Port Atheni
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| Port Atheni, Meganisi
| |
 Port Atheni from N |
The inlet of Port Atheni lies on the NE coast of the island of Meganisi, which is separated from the much larger island of Lefkas to the W by a mile-wide channel . The most southerly of a series of three inlets (the other two being Kapali and Abelike) along this coast, Port Atheni has a small harbour at its S end with a quay accommodating 10-12 yachts on anchor moor. Visiting yachts can also berth on a taverna pontoon or in one of several anchorages on the N and S sides of the inlet. Shelter here is excellent in all but strong NE winds, which send in a nasty swell. Toilets, showers and wifi are available from the café or taverna in the inlet.
Weather
Charts
See Meganisi.
An approach from Vathi should be made to seaward of the two small islets between it and Ormos Abelike, which have rocky shoals inshore of them. There are no dangers in the approach from S. Once inside the inlet, it divides into a S and N branch; the harbour is in the S branch, and between the two branches there is a dangerous reef extending 200 metres off the headland that divides them.
Berthing
There are several berthing options in Port Atheni, depending on the size and draft of your yacht and the wind conditions:
Yacht Quay
The yacht quay is situated at the S end of the inlet, between two short jetties, and can accommodate around 10-12 yachts on anchor moor. Note that the centre section is basically a ferry ramp and there are no mooring rings there. Depths along the quay range from 2.5 metres at the N end to 2.25 metres at the S end. Holding is good in mud and weed, but the condition of the mooring rings and rusty staples to take your shore lines should be carefully inspected, especially if strong winds are forecast. Shelter on the quay is good in virtually all conditions, although there is a swell in strong NE winds. Toilets and showers (Euros 2.50) at the café.
Beyond the quay is shallow and in any case filled with small craft on permanent moorings.
Nagias Taverna Pontoon
The Nagias Taverna lies on the S side of the inlet, around 100 metres N of the quay. It has a rather rickety pontoon which can squeeze in 10 - 12 yachts in depths of barely 1.5 metres (and only 1.0 metre along the recessed, N part). It is usually best to to bows-to in view of the depths. Also, there are very few points to which lines can be attached, and you are usually tying up to rusty bits of wire or angle iron at the back of the pontoon. Really the pontoon is only suitable for settled weather and under no circumstances with any swell running.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
It is possible to free anchor in the harbour at the S end of the inlet, clear of the anchors of boats moored on the quay. Depths here are substantial and you will be dropping anchor in 10-12 metres. Holding is good in mud and weed (once through the weed). Alternatively, there are several other possibilities:
North Cove
The cove on the N side of the inlet (around the dangerous 200 metre spit that divides it from the main harbour of Port Atheni) is the most popular anchorage, giving good shelter from the prevailing NW winds. Drop anchor in 5.0 – 6.0 metres off the beach and take long lines ashore. Alternatively, anchor further out in 10-12 metres and take lines ashore to the rocks on the N side. Holding is good in sand. Shelter is good in all but strong NE or E winds.
South Coves
There are several small coves along the S side of the inlet, which progressively offer better shelter the further into the inlet you go. The wide cove just inside the headland, where there is a beach café, is popular in settled weather. Anchor off in 6.0 – 8.0 metres. Holding is good in sand and mud and shelter adequate in moderate prevailing winds and southerlies.
Alternatively, next cove along from it offers a snug anchorage for 2-3 yachts. Anchor in 5.0 – 8.0 metres with lines ashore. Holding is good in sand and weed. Shelter is good in all but strong NE winds.
Yacht Repairs and Services
None, although it is possible to source many requirements from Vlikho or Levkas.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- None
- Water
- From the taverna or café via a long hose
- Electricity
- None
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The inlet is in an attractive setting and there are good walks around the S and N sides. A steep uphill climb from the S end of the harbour brings one in 15 minutes or so to the attractive village of Katomeri at the highest point of the island, which is quiet and unspoilt, since few tourists take the trouble to visit.
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Small minimarket behind the café
- Other provisions shops in Katomeri
Eateries
Niagas Taverna is the only game in town and very popular with charter flotillas.
Internet/WiFi
At Niagas Taverna.
Laundry
Washing machine (Euros 4.0) at the cafe.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
None.
Garbage Disposal
Some bins near the quay.
Transportation
- None
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
- Meganisi (Wikipedia)
References & Publications
See Ionian Sea.
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?
- The yacht quay is a pleasant place to while away a couple of days and mercifully free from flotilla crews, who normally berth on the Niagas Taverna pontoon. --Athene of Lymington 15:39, 27 May 2013 (BST)
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Port Atheni and this page's details validated:
- May 2013--Athene of Lymington 15:39, 27 May 2013 (BST)
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Names: Athene of Lymington |
