South Peloponnese
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South Peloponnese
Background
The coast of southern Peloponnese is not usually visited by cruising yachts unless they are in transit either moving east to the Aegean or west on their way back. Yet, it is a beautiful coast with many interesting anchorages.
The coast is dominated by the three peninsulas: Magnesia dominated by Mount Taygetos, Mani ending into the capes Cavo Grosso and Tainaron, and finally the easternmost Cape Maleas.
Magnesia was occupied by theVenetians who built two famous castles: Methoni and Koroni while within its gulf there is the city of Kalamata.
Mani has a history of being a nest of pirates and during the 400 years of Ottoman occupation was never really subjugated. It played a pivotal role during the Greek War of Independence in 1821. On the west side of the peninsula there is one of the largest caves in Greece the Cave of Dyros.
Inland of the Gulf of Laconia between Mani Mani and Cape Maleas is the city of Sparta and the nearby ghost Byzantine town of Mystras.
Charts
BA 189 Nisos Sapiénza to Nisos Paxoi
BA 682 Gulf of Kalamata
BA 1030 South-west entrance channels to the Aegean sea
BA 1685 Nisís Venetico to Nísos Spétsai including the channels between Akra Malléas and Kríti Yerakas
Imray-Tetra G15 Southern Peloponnisos
NIMA 54301 Kalamai and Approaches
NIMA 54303 Lakonikos Kolpos
Greek 22 Ionio Sea - Southern Part Zakynthos I. to C. Tainaro
Greek 43 Kriti I. - Wastern Part Cape Tainaro to Milos I.
Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
- Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
- Olympia Radio - VHF channels 27, 83, or 86
Weather
The winds here during the May - October period tend to be from the NE seldom exceeding force 4. During the November -April period they are from the SE often at gale force. But, because of the high mountains, there can be ferocious gusts especially near Capes Tainaron and Maleas. There is a popular Greek proverb among sailors: "Από τον Κάβο Μαλιά σαράντα μιλια μακρυά, κι’ από τον Κάβο Γκροσσο σαράντα κι’ άλλα τόσο." (Stay forty miles off Cape Malea, and from Cape Grosso forty time two).
Another problem here is that the weather, because of moving depressions between Maleas and Crete, can deteriorate very quickly especially during the spring and fall months. During the summer months there can be thunderstorms and squalls near the shore.
Approaches in general are straightforward. Details are given for each port.
Check-in facilities
Other than Pylos to the west, the only port of entry in this region is Kalamata.
Ports and Popular Stops
Methoni
Click for larger view]]
Methoni (Μεθώνη) [36° 48.7' N 21° 42.2' E] is the site of a large Venetian castle and has a large natural harbor surrounded by the castle on one side and large sandy beaches on the other. The bay is only exposed to the SE winds. It is a spectacular site. It is believed that Cervantes was imprisoned by the Ottomans in the castle. The town is some distance from the castle and it is spread out.
Anchor to the N of of the old quay in 2-5 m depths. The bottom sand and mud, good holding.
Danger: Stay clear of the neighborhood of the old quay and its many submerged rocks.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- June 2001 --Istioploos 09:22, 12 June 2008 (MDT)
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
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Anchorages
List details of all safe anchorages in the area.
Offshore Islands
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Routes/Passages To/From
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Tourism & things to do ashore
In Methoni
A visit and a long walks along the ramparts of the castle is must.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel
- In Methoni there is gas station at the end of the town, more than 500 m from the quay
Water
- In Methoni there is a faucet root of the old quay
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Personal Notes
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Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
See individual ports in this page.
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