Sami

From CruisersWiki

The port of Sami lies on the E coast of the island of Kefalonia in Greece, 13 miles SSE of Fiskardo and just over four miles SE of Ayia Eufimia. It is the main ferry port on the E coast of the island and has a sheltered harbour protected by breakwaters with berths for around 30-35 visiting yachts. Shelter is good in most conditions, although some berths feel quite exposed in strong winds from W round to NE as the breakwaters are quite low. In particular, berths on the W quay can become uncomfortable with strong W or NW winds as a swell penetrates through the arches on which this quay is built. The town, while architecturally unexciting, has plenty of tavernas, good provisions and a wide range of shops.

Charts

BA

203 Nisos Zakinthos to Nisos Paxoi

1557 Argostoli Port

Imray-Tetra

G12 Nísos Levkas to Nísos Zákinthos

NIMA

54280 Corfu Channel to Nisis Proti

Greek

2 Ionio Pelagos

30 Kefalonia, Ithaki

Weather

• See Ionian Sea Weather.
• Also see Ionian Sea Currents & Tides.

Passages

Islands

• Ithaca
• Lefkas
• Zakinthos (Zante)

Communication

• port authority can be reached on VHF 10, 12 or 18 or phone +30 26740 22031 or via email: [email protected]

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Navigation

There are no dangers in the approach to Sami. The harbour lies at the SE corner of a large bay, Sami Bay, protected from W round to E by two long breakwaters extending N and W from the shore. It is identifiable from distance by the numerous buildings behind the port and the red painted light structure on the N breakwater. Be careful not to confuse it with the small craft harbour half a mile to the W, which is too shallow for all but small yachts.

Entrance

Sami is a port of entry. Customs and port police offices are next to the ferry quay.

Berthing

There are three principal berthing options in Sami, the W quay, where most yachts moor, the S quay and the N or ferry quay (both the latter are usually alongside berths).

Ports

W Quay

This is where most yachts usually berth as it has the greatest number of space. In all, up to 25 yachts can anchor moor to the quay in depths ranging from 2.5 metres at the inner end to 3.5 metres at the outer end. The quay is plentifully supplied with bollards and mooring rings. Holding is good in mud and shelter good in most conditions, although strong W and NW winds send some swell through the arches on which the quay is built.

S Quay

Some 4-5 yachts can berth alongside here in depths of 4.0 – 5.0 metres. Again, there are plenty of bollards and rings on the quay. Shelter is good in winds from S round to NW, although strong N winds cause a chop across the harbour.

N Quay

Finally, around 5-6 yachts can berth alongside on the N quay, on the end of which the car ferries berth. Depths here range from 5.5 metres at the outer end to 4.0 metres at the inner end. Shelter here is good in all but strong S winds, when there is a chop across the harbour, or strong W winds, which send some swell through the entrance. This position offers good shelter in winds from N round to E, especially if tucked in behind the inner section where the wall is higher. It is noisy here when the ferry arrives.

For map and summary details click: Interactive map of berthing options in Sami

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

There are no suitable anchorages close to Sami, although in settled conditions it is possible to anchor anywhere along the S shores of Sami Bay you can find suitable depths.

Amenities

Facilities
Water	Water on the N and W quays (under the metal hatches). The beach at the beginning of the N quay has an open public beach shower. Use no soap
Electricity	N/A (Not Available).
Toilets	?
Showers	?
Laundry	N/A
Garbage	Bins on the N quay
Supplies
Fuel	Fuel can be delivered by road tanker, a quick efficient and friendly service, excellent English spoken
Bottled gas	?
Chandlers	A couple of general marine and fishing equipment stores with basic chandlery
Services
Repairs	None
Internet	From several tavernas and cafes at the root of the W quay
Mobile connectivity	?
Vehicle rentals	Car and scooter rental outlets in the town

Provisioning

• Several small supermarkets in the town
• Hardware store on the waterfront

Eating out

Numerous tavernas and cafes along the waterfont.

Transportation

• Local buses to Ayia Eufimia and Argostoli

Tourism

Sami is a rather unprepossessing place, but with transport it is possible to explore the surrounding area. From here it is possible to visit the Cave of Melissani, an underground lake fed by a subterranean stream which flows all the way across the island from Argostoli. The cave is two kms NW of Sami along the road to Ayia Eufimia. It is best to visit around midday, when the sun streams down through the roof and turns the water below the colour of turquoise. Boatmen row visitors around the cave. Five kms inland from Sami off the road to Argostoli is the Drogarati Cave, a huge grotto with numerous stalactites, so large that it is even used as an occasional concert venue. Unfortunately, at Euros 5 the admission price is not good value, since although there are more stalactites than you can shake a stick at, someone already has and there are now few unbroken ones to be seen. A stiff uphill climb from the S end of the town brings you to the ancient Acropolis of Sami, of which only a few sections of the monumental walls and gateways remain but from which there are stunning views over the bay of Sami.

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

• Sami at the Wikipedia

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.

• I stopped by here for breakfast and a swim. Lots of traffic on the north quay, mostly larger motor yachts coming in to refuel. At that time of day I found it to be a quiet, sleepy place, basking in the tranquillity of the mountain setting. The noisiest thing was the fuel truck, driven alarmingly quickly! The penchant for super loud scooter exhausts had not made its way there, all allowing me to enjoy the good food and better service of one of the tavernas. BenPikeUK

Verified by

Date of member's last visit to Sami and this page's details validated:

• October 2004 --Istioploos Travels with S/Y Thetis
• May 2011 --Monterey
• May 2013 --Athene of Lymington 16:55, 29 May 2013 (BST)
• June 2013 -- BenPikeUK

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Contributors to this page
Names: Istioploos, Athene of Lymington, BenPikeUK