Unfortunately, after a landslide at the beginning of the year 2021, the famous Corinth Canal closed for the season and until further notice… Well we have good news! After talking with port authorities, we can confirm that it will reopen for the summer season! (more information in the article)
This magnificent ‘’passage’’ used by boaters wishing to go from the Ionian Islands to the Saronic Gulf is now accessible. Nevertheless, for the adventurous souls you can make a big detour by the south and discover the wonderful Peloponnese region!
This year, they have prepared their itinerary to bypass the Corinth Canal and make the most of this forced detour to discover and rediscover the Peloponnese. By sharing it with you, we hope this article will be a good source of inspiration for all sailors who will have to change their original plans due to this unfortunate event!
Corinth Canal S.A. updates partners and customers on ongoing restoration works. The Canal will be open for navigation from June 1st, 2023 to September 30th, 2023. Starting October 1st, the final stage of works will commence, and by February 2024, the Canal will be fully operational.
Starting June 1st, the Canal’s official website (www.corinthcanal.com) will offer new digital services including toll calculation, arrival announcements, and secure credit/debit card payments via the “Pay By Link” process.
Thierry and Geneviève will leave from the marina of Preveza and sail to the Ionian Islands before continuing their journey along the west coast of the Peloponnese planning a few stopovers along the way.
Located in a protected bay, the marina offers a free public quay off-season where you can dock alongside. It is the perfect starting point for all sailors cruising in Greek waters. For a reasonable price you can moor at the quay and refuel before a long trip.
The marina will provide you with water, electricity, diesel while the city and its many shops will offer you fresh and quality food. Preveza also has many small cafes and taverns with a peaceful laid back atmosphere praised by sailors stopping by.
The next stop for our sailing couple is about 5 hours of navigation (30 nautical miles) from Preveza, at the anchorage of Vathy on Ithaca, one of the famous Ionian Islands. A destination they will honor depending on the wind. With winds coming from the North or the Northwest they will favor the other side.
The coastal town of Vathy, located in the north of Ithaca, borders a wide bay protected from almost all directions. Except from the North or the North West, where the swell rises (up to 1 meter) making mooring there unpleasant. It is a famous spot in the region and very crowded in high season, but which part of the Ionian Islands isn’t?
The bay offers several possibilities of anchorages on Navily to visit Vathi like Lazarreto, Vathy and Vathy Ithaki. The best rated anchorage remains Vathy Ithaki which seems to be the perfect place to moor and visit this miniature ‘’Saint Tropez’’ from the 60s.
Located in the far Eastern border of the bay, it is a popular anchorage for its good holding and ideal protection from wind and swell. You will have the option of casting anchor or mooring at the quay which will give you access to the city and its many restaurants and shops. A pleasant stopover for one or two nights before resuming your journey south.
Our couple will then set sail for their first destination in the Peloponnese, the small port of Kyllini located at the eastern tip to the south of the Patra Canal. Less known, it is a pleasant stopover after a crossing of around 6 hours from the Ionian Islands. For a more than fair price (the port is no longer free) you can shelter from the swell and the north-west wind on the north quay of the marina (the other areas are reserved for fishermen).
Kyllini, offers access to a few shops, drinking water at the quayside and electricity. You will find very good fresh fish and exceptional olive oil at Taverna Stivas. The city’s only tourist attraction, Glarentza Castle (a 15-minute walk from the marina) offers stunning sunset views over Zakynthos and Kefalonia.
The sailing duo will then undertake a crossing of more than 8 hours towards the anchorage of Kyparissia, continuing towards the South. It is an excellent shelter from the southwesterly winds and easterlies by the south. Docking is available with several mooring points installed, but anchoring is also permitted.
The few bars, supermarkets and pretty beaches of Kyparissia will allow you to refuel and recharge your batteries in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The ruins of the ancient castle sitting on a hill overlooking the city, is a place of interest for those curious about ancient history. From there, take advantage of the wonderful panorama of the picturesque ancient coastal town, and sit down to enjoy the sunset.
Geneviève and Thierry will then take the road south to continue their trip around the Corinth Canal. Along the coast, they planned to cover 35 nautical miles, 6 hours of navigation before anchoring at the famous Methoni anchorage.
An unmissable anchorage very well protected from winds and swells from southwest to northwest by the north, which offers good holding in sandy bottoms at a depth of 7 meters. The bay is very wide and easily accommodates a large number of boats.
Facing the ramparts of the old town, you will enjoy a breathtaking view that promises magnificent sunsets. A few bars, taverns and shops where you can taste local culinary delights, brighten up the village. If there is one attraction not to be missed, it is the Turkish Tower and the salt water pools at the foot of the ramparts. A unique swimming spot appreciated by locals and visitors alike!
On Navily, Methoni is one of the most visited anchorages in the region and it is a first choice stopover widely approved by the community.
The next stop on the trip is another must-see in the region. 8 hours of navigation from Methoni, on the southern tip of the second finger of the Peloponnese region, lies an exceptional setting for anchoring : Porto Kagio. In a bay protected from north-west to south-east winds you will enjoy a calm body of water in the middle of the mountains.
The imposing rocky coast is a real bulwark against the winds, and forms a majestic background to this scenery. The sandy bottoms are a bit hard, and you often have to try several times before hooking your anchor safely. But that’s a small price to pay to enjoy this idyllic anchorage. Avoid with a northeasterly wind which can cause a strong swell in the bay. Otherwise, this is a place not to be missed, the photos taken by boaters should be enough to convince you.
The next episode of their journey takes place 24 nautical miles further in a straight line on Elafonisos Island. The island lies between the last finger of the Peloponnese and the island of Khitira and is home to one of the most beautiful anchorages in the region. Located in the south of the island, the anchorage of Agios Elena is a stopover that will transport you. In front of a white sandy beach bathing in crystal clear waters, you will easily anchor in sand bottoms 5 to 7 meters deep.
This small natural bay is well protected from the winds from the west to the southwest by the north. It is a safe stopover according to boaters who visited the place. In the event of more southerly winds, you just have to step over the stretch of fine sand and anchor on the other side, sheltered from the wind, at the anchorage of Ormo Sarakiniko.
It is an idyllic setting where you come to recharge your batteries and enjoy one of the most beautiful natural beaches in the Peloponnese. In high season, it attracts a number of sailboats and yachts, but without becoming too overcrowded. A perfect stopover before undertaking the crossing of Cape Maleas.
Our couple will then undertake the crossing of Cape Maleas before landing in their last destination in the Peloponnese and joining Milos in the Cyclades.
Cape Maleas is known to be a perilous passage depending on the weather. The mountains stretching from north to south on the coast act as a corridor when the wind blows from the north. Old nautical charts warn of gusts that can break masts and overturn boats, so this is a passage to be approached with caution. In a northerly wind, you are strongly advised to wait for better weather before crossing.
Once the crossing is done, Thierry and Geneviève will stop at the port of Monemvasia where you can anchor or moor at the quay in different places depending on the wind. Boaters who have visited the place recommend mooring behind the breakwater for maximum comfort. A supermarket that delivers to the marina quay and access to water and electricity will allow you to refuel.
Monemvasia is a great little coastal town to visit, the perfect kind of stopover to recharge your batteries after a long crossing. You should definitely visit the old town on the hill, there is a nice walk that takes you on the north side of the rock to the lighthouse. An ancient and historical atmosphere reigns over this small coastal haven of peace.
A last stop of choice for our couple before resuming their journey to the Cyclades, Milos and enjoying the rest of the season before the Meltem comes and force Terus to Kalamata marina for wintering (a marina which is not dry, rare enough in Greece to be noted)
This marks the end of our alternative itinerary to the Corinth Canal. We hope that the advice and chosen stopovers by Thierry and Geneviève will guide you in your itinerary choices in Greece. Discover more sailor stories about Greece by clicking here!
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