Poros

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Poros town harbour provides excellent year round shelter but, because of the constant traffic of large and small ferries, there is an almost continual wash caused by their wakes. Also, during S winds, there can be gusts. However, many yachts winter here in perfect safety. The town is built on a small peninsula surrounded by quays along the S and NW sides. On the more popular and quieter NW side, visiting yachts can berth using their anchors stern/bows-to either the quay or the long pontoon that extends out at right angles from the N end of the quay.  Depths along the quay here range from 2.5 – 3.5 metres (although ballasting in a couple of spots reduces this) and on the pontoon from 3.5 metres at the inshore end to over 10.0 metres at the outer end.  You will be dropping your anchor in around 10.0 metres wherever you decide to berth, so allow for lots of chain.  Holding is excellent in mud.  Water and electricity can be obtained on the quay but not at present on the pontoon.  In either position, good fendering and a good clearance off the quay are essential in view of the heavy wash from ferries.
+
Poros town harbour provides excellent year round shelter but, because of the constant traffic of large and small ferries, there is an almost continual wash caused by their wakes. Also, during S winds, there can be gusts. However, many yachts winter here in perfect safety. The town is built on a small peninsula surrounded by quays along the S and NW sides. On the more popular and quieter NW side, visiting yachts can berth using their anchors stern/bows-to either the quay or the long pontoon that extends out at right angles from the N end of the quay.  Depths along the quay here range from 2.5 – 3.5 metres (although ballasting in a couple of spots reduces this) and on the pontoon from 3.5 metres at the inshore end to over 10.0 metres at the outer end (the pontoon was out of use in May 2016 - not clear why).  You will be dropping your anchor in around 10.0 metres wherever you decide to berth, so allow for lots of chain.  Holding is excellent in mud.  Water and electricity can be obtained on the quay but not at present on the pontoon.  In either position, good fendering and a good clearance off the quay are essential in view of the heavy wash from ferries.
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On the S quay, yachts can moor using their anchors stern/bows-to the quay just W of the laid moorings of the charter fleet and local boats.  Depths here are 3.0 – 4.0 metres and you will be dropping your anchor in 5.0 – 6.0 metres.  Holding is excellent in mud.  Alternatively, at less busy periods a limited number of yachts can lie alongside the quay immediately E of the ferry quay (being sure not to obstruct the ferries), where there are depths of 3.5 – 4.0 metres.  However, the quay is very low here and there is a risk of damage if your fenders lift in a large swell.  There are water and electricity points all along the quays here. 2015 dockage with electricity and water E20 for 17 metres.  
+
On the S quay, yachts can moor using their anchors stern/bows-to the quay just W of the laid moorings of the charter fleet and local boats.  Depths here are 3.0 – 4.0 metres and you will be dropping your anchor in 5.0 – 6.0 metres.  Holding is excellent in mud.  Alternatively, at less busy periods a limited number of yachts can lie alongside the quay immediately E of the ferry quay (being sure not to obstruct the ferries), where there are depths of 3.5 – 4.0 metres.  However, the quay is very low here and there is a risk of damage if your fenders lift in a large swell.  There are water and electricity points all along the quays here. 2015 dockage with electricity and water E20 for 17 metres, May 2016 €15 for 15 metres.  
{{Warning}}Be aware of the considerable swell from the constant coming and going, at high speed, of the ferries. Leave as much distance as possible between your stern and the concrete quay.
{{Warning}}Be aware of the considerable swell from the constant coming and going, at high speed, of the ferries. Leave as much distance as possible between your stern and the concrete quay.

Revision as of 05:55, 22 May 2016

WorldMediterraneanAegean SeaGreeceSaronikos GulfPoros
Poros
37°31.34′N, 23°28.78′E Chart icon.png
PorosTown.jpg
Magnify-clip.png
Poros town from N

Poros (Πόρος) is a small island with an area of 33 km2 situated 26 miles S of Athens and less than a mile from the NE coast of the Peloponnese. It is pre-eminently a vacation spot for middle class Athenians and every weekend it is bustling with activity. It is also a magnet for visiting yachtsmen in view of its sheltered situation at the E end of a large, almost landlocked bay. Its main harbour is effectively the quayed S and NW sides of the small peninsula on which the town sits and, together with the numerous anchorages around the bay, can easily accommodate several hundred yachts in secure and attractive surroundings. Many of these anchorages are attractive and despite their proximity to Athens can be quite secluded. Winds are seldom very strong in the bay and, depending on conditions, yachts berth stern/bows-to or alongside on the long S quay or stern/bows-to the NW quay. There are water and electricity points along both quays. In addition, there are some excellent and well protected anchorages in the bay to the W of the town.

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 Classicists 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.

Charts

Satellite View of Poros
BA
1657 Saronikós Kólpos
Imray-Tetra
G14 Saronic and Argolic Gulf
NIMA
54344 Saronicos Kolpos & K. Petalion
Greek
413 Saronikos Kolpos

Communication

  • Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
  • Weather - VHF channel 86
  • Olympia Radio - VHF channels 27, 28, and 88

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Weather

See Aegean Sea.

Islands

None.

Navigation

The approach to Poros from N passes through a fairly narrow channel with good depths, although a swell can be pushed into it in strong NE winds. In the approach from S, the small islet of Nisos Bourtzi and an even smaller islet inshore should be left to port as there are shallows inshore. The channel into Poros from this direction passes close to the N shore and depths are as little as 3.5- 4.0 metres at its shallowest part (where the charter yachts moor). There are extensive shallows extending for 250 metres off the settlement of Galatas on the S side and you will go aground if you stray too close.

Warning: Beware especially the hydrofoil, which uses a quay just round the corner at the SW end of the peninsula and leaves at speed, hugging the N shore as it goes. The driver has only one rule of the road which is: get out of my way!

Warning: Be very careful transiting the Poros channel S of the harbor. It is shallow in many places and there is heavy traffic.

Entrance

None. The Athens marinas are the nearest ports of entry to the N; Nafplio in the Peloponnese to the SW and Ermoupolis on Syros to the E.

Berthing

Ports

Poros Harbour

Poros Harbour
37°30.2′N, 23°27.21′E Chart icon.png
Greece Poros h.jpg
Magnify-clip.png
Chart of Poros Harbor

Poros town harbour provides excellent year round shelter but, because of the constant traffic of large and small ferries, there is an almost continual wash caused by their wakes. Also, during S winds, there can be gusts. However, many yachts winter here in perfect safety. The town is built on a small peninsula surrounded by quays along the S and NW sides. On the more popular and quieter NW side, visiting yachts can berth using their anchors stern/bows-to either the quay or the long pontoon that extends out at right angles from the N end of the quay. Depths along the quay here range from 2.5 – 3.5 metres (although ballasting in a couple of spots reduces this) and on the pontoon from 3.5 metres at the inshore end to over 10.0 metres at the outer end (the pontoon was out of use in May 2016 - not clear why). You will be dropping your anchor in around 10.0 metres wherever you decide to berth, so allow for lots of chain. Holding is excellent in mud. Water and electricity can be obtained on the quay but not at present on the pontoon. In either position, good fendering and a good clearance off the quay are essential in view of the heavy wash from ferries.

On the S quay, yachts can moor using their anchors stern/bows-to the quay just W of the laid moorings of the charter fleet and local boats. Depths here are 3.0 – 4.0 metres and you will be dropping your anchor in 5.0 – 6.0 metres. Holding is excellent in mud. Alternatively, at less busy periods a limited number of yachts can lie alongside the quay immediately E of the ferry quay (being sure not to obstruct the ferries), where there are depths of 3.5 – 4.0 metres. However, the quay is very low here and there is a risk of damage if your fenders lift in a large swell. There are water and electricity points all along the quays here. 2015 dockage with electricity and water E20 for 17 metres, May 2016 €15 for 15 metres.

Warning: Be aware of the considerable swell from the constant coming and going, at high speed, of the ferries. Leave as much distance as possible between your stern and the concrete quay.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

Russian Bay

Russian Bay
37°31.1′N, 23°25.96′E Chart icon.png
Greece Poros Russian h.jpg
Magnify-clip.png
Chart of Russian Bay

Russian Bay or Daskalia bay is a well protected bay just 1.4 miles W of Poros. In the entrance of the bay is the tiny Daskalia island with a chapel. Anchor in about 6.0 metres wherever there is space. The bottom is sand and weed, good holding once through the weed. If the wind is variable or the anchorage is busy, 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.

Although a very pleasant anchorage, the water is murky and one’s peace is disturbed by the frequent wash from the ferries. Poros town is an hour and a quarter on foot, but quicker by dinghy.

Neorion Bay

Neorion Bay/wiki/Poros#Neorion_Bay
Anchorage icon Neorion Bay [[Poros#Neorion Bay|Neorion Bay]] 37°30.9′N, 23°25.98′E
Neorion Bay is situated a mile NW of Poros town. It is an attractive, tree-lined bay with a few small villa complexes, a couple of tavernas and a water sports centre. Although noisier than some of the other anchorages, its leafiness makes it one of the prettiest. Anchor in 6.0 – 8.0 metres around 50 metres off the shore. The holding is good in mud and weed once through the weed (you may need more than one attempt). Like all the Poros bay anchorages, one’s peace is occasionally disturbed by the frequent wash from the ferries.

Vidhi Bay

Vidhi Bay/wiki/Poros#Vidhi_Bay
Anchorage icon Vidhi Bay [[Poros#Vidhi Bay|Vidhi Bay]] 37°30.92′N, 23°23.76′E
This protected and shallow bay is on the Peloponnese at the W end of the bay of Poros. It offers good shelter except with strong E winds. Anchor in 5.0 – 6.0 metres in the bay or one of the coves on its N side. Holding is good in mud and weed.

Galatas

Galatas/wiki/Poros#Galatas
Anchorage icon Galatas [[Poros#Galatas|Galatas]] 37°29.94′N, 23°26.8′E
The village of Galatas is opposite the S quay of Poros town on the Peloponnese. The waters along the shore here are very shallow and yachts seldom anchor here. Where there are suitable depths, private moorings have been laid and no anchoring is possible.

Poros Bay

Poros Bay/wiki/Poros#Poros_Bay
Anchorage icon Poros Bay [[Poros#Poros Bay|Poros Bay]] 37°30.4′N, 23°28′E
The bay just E of the town. Depths here are over 10 metres until very close inshore and the holding is poor. It is usually used as a day anchorage only.

Aliki Beach

Aliki Beach/wiki/Poros#Aliki_Beach
Anchorage icon Aliki Beach [[Poros#Aliki Beach|Aliki Beach]] 37°29.4′N, 23°28.1′E
Aliki Beach lies due S of the small islet of Nisos Bourtzi in the S entrance to Poros bay on the Peloponnese side. It is relatively shallow but the bottom is sand and good holding. Shelter is only moderate and it is best considered as a day anchorage only.

Monastery Bay

Monastery Bay/wiki/Poros#Monastery_Bay
Anchorage icon Monastery Bay [[Poros#Monastery Bay|Monastery Bay]] 37°30.3′N, 23°28.8′E
Monastery Bay lies about one mile E from the town, under the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. It is very deep and provides poor holding, suitable only for a brief stop. Stay with the boat as she may drag.

Barbaria Cove

Barbaria Cove/wiki/Poros#Barbaria_Cove
Anchorage icon Barbaria Cove [[Poros#Barbaria Cove|Barbaria Cove]] 37°31.9′N, 23°29.05′E
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.

Yerolimenas

Yerolimenas/wiki/Poros#Yerolimenas
Anchorage icon Yerolimenas [[Poros#Yerolimenas|Yerolimenas]] 37°31.4′N, 23°25.6′E
Yerolimenas is a small cove is at the westernmost end of the island, 500 metres S of Cape Dana at the N end of the entrance channel into Poros bay. It offers excellent shelter from all directions in very peaceful and attractive surroundings. It also has probably the clearest water of any of the Poros bay anchorages. Anchor in 4.0 – 5.0 metres wherever there is space. The holding is good in sand and weed. At busy times, it may be advisable to take a line ashore to stop yourself swinging.

NW Cove

NW Cove/wiki/Poros#NW_Cove
Anchorage icon NW Cove [[Poros#NW Cove|NW Cove]] 37°31.5′N, 23°26.2′E
This cove is on the NW side of the island. It looks promising.

Yacht Services and Repairs

Marine Stores

There is one chandler on the main square across from the ferry boat landing.

Repairs/Yards

Only minor, ask at the chandlery store.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel
Diesel fuel is delivered by a mini-tanker. For a delivery hail Mr. Eliades on VHF Channel 77.
Water
On the quay (connected for a fee by the water man)
Electricity
On the quay (prepaid card system)

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The whole bay of Poros is in a delightful setting, its shores lined with pine and cypress trees, and the entry to it by yacht is one of the most beautiful in Greece. The town is similarly very picturesque and pleasant with many tavernas, bars and small provisions stores. While it is very busy and tourist-thronged down at the quayside, a steep climb up to the main town square around the cathedral is rewarded with superb views and comparative peace and quiet. For the energetic (or with transport), a five km walk or drive E from the town and a further 40 minute climb brings you to the Poseidon Sanctuary. This is the place that Demosthenes committed suicide in 322 BC. The Sanctuary is dated from the 6th century BC. The Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi is about 35 km from the town in a heavily wooded location. It has a post Byzantine woodcarved iconostasis.

History buffs will recall that Poros was the place where the reconstructed Athenian Trireme was tested. This was a joint project between a team of British Classicists and naval architects and was funded by the Greek Navy. The objective was to find out the speed and fighting abilities of these remarkable ancient ships.

Grocery & Supply Stores

There are numerous provisions shops in the town, especially along the NW quay, where there is a good butcher, small supermarket and a bakery.

Eateries

There are numerous restaurants along the S quay and better ones up in the town.

  • O Kipos (The Garden) near the cathedral up in the old town is a personal favourite --Athene of Lymington 15:30, 11 September 2011 (BST)

Internet/WiFi

Via a free municipal wifi (Poros Wifi) or in Internet cafés.

Laundry

  • Suzi's Laundrette is next to the telephone office (OTE). Call 6976 904650 They will pick up and deliver to boats. 6kg wash and dry E10. Ironing available

Motorbike & Car Rentals

You can rent either motorbikes or bicycles from several outlets.

Garbage Disposal

There are bins around the harbour and in some of the anchorages.

Transportation

Very frequent transportation to Athens from the Flying Dolphins (hydrofoils).

Routes/Passages To/From

Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forums

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

Links

References & Publications

See Greece.


Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit. Personal experiences?

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