Poros
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==Things to do Ashore== | ==Things to do Ashore== |
Revision as of 05:58, 22 May 2016
Poros
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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
- 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.
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
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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 (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
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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
Vidhi Bay
Galatas
Poros Bay
Aliki Beach
Monastery Bay
Barbaria Cove
Yerolimenas
NW Cove
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)
Laundry
There are two laundries on the front. They will turn around you washing in 2 hours. €10 for 10kilos
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
- Poros (Wikipedia)
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?
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Poros and this page's details validated: Date of member's visit to this marina & this page's details validated:
- September 2001 --Istioploos Travels with S/Y Thetis
- September 2011 --Athene of Lymington 15:30, 11 September 2011 (BST)
- July/September 2013 --Maelms
- June 2015 --Monterey Vi Seiler
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