Vathi, Ithaca

From CruisersWiki

(Difference between revisions)
Jump to: navigation, search
m
 
(47 intermediate revisions not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
-
==Vathi, Ithaca==
+
{{IsPartOf|Mediterranean|Ionian Sea|Greece|Ithaca}}
-
{| class="infobox bordered" style="width: 30em; text-align: left; font-size: 90%;"
+
{{TOC block}}
-
|-
+
 
-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size: smaller;" | {{Small info}} ''(Click links for more information)''
+
{{Infobox | lat=38.36517| lon=20.7185
-
|-
+
| portofentry= y
-
! <center>[[image:World_icon.png]]</center>
+
| chartlet= y
-
| {{Coord|38|21.91|N|20|43.11|E|}}
+
| zoom= 15
-
|-
+
| image= Ithaca_Vathi_h.jpg
-
! <center>[[image:Photo_icon.png]]</center>
+
| imagetext= Chart of Vathi
-
| [http://www.panoramio.com/map/#lt=38.147591&ln=20.782352&z=1&k=2&a=1&tab=1&pl=all Photo gallery]
+
}}
-
|-
+
{{Image right|VathiView.jpg |Vathi harbour from NW }}
-
! <center>[[image:Chart_icon.png]]</center>
+
-
| [http://mapserver.mytopo.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=38.1490218297&lon=20.7825568231&scale=15000&zoom=100&type=0&height=498&width=498&icon=0&searchscope=int&CFID=18293118&CFTOKEN=13569456&scriptfile=http://mapserver.mytopo.com/homepage/index.cfm&bpid=MAP0204021051&latlontype=DMS Local chartlet]
+
-
|-
+
-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size: smaller;"|
+
-
|}{{TOCleft}}
+
-
[[Image:Ithaca Vathi h.jpg|thumb|right|345px|Chart of Vathi<br />''Click for larger view'']]
+
-
[[Image:VathiView.jpg|thumb|345px|right|Vathi harbour from NW<br />''Click for larger view]]
+
-
[[Image:VathiNEQuay.jpg|thumb|345px|right|Vathi NE quay from S<br />''Click for larger view]]
+
-
[[Image:VathiYachtQuay.jpg|thumb|345px|right|The main yacht quay in Vathi from SE<br />''Click for larger view]]
+
-
[[Image:VathiCustomsQuay.jpg|thumb|345px|right|The customs quay, Vathi from S (note water taxi berth on S side)<br />''Click for larger view]]
+
-
[[Image:VathiFuelQuay.jpg|thumb|345px|right|Vathi fuel quay from SE<br />''Click for larger view]]
+
-
[[Image:VathiAnchorage.jpg|thumb|345px|right|Yachts anchored off Vathi<br />''Click for larger view]]
+
Vathi (Βαθύ) or Vathy or Port Vathi is the main harbour of the island of [[Ithaca]] in the Ionian Sea of [[Greece]] and lies at the head of a long inlet on the E coast, four miles S of [[Kioni]] and five miles S of [[Frikes]].  It is a popular destination for yachts of all sizes during the season, as it provides a number of berthing opportunities as well as a good anchorage off the town.  Shelter in the harbour is relatively good in the prevailing W/NW winds, although there is usually a chop in the afternoon sea breezes which can become quite uncomfortable at times, especially on parts of the S quay.  Sometimes during the busiest periods local agents attempt to reserve spaces for their clients on the main yacht quay, which has led to some minor confrontations in the past.  The town is, nevertheless, a good base for hiring a car or scooter to visit the various attractions of the island of for replenishing stocks from its several provisions shops and supermarkets.
Vathi (Βαθύ) or Vathy or Port Vathi is the main harbour of the island of [[Ithaca]] in the Ionian Sea of [[Greece]] and lies at the head of a long inlet on the E coast, four miles S of [[Kioni]] and five miles S of [[Frikes]].  It is a popular destination for yachts of all sizes during the season, as it provides a number of berthing opportunities as well as a good anchorage off the town.  Shelter in the harbour is relatively good in the prevailing W/NW winds, although there is usually a chop in the afternoon sea breezes which can become quite uncomfortable at times, especially on parts of the S quay.  Sometimes during the busiest periods local agents attempt to reserve spaces for their clients on the main yacht quay, which has led to some minor confrontations in the past.  The town is, nevertheless, a good base for hiring a car or scooter to visit the various attractions of the island of for replenishing stocks from its several provisions shops and supermarkets.
-
 
-
==Local Weather==
 
-
* ''See  [[Ionian Sea#Weather_and_Winds|Ionian Sea Weather]]''.
 
-
* ''Also see  [[Ionian Sea#Currents_&_Tides|Ionian Sea Currents & Tides]]''.
 
==Charts==
==Charts==
; BA
; BA
-
: 203 Nisos Zakinthos to Nisos Paxoi<br/>
+
: 203 Nisos Zakinthos to Nisos Paxoi
; Imray-Tetra
; Imray-Tetra
: G12 Nísos Levkas to Nísos Zákinthos
: G12 Nísos Levkas to Nísos Zákinthos
Line 40: Line 24:
: 30 Kefalonia, Ithaki
: 30 Kefalonia, Ithaki
-
==Radio Nets==
+
==Weather==
 +
* ''See  [[Ionian Sea#Weather_and_Winds|Ionian Sea Weather]]''.
 +
* ''Also see  [[Ionian Sea#Currents_&_Tides|Ionian Sea Currents & Tides]]''.
 +
 
 +
==Passages==
 +
* [[Cruising the Greek Ionian Sea]]
 +
 
 +
==Communication==
*  
*  
 +
*
 +
''Also see [[World MM Nets|World Cruiser's Nets]]''.
''Also see [[World MM Nets|World Cruiser's Nets]]''.
-
==Approach and Navigation==
+
==Navigation==
There are no hazards in the approach to Vathi, which is entered from NW from the larger Gulf of Molo.  With fresh afternoon seabreezes, however, there can often be strong gusts off the mountains at the head of the gulf and it may be wise to reef down prior to entry or use the motor in such circumstances, especially as there may be a ferry leaving as you arrive.  
There are no hazards in the approach to Vathi, which is entered from NW from the larger Gulf of Molo.  With fresh afternoon seabreezes, however, there can often be strong gusts off the mountains at the head of the gulf and it may be wise to reef down prior to entry or use the motor in such circumstances, especially as there may be a ferry leaving as you arrive.  
-
==Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)==
+
==Entrance==
-
Vathi is a port of entry.  The harbourmaster’s office and customs are on the customs quay at the S end of the harbour.
+
[[Vathi]] is a port of entry.  The harbourmaster’s office and customs are on the customs quay at the S end of the harbour.
 +
{{hold vertical}}
-
==Berthing Options==
+
==Berthing==
There four main berthing options in Vathi, depending on wind direction and a yacht’s draft (for map and summary details, click on [https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=210561298658189797082.0004df3268f38308dd11e&msa=0&ll=38.369269,20.715623&spn=0.009774,0.01929 Interactive map of berthing options in Vathi, Ithaca]:
There four main berthing options in Vathi, depending on wind direction and a yacht’s draft (for map and summary details, click on [https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=210561298658189797082.0004df3268f38308dd11e&msa=0&ll=38.369269,20.715623&spn=0.009774,0.01929 Interactive map of berthing options in Vathi, Ithaca]:
-
'''Main yacht quay'''
+
===Quays===
-
 
+
{{poi | lat= 38.36507 | lon=20.71663
-
The main yacht quay extends along the SW side of the harbour between the short ferry jetty at its N end and local fishing boat moorings at its S end.  The jetty is clearly marked with yellow paint along its edge and supplied with plenty of yellow bollards as well ass recessed stainless steel mooring rings.  Around 20 yachts can anchor moor at the quay here in depths ranging from 4.0 metres at the N end to 3.5 metres at the S end.  There are tyre fenders along the quay.  The holding here is reasonable in soft mud and weed once the anchor is well dug in, but it can require two or three attempts to make sure it is holding.  Shelter on the quay is moderately good in the prevailing NW winds but it can become uncomfortable (but rarely untenable) here if they are of any strength.   
+
| type= harbour
 +
| name= Main yacht quay
 +
| zoom= 17
 +
| image= VathiYachtQuay.jpg
 +
| imagetext= The main yacht quay in Vathi from SE
 +
| text= The main yacht quay extends along the SW side of the harbour between the short ferry jetty at its N end and local fishing boat moorings at its S end.  The jetty is clearly marked with yellow paint along its edge and supplied with plenty of yellow bollards as well as recessed stainless steel mooring rings.  Around 20 yachts can anchor moor at the quay here in depths ranging from 4.0 metres at the N end to 3.5 metres at the S end.  There are tyre fenders along the quay.  The holding here is reasonable in soft mud and weed once the anchor is well dug in, but it can require two or three attempts to make sure it is holding.  Shelter on the quay is moderately good in the prevailing NW winds but it can become uncomfortable (but rarely untenable) here if they are of any strength.   
The section N of the ferry landing is used by tripper boats during the day, but can be used by yachts on anchor moor or alongside if arriving in early evening.
The section N of the ferry landing is used by tripper boats during the day, but can be used by yachts on anchor moor or alongside if arriving in early evening.
 +
}}
 +
{{hold vertical}}
-
'''Customs quay'''
+
{{poi | lat= 38.3651 | lon=20.71812
 +
| type= harbour
 +
| name= Customs Quay
 +
| zoom= 17
 +
| image= VathiCustomsQuay.jpg
 +
| imagetext= The customs quay, Vathi from S (note water taxi berth on S side)
 +
| text= The customs quay consists of a short jetty 200 metres SE of the main yacht quay, at the root of which is the harbourmaster and customs office.  About 8 boats can anchor moor to new rings and bollards off the north side. An additional boat can come alongside the east end. Depths are >2 metres with the exception of the inner corner which has rubble near the pier. Shelter here is not as good as on the main yacht quay, especially with strong northerly winds.
 +
}}
-
The customs quay consists of a short jetty 200 metres SE of the main yacht quay, at the root of which is the harbourmaster and customs office.  Only 3-4 yachts can anchor moor here on the inner section (plus one alongside on the end), since there are no bollards or mooring rings at all on the outer section and just a few rather rusty ones on the inner section. Depths are variable from 1.5 – 2.0 metres at the quay and there are some patches of rubble in places, so care is needed on berthing.  Shelter here is not as good as on the main yacht quay, especially with strong northerly winds.
+
{{poi | lat= 38.365 | lon=20.71939
 +
| type= harbour
 +
| name= SE Quay
 +
| zoom= 17
 +
| image=
 +
| imagetext=
 +
| text= There is a further section of quay extending out from the SE shore of the harbour identifiable by an anshor on a plinth, where some 8-10 yachts can anchor moor in settled weather in depths of 2.25 – 2.5 metres.  Mooring is to stainless steel mooring rings (a couple are missing).  Shelter here is poor with strong NW seabreezes and it is probably better to anchor off in such conditions. There is more room to the east but depths alongside are less.
 +
}}
 +
{{hold vertical}}
-
'''E Quay'''
+
{{poi | lat= 38.3727 | lon=20.714
 +
| type= harbour
 +
| name= NE Quay
 +
| zoom= 17
 +
| image= VathiNEQuay.jpg
 +
| imagetext= Vathi NE quay from the S
 +
| text= This quay lies at the NE corner of the harbour, around 1.5 kms from the town along a shoreside road, past the fuel quay.  There are two sections to it, an outer part that projects into deeper water, with big rubber fenders and depths of 5.5 – 6.5 metres along it, and an inner part tucked in just E with some private laid moorings in depths of 2.25 – 2.75 metres.  On the outer part around 8-10 yachts can anchor moor, dropping in 10-12 metres, or raft up alongside on the W edge in similar depths.  Mooring is to plentiful (if rusty) bollards.  Shelter here is good in the prevailing winds, but strong S winds would cause problems.  The inner part has space for 6-8 yachts, but several spaces are taken up by private laid moorings, meaning that a yacht will generally have to use its anchor here, laying well out in 6.0 – 7.0 metres to clear the moorings.  Depths at the quay are 2.25 metres at the E end increasing to 2.75 metres at the W end, '''''however''''', depths in some of the berths are less where your keel will be lying owing to silting and towards the E end can be little more than 2.0 metres.  Although these inner berths offer the best shelter in the harbour, it is inadvisable to moor here if your draft approaches 2.0 metres or if there is any swell expected.
 +
}}
-
There is a further section of quay extending out from the SE shore of the harbour, where some 8-10 yachts can anchor moor in settled weather in depths of 2.25 – 2.5 metres.  Mooring is to stainless steel mooring rings (a couple are missing).  Shelter here is poor with strong NW seabreezes and it is probably better to anchor off in such conditions.
+
{{Image center|VathiFuelQuay.jpg |Vathi fuel quay from SE |300px }}
-
 
+
-
'''NE Quay'''
+
-
 
+
-
This quay lies at the NE corner of the harbour, around 1.5 kms from the town along a shoreside road, past the fuel quay.  There are two sections to it, an outer part that projects into deeper water, with big rubber fenders and depths of 5.5 – 6.5 metres along it, and an inner part tucked in just E with some private laid moorings in depths of 2.25 – 2.75 metres.  On the outer part around 8-10 yachts can anchor moor, dropping in 10-12 metres, or raft up alongside on the W edge in similar depths.  Mooring is to plentiful (if rusty) bollards.  Shelter here is good in the prevailing winds, but strong S winds would cause problems.  The inner part has space for 6-8 yachts, but several spaces are taken up by private laid moorings, meaning that a yacht will generally have to use its anchor here, laying well out in 6.0 – 7.0 metres to clear the moorings.  Depths at the quay are 2.25 metres at the E end increasing to 2.75 metres at the W end, '''''however''''', depths in some of the berths are less where your keel will be lying owing to silting and towards the E end can be little more than 2.0 metres.  Although these inner berths offer the best shelter in the harbour, it is inadvisable to moor here if your draft approaches 2.0 metres or if there is any swell expected.
+
===Marinas & Yacht Clubs===
===Marinas & Yacht Clubs===
None.
None.
 +
{{hold vertical}}
-
===Anchorages===
+
==Anchorages==
 +
{{Image right|VathiAnchorage.jpg |Yachts anchored off Vathi  }}
It is possible to anchor off the town in 5.0 – 10.0 metres, where the holding is moderate to good in mud and weed once your anchor is well dug in.  Shelter here is adequate in the prevailing winds and usually only uncomfortable until the afternoon seabreeze, which regularly gets up to F4-5 in the summer, dies down.
It is possible to anchor off the town in 5.0 – 10.0 metres, where the holding is moderate to good in mud and weed once your anchor is well dug in.  Shelter here is adequate in the prevailing winds and usually only uncomfortable until the afternoon seabreeze, which regularly gets up to F4-5 in the summer, dies down.
-
==Offshore Islands and Groups==
+
==Amenities==
-
* [[Kefalonia]]
+
{{tlist
-
* [[Zakinthos (Zante)]]
+
-
==Yacht Repairs and Services==
+
|header|Facilities
-
None.
+
-
====Marine Stores====
+
|Water| Water is delivered by a truck. You can either phone Makis +30 6979 687 862 or wait for him to make his round
-
Basic marine and fishing stores.
+
|Electricity| N/A (Not Available)
 +
|Toilets| {{MagentaText|?}}
 +
|Showers| {{MagentaText|?}}
 +
|Laundry| Self service. In the building of Karamela Cafe. Near old ferry jetty on main yacht quay
 +
|Garbage| Bins behind the main quay and on the NE quay
-
====Repairs/Yards====
+
|header|Supplies
-
None.
+
|Fuel|
 +
* Fuel can be delivered by road tanker from the nearest garage
 +
* There is a fuel quay at the NE corner of Vathi harbour, where depths alongside are 3.5 metres tel +30 2674 033316 open 7 days 0800 - 2000. Ice and water also available
-
====Fuel, Water, & Electricity====
+
|Bottled gas| {{MagentaText|?}}
-
; Fuel
+
|Chandlers| Basic marine and fishing stores
-
: Fuel can be delivered by road tanker from the nearest garage.  Alternatively, there is a fuel quay at the NE corner of Vathi harbour, where depths alongside are 2.25 metres.
+
-
; Water
+
-
: None 
+
-
; Electricity
+
-
: None
+
-
==Things to do Ashore==
+
|header|Services
-
====Tourism====
+
|Repairs| N/A
-
Vathi has a small but interesting archaeological museum which is worth a visit.  Nearby attractions include the Cave of the Nymphs, a dingy cleft in the rocks leading to a cave associated with the eponymous one in the Odyssey, which can be entered by a rickety ladder (take a torch).  It lies up a side road 1.5 kilometres out of Vathi on the road N.  The Fountain of Arethusa, with similar Homeric associations, is at the SE end of the island and is a long, dusty trek from the road along a dirt track. What some experts believe may have been the palace of Odysseus (at any rate, the remains are of the right Mycenaean period) is the mountaintop acropolis of Alalkomenes off the road a few kilometers further N from the Cave of the Nymphs.  A hard uphill trek of around 1.5 hours brings you to the impressive walls of the settlement, with superb views N over the island. 
+
|Internet| From cafes and tavernas on the waterfront.  Also on NE quay from Ithaca_hotspot
 +
|Mobile connectivity| Good 3G signal
 +
|Vehicle rentals| Rental outlets in the town. ''Alpha Rentals'' have good scooters
 +
}}
-
====Grocery & Supply Stores====
+
==Provisioning==
-
* Carrefour supermarket on the outskirts of town (deli only – no fresh meat counter)
+
* ''Carrefour'' small supermarket on the outskirts of town (deli only – no fresh meat counter)
 +
* ''Kovtovios'' excellent well stocked supermarket with fresh meat counter 50 metres straight up street at S end of yacht quay then left.
* Butchers
* Butchers
* Greengrocers
* Greengrocers
* Several bakeries
* Several bakeries
 +
* Banks
 +
* Hardware stores
 +
* Small chandlery
 +
* Pharmacy
-
====Eateries====
+
==Eating out==
* Numerous tavernas and cafes along the main waterfront
* Numerous tavernas and cafes along the main waterfront
-
* Dimitris Taverna at NE quay (Gregory’s Taverna closed for refurbishment --[[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]] 16:05, 15 June 2013 (BST))
+
* ''Dimitris'' Taverna at NE quay (''Gregory’s'' Taverna closed for refurbishment --[[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]] 16:05, 15 June 2013 (BST))
 +
* ''Nikos Tavern'' 2 blocks in from the South East corner of the harbour with their rotisserie meats is one of the best tavernas in the Ionian. --[[User:Monterey|Monterey]] 2014
-
====Internet/WiFi====
+
==Transportation==
-
From cafes and tavernas on the waterfront.  Also on NE quay from Ithaca_hotspot.
+
* Ferries to [[Sami]] on [[Kefalonia]] and to [[Patras]]
 +
* Seasonal ferries to [[Astakos]] on mainland and to [[Nidri]] on [[Lefkas]]
-
====Laundry====
+
==Tourism==
-
None.
+
Vathi has a small but interesting archaeological museum which is worth a visit (Mon - Sat 0900 - 1300, 1900 - 2200 E3).  Nearby attractions include the Cave of the Nymphs, a dingy cleft in the rocks leading to a cave associated with the eponymous one in the Odyssey, which can be entered by a rickety ladder (take a torch) [Closed to visitors as of June 2014 --[[User:Dimrub|Dimrub]] 15:02, 9 June 2014 (BST)].  It lies up a side road 1.5 kilometres out of Vathi on the road N.  The Fountain of Arethusa, with similar Homeric associations, is at the SE end of the island and is a long, dusty trek from the road along a dirt track.  What some experts believe may have been the palace of Odysseus (at any rate, the remains are of the right Mycenaean period) is the mountaintop acropolis of Alalkomenes off the road a few kilometers further N from the Cave of the Nymphs.  A hard uphill trek of around 1.5 hours brings you to the impressive walls of the settlement, with superb views N over the island.  
-
====Motorbike & Car Rentals====
+
{{hgallery|
-
Rental outlets in the town.  Alpha Rentals have good scooters.
+
{{himage|CaveNymphs.jpg| Entrance to the Cave of the Nymphs}}
 +
  {{himage|CisternAlalkomenes.jpg | Ancient water cistern, Alalkomenes}}
 +
}}
-
====Garbage Disposal====
+
==Friends==
-
Bins behind the main quay and on the NE quay.
+
-
 
+
-
====Transportation====
+
-
* Ferries to [[Sami]] on [[Kefalonia]] and [[Patras]]
+
-
* Seasonal ferries to [[Astakos]] on mainland and [[Nidri]] on [[Lefkas]]
+
-
 
+
-
==Routes/Passages To/From==
+
-
*
+
-
 
+
-
==Cruiser's Friends==
+
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
*  
*  
-
==Forum Discussions==
+
==Forums==
List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (''see link for requirements'')
List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (''see link for requirements'')
-
*
+
*  
-
==External Links==
+
==Links==
 +
* {{wikipedia|Ithaca|Ithaca}}
*
*
-
==References & Publications==
+
==References==
''See [[Ionian Sea#References_&_Publications|Ionian Sea]]''.
''See [[Ionian Sea#References_&_Publications|Ionian Sea]]''.
-
==Personal Notes==
+
{{Comments}}
-
Personal experiences?
+
* We anchor moored stern-to near the NE pontoon, were greeted by the tavern owner, and spent great time there. Great shelter with NW 50kn gusts outside. Hired a car for seven people for 70 euros and took a tour of the island. --[[User:Dimrub|Dimrub]]
*  
*  
-
=====Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)=====
+
{{Verified by}}
-
''Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated'':
+
* June 1995 {{Istioploos2}}
-
*June 1995 --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] [[Image:Greece Icon.png]]  
+
* June 2009 --[[User:Rodger|Rodger]] [[Image:Luxembourg-icon.png]]
-
*June 2009 --[[User:Rodger|Rodger]] [[Image:Luxembourg-icon.png]]  
+
* May 2013 --[[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]]  
-
*May 2012 - [[User:Monterey|Monterey]] [[Image:Bermuda Icon.png]]
+
* June 2014 --[[User:Dimrub|Dimrub]] [[Image:Israel Icon.png]]
-
*May 2013 --[[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]] 16:05, 15 June 2013 (BST)
+
* Sept 2014 -- [[User:Monterey|Monterey]] [[Image:Bermuda Icon.png]]
 +
*  
-
{{Guide2}}
+
{{Page useable}}
-
<br />
+
{{Contributors|[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]], [[User:atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]], [[User:Monterey|Monterey]] }}
-
{|id="mp-right" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" style="vertical-align:top; background:#fff5ee; border:1px solid #fa8072;"
+
-
! <h2 id="mp-itn-h2" style="margin:0; background:#ffe4e1; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #fa8072; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">[[image:SailorSmiley.gif]]Contributors to this page</h2>
+
-
|-
+
-
|style="color:#000;"|<small>
+
-
'''Names''': [[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]], [[User:atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]]
+
-
</small>
+
-
|}
+
-
<br />
+
[[Category:Ports - Greece]]
-
{|id="mp-right" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" style="vertical-align:top; background:#f5faff; border:1px solid #a3b0bf;"
+
-
! <h2 id="mp-itn-h2" style="margin:0; background:#cedff2; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #a3b0bf; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Cruising Wiki Navigation</h2>
+
-
|-
+
-
|style="color:#000;"| | [[World Cruising and Sailing Wiki|HOMEPAGE]] | [[World Cruising Guides|Wiki Contents]] | [[Mediterranean]] | [[Ionian Sea]] | [[Greece]] | [[Ithaca]] |  [[Vathi]]|
+
-
|}
+
-
+
-
[[Category:Ports - Greece]]  [[Category:Anchorages - Greece]]
+

Latest revision as of 09:14, 24 September 2018

World ▶ Mediterranean ▶ Ionian Sea ▶ Greece ▶ Ithaca ▶ Vathi, Ithaca

Contents

Vathi, Ithaca
Port of Entry
38°21.910'N, 020°43.110'E Chart icon.png
lat=38.36517 | lon=20.7185 | zoom=15 | y
Ithaca Vathi h.jpg
Magnify-clip.png
Chart of Vathi
Vathi harbour from NW

Vathi (Βαθύ) or Vathy or Port Vathi is the main harbour of the island of Ithaca in the Ionian Sea of Greece and lies at the head of a long inlet on the E coast, four miles S of Kioni and five miles S of Frikes. It is a popular destination for yachts of all sizes during the season, as it provides a number of berthing opportunities as well as a good anchorage off the town. Shelter in the harbour is relatively good in the prevailing W/NW winds, although there is usually a chop in the afternoon sea breezes which can become quite uncomfortable at times, especially on parts of the S quay. Sometimes during the busiest periods local agents attempt to reserve spaces for their clients on the main yacht quay, which has led to some minor confrontations in the past. The town is, nevertheless, a good base for hiring a car or scooter to visit the various attractions of the island of for replenishing stocks from its several provisions shops and supermarkets.

Charts

BA
203 Nisos Zakinthos to Nisos Paxoi
Imray-Tetra
G12 Nísos Levkas to Nísos Zákinthos
NIMA
54280 Corfu Channel to Nisis Proti
Greek
2 Ionio Pelagos
30 Kefalonia, Ithaki

Weather

Passages

Communication

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Navigation

There are no hazards in the approach to Vathi, which is entered from NW from the larger Gulf of Molo. With fresh afternoon seabreezes, however, there can often be strong gusts off the mountains at the head of the gulf and it may be wise to reef down prior to entry or use the motor in such circumstances, especially as there may be a ferry leaving as you arrive.

Entrance

Vathi is a port of entry. The harbourmaster’s office and customs are on the customs quay at the S end of the harbour.

Berthing

There four main berthing options in Vathi, depending on wind direction and a yacht’s draft (for map and summary details, click on Interactive map of berthing options in Vathi, Ithaca:

Quays

The main yacht quay in Vathi from SE

Main yacht quay

Main yacht quay/wiki/Vathi,_Ithaca#Main_yacht_quay
Harbour icon Main yacht quay [[Vathi, Ithaca#Main yacht quay|Main yacht quay]] 38°21.904'N, 020°42.998'E

The main yacht quay extends along the SW side of the harbour between the short ferry jetty at its N end and local fishing boat moorings at its S end. The jetty is clearly marked with yellow paint along its edge and supplied with plenty of yellow bollards as well as recessed stainless steel mooring rings. Around 20 yachts can anchor moor at the quay here in depths ranging from 4.0 metres at the N end to 3.5 metres at the S end. There are tyre fenders along the quay. The holding here is reasonable in soft mud and weed once the anchor is well dug in, but it can require two or three attempts to make sure it is holding. Shelter on the quay is moderately good in the prevailing NW winds but it can become uncomfortable (but rarely untenable) here if they are of any strength.

The section N of the ferry landing is used by tripper boats during the day, but can be used by yachts on anchor moor or alongside if arriving in early evening.
The customs quay, Vathi from S (note water taxi berth on S side)

Customs Quay

Customs Quay/wiki/Vathi,_Ithaca#Customs_Quay
Harbour icon Customs Quay [[Vathi, Ithaca#Customs Quay|Customs Quay]] 38°21.906'N, 020°43.087'E
The customs quay consists of a short jetty 200 metres SE of the main yacht quay, at the root of which is the harbourmaster and customs office. About 8 boats can anchor moor to new rings and bollards off the north side. An additional boat can come alongside the east end. Depths are >2 metres with the exception of the inner corner which has rubble near the pier. Shelter here is not as good as on the main yacht quay, especially with strong northerly winds.

SE Quay

SE Quay/wiki/Vathi,_Ithaca#SE_Quay
Harbour icon SE Quay [[Vathi, Ithaca#SE Quay|SE Quay]] 38°21.900'N, 020°43.163'E
There is a further section of quay extending out from the SE shore of the harbour identifiable by an anshor on a plinth, where some 8-10 yachts can anchor moor in settled weather in depths of 2.25 – 2.5 metres. Mooring is to stainless steel mooring rings (a couple are missing). Shelter here is poor with strong NW seabreezes and it is probably better to anchor off in such conditions. There is more room to the east but depths alongside are less.
Vathi NE quay from the S

NE Quay

NE Quay/wiki/Vathi,_Ithaca#NE_Quay
Harbour icon NE Quay [[Vathi, Ithaca#NE Quay|NE Quay]] 38°22.362'N, 020°42.840'E
This quay lies at the NE corner of the harbour, around 1.5 kms from the town along a shoreside road, past the fuel quay. There are two sections to it, an outer part that projects into deeper water, with big rubber fenders and depths of 5.5 – 6.5 metres along it, and an inner part tucked in just E with some private laid moorings in depths of 2.25 – 2.75 metres. On the outer part around 8-10 yachts can anchor moor, dropping in 10-12 metres, or raft up alongside on the W edge in similar depths. Mooring is to plentiful (if rusty) bollards. Shelter here is good in the prevailing winds, but strong S winds would cause problems. The inner part has space for 6-8 yachts, but several spaces are taken up by private laid moorings, meaning that a yacht will generally have to use its anchor here, laying well out in 6.0 – 7.0 metres to clear the moorings. Depths at the quay are 2.25 metres at the E end increasing to 2.75 metres at the W end, however, depths in some of the berths are less where your keel will be lying owing to silting and towards the E end can be little more than 2.0 metres. Although these inner berths offer the best shelter in the harbour, it is inadvisable to moor here if your draft approaches 2.0 metres or if there is any swell expected.
Vathi fuel quay from SE

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

Yachts anchored off Vathi

It is possible to anchor off the town in 5.0 – 10.0 metres, where the holding is moderate to good in mud and weed once your anchor is well dug in. Shelter here is adequate in the prevailing winds and usually only uncomfortable until the afternoon seabreeze, which regularly gets up to F4-5 in the summer, dies down.

Amenities

Facilities
Water Water is delivered by a truck. You can either phone Makis +30 6979 687 862 or wait for him to make his round
Electricity N/A (Not Available)
Toilets ?
Showers ?
Laundry Self service. In the building of Karamela Cafe. Near old ferry jetty on main yacht quay
Garbage Bins behind the main quay and on the NE quay
Supplies
Fuel
  • Fuel can be delivered by road tanker from the nearest garage
  • There is a fuel quay at the NE corner of Vathi harbour, where depths alongside are 3.5 metres tel +30 2674 033316 open 7 days 0800 - 2000. Ice and water also available
Bottled gas ?
Chandlers Basic marine and fishing stores
Services
Repairs N/A
Internet From cafes and tavernas on the waterfront. Also on NE quay from Ithaca_hotspot
Mobile connectivity Good 3G signal
Vehicle rentals Rental outlets in the town. Alpha Rentals have good scooters

Provisioning

  • Carrefour small supermarket on the outskirts of town (deli only – no fresh meat counter)
  • Kovtovios excellent well stocked supermarket with fresh meat counter 50 metres straight up street at S end of yacht quay then left.
  • Butchers
  • Greengrocers
  • Several bakeries
  • Banks
  • Hardware stores
  • Small chandlery
  • Pharmacy

Eating out

  • Numerous tavernas and cafes along the main waterfront
  • Dimitris Taverna at NE quay (Gregory’s Taverna closed for refurbishment --Athene of Lymington 16:05, 15 June 2013 (BST))
  • Nikos Tavern 2 blocks in from the South East corner of the harbour with their rotisserie meats is one of the best tavernas in the Ionian. --Monterey 2014

Transportation

Tourism

Vathi has a small but interesting archaeological museum which is worth a visit (Mon - Sat 0900 - 1300, 1900 - 2200 E3). Nearby attractions include the Cave of the Nymphs, a dingy cleft in the rocks leading to a cave associated with the eponymous one in the Odyssey, which can be entered by a rickety ladder (take a torch) [Closed to visitors as of June 2014 --Dimrub 15:02, 9 June 2014 (BST)]. It lies up a side road 1.5 kilometres out of Vathi on the road N. The Fountain of Arethusa, with similar Homeric associations, is at the SE end of the island and is a long, dusty trek from the road along a dirt track. What some experts believe may have been the palace of Odysseus (at any rate, the remains are of the right Mycenaean period) is the mountaintop acropolis of Alalkomenes off the road a few kilometers further N from the Cave of the Nymphs. A hard uphill trek of around 1.5 hours brings you to the impressive walls of the settlement, with superb views N over the island.

Entrance to the Cave of the Nymphs
Ancient water cistern, Alalkomenes

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

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.

  • We anchor moored stern-to near the NE pontoon, were greeted by the tavern owner, and spent great time there. Great shelter with NW 50kn gusts outside. Hired a car for seven people for 70 euros and took a tour of the island. --Dimrub

Verified by

Date of member's last visit to Vathi, Ithaca and this page's details validated:



This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly.


SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Istioploos, Athene of Lymington, Monterey


Retrieved from "https://www.cruiserswiki.org/wiki/Vathi,_Ithaca"
Personal tools
advertisement
Friends of Cruisers Wiki