3 m depth. Holding is reported to be bad.
Neapolis
Neapolis (Νεάπολις) [36° 30.5' N 23° 03.3' E] is a small harbor across from Elafonisos on the Peloponnesian coast. It is reported to give good shelter but being noisy.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
Lefkí
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Lefkí (Λευκί) [36° 28.7' N 22° 59' E] is maybe the best shelter from the meltemi and the prevailing W winds. It is a very pleasant isolated anchorage. The bottom is rocky with sandy areas. It is best to anchor near the S side of the cove. Once the anchor is set on sand the holding is good. I have been here during strong winds, upper 30's, and the sea was flat.
Warning: Anchor in either the S or N side of the cove away from the middle where there are rocks.
Sarakino
Sarakino is a large cove on the S side of the island. Its sand dunes make it very attractive. However, every time I have been to the island the cove was exposed to large waves.
Frangos
Frangos is just E of Sarakino on the S of the island. Its sand dunes make it very attractive. However, every time I have been to the island the cove was exposed to large waves.
W Coast
There are a few places on the W coast where one can anchor, if the weather permits.
Offshore Islands
None.
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Tourism & things to do ashore
Walk along the sand dunes to Sarakino and Frangos, preferably in the evening or early morning.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel - N/A
- Water - Near the quay of the village
- Electricity - N/A
Laundry
N/A
Grocery & Supply Stores
Eateries
- There are several restaurants in the village
Internet/WiFi
N/A.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
N/A.
Marine Stores & Facilities
None.
Repairs
N/A.
Transportation
- There are ferries from the village to Neapolis
- From Neapolis taxis to Monemvasía and ferries to Cythera
References & Publications
See Greece.
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
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- September 2007 --Istioploos 19:45, 12 June 2008 (MDT)
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