The place prevailing wind during the summer months is the infamous Meltemi blowing from the NNW. It’s first felt in June and becomes more powerful through July, August, and September when it can achieve force 8. In the spring as well as fall gales are typical from the N and also the SE. The summer months are hot, average temperatures are 25 deg C and temperatures regularly reach 35 deg C.
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Kea Island is extremely close to Athens, it is a mountainous island and little valleys, planted with fruit trees and vines, break up its rough attractiveness. This really is rather a holiday place and its numerous bays and appealing villages offer quiet relaxation in sharp contrast to the other more popular islands in the Cyclades. Hora is the capital of the island and house to the Archaeological Museum which hosts a number of Cycladic periods finds.
Greek mythology has it that Kea was the dwelling of the nymphs of the woods springs who embodied the “liquid element”. Then an extended amount of dryness started, water levels fell as well as the vegetation withered. The islanders asked for the help of Apollo’s son Aristaios. The gods were pacified as well as the draught was reduced allowing agriculture to thrive once more.
Korissia is the port of Kea and is situated at the southern end of the Limin Ay Nikolaou in the NW of the isle. The houses of the port are constructed around a bay, on a small plane. It’s possible for you to moor stern or bow to the quay keeping clear of the ferry mooring. As the Meltemi blows right onto the quay ensure your anchor is holding. Vourkari further NW in the bay also has a quay that you can moor stern or bow to. There are lots of other potential locations to anchor in within the bay when the current weather is quiet. Fuel is inaccessible in Korrisa and provisions and tavernas can be found in both Korrisa and Vourkari.
Loulis, the capital of Kea, is situated 5.5 km from Korissia. Lots of the old mansions are constructed next to the ruined castle. The primeval acropolis of Loulis and also the notable sculpture of Kea’s Lion are both worth a visit. As are the churches of Panayia Gamila and Panayia Revmatiani and the destroyed monasteries of Agia Anna and Dafni.
On the shore farther to the south, there is an anchorage at Ormos Pisa, there are no facilities here. Farther south still is the anchorage of Ormos Kavia, open only to the south it provides good shelter from the Meltemi. The taverna run by Manos can supply provisions, fuel, petrol, water, ice, and showers. Ormos Polais is in the SE of the island. This anchorage provides some shelter from the Meltemi but holding isn’t always good. There are ruins ashore including those of a temple. Khalidhoniki is a little cove in the NE of the island with great shelter from the Meltemi. The tiny hamlet ashore has a taverna. Orgias is a little cove on the northern coast that should exclusively be used to anchor in calm conditions. There aren’t any facilities.
The barren, rocky island of Kithnos lies 6 miles to the south of Kea. In classical times the island was a nicely ordered city-state commended by Aristotele. Excavations have found a site dating back to the Neolithic or even the Mesolithic period, making it the earliest habitation in the Cyclades. In more recent times, around 200 BC, the island was frequently assaulted by the Romans although they never succeeded in taking it. The isle is 19 kilometers long and covers an area of about 80 square kilometers. The only green shade in the heat of the summer is provided by many fig trees. Today the island is popular with Greeks who head for its many Spas that are situated in the NE of the isle.
The capital of the island, Hora, stands inland on a hillside plateau, it is a typical Cycladic hamlet with attractive churches comprising excellent woodcarving, sanctuary screens, and icons. On the western coast lie the bays of Apokriosis and Fikiadha. Good holding and shelter in attractive surroundings. There are good white sandy shores. No other facilities. Further to the south lies the island’s port Merika. Moor stern or bow to the quay inside the ferry berth. Fuel is obtainable by cab. Most provisions are obtainable in the hamlet. The anchorages of Kanala and Ay Nikolos are available in the southeast of the isle. They should be visited in only calm weather. There are not many facilities. Farther to the north on the east coast are the anchorages of Stefanos and Ioannis. They offer great shelter from the Meltemi but holding is poor in places. A limited water supply is available at Stefanos. No other facilities. Go bow or stern to off the quay. Water can be found on the quay and most provisions are available in the town. There are several tavernas.
Siros is another virtually barren isle. The north is rugged and mostly uninhabited while the south has gentler inclines and is cultivated towards the coast. Ermoupolis is on the east coast. Go bow or stern to the quay avoiding the ferry berth in the east of the harbor. Decent shelter except with winds from the SE when a sizable swell comes into the harbor making it at best very uncomfortable and at worst dangerous. Another risk is the sewage that flows into the harbor making it really smelly in the summertime. Nonpotable water can be found on the quay. There is great shopping within the town. Tons of tavernas around the harbor and in town. As the past capital of the Cyclades, the town has a particular magnificence that has many great buildings. The tiny island of Nisos Gaidharos lies just to the east. A little cove in the SE corner provides great shelter from the Meltemi. There aren’t any facilities. Varis is in the SE of Siros. Good holding and shelter from the Meltemi. Go bow or stern to the pier or anchor off. Holding is great. There’s water on the pier and electricity can be linked. Showers and toilets on the pier. Some provisions can be found in the village. This is really an especially spot and well worth a visit. Farther to the N is Galissas. There’s a small mole to the south of the bay, depths are shallow so take a very long line to it. There is a mini-market and tavernas ashore. Kini lies further to the north. There is a taverna ashore and small provisions are available.
Andros is the most northern island in the Cyclades. It really is mountainous and heavily wooded with limited cultivation. Gavin is on the NW shore. It’s possible for you to anchor in the north of the bay or go bow or stern to or alongside the quay. There is great shelter from the Meltemi. Water can be found from the village and there’s fuel on the quay. Most provisions could be got in the hamlet. There are tavernas on the waterfront and in the village. Batsi is a small harbor 2.5 miles SE from Gavron. There’s water on the quay. Fuel and most provisions may be gotten in the village. There are tavernas on the beach, around the waterfront, and in the village. Further to the south is the open bay of Palaioupolis. Anchor to the north of the bay where the greatest shelter from the Meltemi is. The waters are crystal clear and the environment remarkable. Kastro is on the E side of the aisle. The harbor is open to the Meltemi and entrance can be difficult. Water, fuel, and provisions could be gotten from the hamlet. There are tavernas around the waterfront and in the hamlet. Kastro is the capital of Andros. The walk from the harbor, around the bay to the village will undoubtedly be rewarded as the maritime, archaeological, and contemporary art museums are all worth a visit. 6 miles to the south of Kastro is the open bay of Korthion. It is likely to anchor in the bay but there’s little protection from the Meltemi and the accompanying swell is at best uncomfortable and could be dangerous.
There are several tavernas ashore and small provisions might be obtained.
Tinos is still another craggy mountainous island lying just to the south of Andros. The island is wooded and several of the slopes have been terraced there is extensive cultivation. The main port and capital are Tinos. Go bow or stern to the quay to the north of the internal harbor averting the ferry berth. There’s a great shelter in all but southerlies that generate some swell. Wash from the ferries can be uncomfortable. Fuel may be gotten in the town, as can all provisions. There are plenty of tavernas close to the harbor. Panormos lies on the NE shore. Go bow or stern to one of the two piers, care is needed with the smaller pier, as there are less than 2m depths except at its extremity. There is only limited protection from the Meltemi and it should be avoided when it’s blowing.
Further to the south lies Mykonos. Probably typically the most popular tourist spot in Greece. Its capital and port go by precisely the same name and it’s the town that’s the island’s main attraction. The bottom is weed and it is difficult to get the anchor to cut through. There’s limited protection from the Meltemi and some consider the harbor dangerous. The miniature tankers can deliver water and fuel. There are many stories in the town and all provisions may be obtained. There are numerous tavernas changing in both quality and cost. Just over a mile to the north, there’s a modern marina. This provides great all-around protection. Ornos Bay is on the south shore. There’s a supermarket nearby and several beachfront tavernas. Kalafatis further to the east provides great protection from the Meltemi but is open to the S and E. There is a taverna ashore. On the north coast is the large bay of Panormos. It can’t be used in the Meltemi season. That is a taverna ashore.
Related: Mykonos day yacht charter
Rinia lies to the west. Skhinou is a bay on the E shore. Anchor either in the north on the sand taking good care of the stone. There’s good shelter from the Meltemi. Or in the south but there is no protection from the Meltemi here. There are further anchorages at Chapel Bay, South Bay, and Miso. There are no facilities at any one of these anchorages.
Related: Sailing Itinerary from Athens to Mykonos
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