The Greek Islands are natural magnets for yacht owners offering a variety of state of the art marinas to cater for every keen skipper’s needs and you don’t have to own your own yacht to appreciate them or to enjoy the additional facilities they offer like shopping centres and chic restaurants. Greece has 19 dedicated marinas offering over 6,000 moorings and this does not take into account the numerous ports, which also have facilities for sailing vessels such as yachts and there are more marinas in the pipeline as demand and interest in nautical tourism grows at an astonishing pace.
The History of Greek Marinas
In the Sixties, the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) spotted the need for the development of mooring and berthing facilities for the growing number of yacht owners visiting the mainland and more particularly the islands. They pioneered a long-term construction programme, which by the Eighties could still not satisfy the demand. Private investors, local prefectures and the port authorities became involved and enlarged the country's marinas still further to accommodate the still growing demand for nautical vacations. Today’s marinas now offer a host of sophisticated facilities like berths, fuel, emergency docking, water, electricity, telephony, and repairs alongside dedicated areas offering luxury properties, shopping centres, cafes, bars and restaurants.
Yachting around the Islands
During the peak summer season some of the marinas become very crowded, but with over 2,000 islands to choose from there are plenty of options to choose a more peaceful setting. Whether you just drop anchor off the coast of Samos or steam into Lefkas, there is sure to be many hidden gems awaiting you at the island of your choice from fine sandy beaches, crystal clear water and historic sites to lively shoreline entertainment and fine dining. Greece offers avid yachtsman and his crew a host of wonderful attractions as well as readily available supplies and over 2,000 itineraries to suit the most demanding passengers.
Samos Marina
Located on the south east of the island, Samos Marina is the perfect stop-off for those navigating the eastern Aegean. It lies close to the scenic village of Pithagorio, five minutes from the international airport. The island is fertile and mountainous but is best known for its fine wine. The marina was constructed to modern specifications and provides a full compliment of services to yacht owners, crews and passengers. The marina offers berths to 260 yachts up to 25 m in length, although it has in the past accommodated super yachts up to 50 m in length. In 2011, the island is set to have a brand new marina catering for the needs of sailors from nearby D-Marin, the new super marina on Turkey’s Ionian coast.
Kos Marina
Kos Marina lies at the heart of the eastern Aegean. It opened in 2001 and is located near to the old harbour. It is considered one of the best marinas in the Aegean and in 2006 was awarded Blue Flag status; 8 million Euros were invested in its development and this reflects in the high quality services and amenities offered there. There are 250 berths, which can accommodate yachts from 7 m to 50 m along with all of the usual marina facilities like electricity, fire and emergency stations, telephone connections, satellite TV, bilge pumps and so on. Additionally, the premises are guarded 24 hours a day with security cameras and patrolling guards. The Administration Building offers further facilities like weather reports and meeting rooms and there is a shopping centre attached to the marina offering everything from restaurants and a supermarket to yachts chandlers’ shops and boutiques. There is also a vast range of technical services including yacht repairs by approved contractors.
Lefkas Marina
Lefkas, one of the Ionian Islands to the West of Greece has one of the country’s best marinas, which many claim is also one of the most scenic in Greece. Located next to the main port and Lefkada town centre, it opened in 2002 and is open all year. The marina offers 620 berths for yachts up to 45 m in length as well as dry docking facilities for around 280 boats and a high standard of modern services and amenities including all of the technical facilities required by yacht owners for maintenance and repairs. The Reception Centre offers everything from a medical centre to a laundry, whilst the harbour area consists of a shopping centre and plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes as well as a hotel and conference centre. The architecture in the harbour and marina area has been tastefully constructed in keeping with those of Lefkada town with a pleasant artificial island and many Venetian touches including several bridges, canals and quays and many beautiful garden areas. It is separated from the main island by a small canal and is surrounded by secluded bays, vineyards and charming villages. The marina gets very busy during the summer particularly in August when it hosts the International Folk Dance Festival.
Gouvia Marina, Corfu
Corfu’s Gouvia Marina was the first privately owned marina in Greece. In fact Gouvia has been considered the perfect harbour for centuries because of its natural links with the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea; 17th century Venetian seamen made the harbour their naval base and shipyard. It is the most important marina on the North West coast of Greece and the perfect spot to commence a tour of the Ionian Sea.
The Marina provides 1,200 berths for yachts of up to 80 m in length. It is open year round, 24 hours a day and offers thoroughly modern facilities and amenities.
Aghios Nikolaos Marina, Crete
Aghios Nikolaos Marina situated in the heart of the town of the same name, which offers a wealth of archeological heritage and cultural sites. The town lies on the attractive Mirabello Bay and was built around a magnificent lake overlooking the mountains. Thousands of visitors flock to the town each year and during peak season mooring can be tricky despite the fact that the marina offers berths for 255 yachts and dry dock facilities for a further 100 boats all year round. The marina was awarded Blue Flag status thanks to its attention to environmental, safety and organisational details.
Leros Marina
Leros is one of Dodecanese Islands in the South East Aegean Sea. It is famed for its deep, secluded natural bays, mountainous scenery and history rooted in its role as a key medieval port. Its marina is set against a massive cliff 50 m high to the north east of the Lakki Natural Harbour. It offers a dry dock area for 800 yachts, yacht maintenance and 24 hour security. The pretty island beaches on both the east and west coast offer the ideal conditions for swimming and snorkelling.
