Korinthiakos Kolpos
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Korinthiakos KolposBackgroundKorinthiakos Kolpos (Κορινθιακός Κόλπος) or Gulf of Corinth is dominated by the large commercial harbor of Corinth (Κόρινθος). It is bounded on the west by the Rio-Antirio strait leading to the [[Patraikos_Kolpos|Gulf of Patras], to the north by mainland Greece, to the east by the Corinth Canal leading to the Saronic Gulf, and to the south by northern Peloponnese. The gulf is not a favored cruising ground but it is passage route of yachts coming or going from the Ionian Sea to the Aegean. Nevertheless there are here several pleasant ports and anchorages. ChartsBA 1600 Korinthiakós Kólpos Imray-Tetra G13 Gulfs of Patras and Corinth NIMA 54289 Korinthiakos Kolpos Greek 232 Korinthiakos Kolpos Radio NetsAlso see Cruiser's Nets
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The prevailing wind in Korinthiakos Kolpos in the summer is from the west and it rarely exceeds force 6. Like the meltemi it reaches it 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.
Danger: From the late autumn to the early spring the weather can be very volatile with violent thunderstorms. I have experienced very severe weather, force 9, while approaching Corinth. --Istioploos 16:08, 9 May 2008 (MDT)
Check-in facilities
Submit details about facilities for checking in - where to dock, etc.
Ports and Popular Stops
Nafpaktos
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Nafpaktos or Navpaktos (Ναύπακτος) or Lepanto [38 23.5' N 21° 49.7' E] is a jewel of a tiny mediaeval harbor well protected from from the the prevailing winds although SW and SE winds can cause some uncomfortable swell. The waterfront of the town is delightful. Unfortunately there are two problems that make this idyllic harbor less so: It is small and it is hard to find room (arrive early), and it is very noisy. The nose comes from the heavy truck traffic and from the music at night. I mean real objectionable blearing music form a night club at the E entrance, just a few meters away from your yacht.
Anchor in about 3 m depth and back up to the SE mole.
Warning: Be prepared to be squeezed by boats arriving after you.
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Galaxidhi
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Galaxidhi (Γαλαξίδι) [38° 22.8' N 22° 23.2' E] is harbor in the mainland. The town has had a long history with shipping and shipbuilding. Today it is an upscale picturesque town popular with Athenians. It is good place to leave your boat for a visit to Delphi.
The harbor offers a good all around shelter although there can be some swell with NE winds. Backup to the quay after anchoring in 3-4 m depth. The bottom is mud and weed and provides good holding.
Danger: In the entrance to the harbor stay clear of the small island of Ayios Yioryios and its surrounding reefs. Use a good large scale chart.
Galaxidi1.jpg
The Harbor of Galaxidhi |
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The Town of Galaxidhi |
Itea
Itea (Ιτέα) [38° 25.8' N 22° 25.5' E] is a small commercial harbor, used mostly for agricultural products.
Itea is a port of entry, however, since very few yachts call here, it may be better to clear into/out of Greece in more mainstream port where the bureaucratic procedures are more streamlined.
The harbor is safe and it is good alternative to Galaxidhi for leaving the boat for a visit to [[#Delphi|Delphi].
Corinth
| Corinth or Kórinthos (Κόρινθος) [37° 56.5' N 22° 52.2' E] is a large city on the SE of the Gulf of Corinth. It is a good place to leave the yacht while visiting the many interesting archeological sites within a few hours drive.
While Corinth is mainly a commercial harbor there is a small yacht harbor within the commercial port. It provides good all around shelter. There are floating docks which make it rather crowded. Either anchor in 3-4 m or take one of the layed moorings and back up to the dock. The bottom is mud and provides good holding. Danger: With strong NE winds entering and leaving the commercial harbor can be dangerous. Marinas & Yacht ClubsNone. |
File:Corinth h.jpg Chart of Corinth Yacht Harbor Click for larger view |
Anchorages
Anemokambi
| Anemokámbi (Ανεμοκάμπι) or Andromaki or Ayios Andreas [38° 21' N 22° 23' E] is relative isolated, just some houses on the S side, almost landlocked cove on the mainland, a few miles W of [[#Galaxidhi|Galaxidhi]. Unfortunately there is a fish farm nearby (N entrance).
Anchor in 3-10 m. The bottom is mud and weed, good holding. Ayioi SarandaAyioi Saranda (Άγιοι Σαράντα - Forty Saints) or Saranti is is a small village the bay just few nM E of Galaxidhi. It is well protected from the prevailing winds. You can either anchor off in 10-15 m or anchor and tie to the small quay. There is good fish restaurant here. A pleasant anchorage. LoutrakiLoutráki (Λουτράκι) or Ormos Loutrakíou is an open bay N of Corinth and the Canal. It offers shelter from the NE wind but is open to the W and S. There large hotels and it can be noisy. Anchor in 3-6 m. The bottom is sand and weed with some rocks and the holding is not everywhere good. |
File:Anemokampi h.jpg Chart of Anemokambi Click for larger view |
Offshore Islands
Trizonia
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Trizónia (Τριζόνια) [38° 22' N 22° 04.7' E] is small island on the NW side of the Corinthian Gulf. There is only a small hamlet on the island, yet there are 2-3 restaurants serving the local specialty: crayfish. Sometime in the early 90's construction began on a marina. It is not yet finished, and it is free. Moor side-to or anchor and back up on one of the moles. Alternatively you can always anchor off in 3-6 m depth. The bottom is mud and weed and provides good holding. The cove provides an excellent all around shelter. Many boats have wintered here. Despite the "marina" it is an attractive anchorage.
Alkonides
Alkonides (Αλκονίδες) is a very nice island on the SE of the Gulf of Corinth. It has lots of birds. Approach form the North.
Danger: There are large, just below the surface, boulders. Have a lookout at the bow while approaching.
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Routes/Passages To/From
Sailing from west to east you enter the gulf from the Gulf of Patras via the Rio-Antirio Strait. To reach the Aegean, you exit the Gulf of Corinth via the Corinth Canal.
Tourism & things to do ashore
In Nafpaktos
Walk around the ramparts of the harbor. Also, if you have time walk up to the castle with its distinct bell-tower.
In Galaxidi
| Other than wandering in it lovely streets you should visit the Nautical Museum which 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. |  Click for larger view |
Delphi
From Galaxidhi you can take a taxi or a local bus to Delphi, about 10 km. Delphi is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece. While in Delphi visit the Museum which houses many masterpieces along with the breath taking Charioteer.
 Delphi |
 The Charioteer of Delphi |
From Corinth
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From Corinth one can visit Ancient Corinth (also the Museum there) and Acrocorinthos, as well as Isthmia and the Isthmia Museum (several of the exhibits there from Kechries have been found by my wife Dr. Alice S. Riginos and even a few underwater finds by me --Istioploos 16:48, 9 May 2008 (MDT)).
Further away from Corinth there the most important Bronze Age sites of Mycenae (the citadel, the tombs, the http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/gh151.jsp?obj_id=7061 museum]) and Tiryns.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel
- In Nafpaktos the local gas station on the W side of the harbor runs a long hose to the quay
- I was told that arrangements can be made in Galaxidhi for a mini-tanker to deliver fuel, but have not used it--Istioploos 14:55, 9 May 2008 (MDT)
- In Corinth a mini tank can be called
Water
- In Nafpaktos there is an outlet is on the S mole
- On the quay of Galaxidhi
- There is an outlet on the quay Corinth but it may be locked. Ask for the attendant
- In the hamlet of Trizonia
Electricity
N/A.
Laundry
Grocery Stores
- There are several stores in Nafpaktos
- Good provision shopping in Galaxidhi
- In the town of Corinth there is excellent provision shopping
- Limited provisions in the store in Trizonia
Eateries
- The taverna under the large plane tree in Nafpaktos has a wonderful assortment of mezedes (appetizers) to accompany your ouzo
- Very good grilled chicken at a restaurant at the S end of the Galaxidhi harbor
- There are several restaurants on the waterfront of Corinth
- Good fish restaurant in #Ayioi_SarandaAyioi Saranda
- In Trizonia Lizzie's Yachting Club run by Allison, a British lady, has good food and a wonderful view. The food in the hamlet is also good.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
- Can be rented in the town of Corinth
Marine Stores & Facilities
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs
Transportation
From most ports there is bus to Athens. From Patras and Corinth there is also a train.
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
- Korinthiakos Kolpos
- Nafpaktos (Wikipedia)
- Delphi
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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