Approaches

We arrived here from Anafi. I tried to contact the Marina by VHF radio on channel 10, and by telephone. I had no response from either. The yellow buoy appears to mark the extremity of the reef running out from the headland. We kept this to starboard and had no problems.

We entered the Marina cautiously but were pleasantly surprised to see that the outer basin was being dredged. The entrance must also have been dredged, as we saw no less than 3 metres of water on our way in.

Berthing

This is really a fishing port that has a few berths for visiting yachts. It is actually called Fisherman’s Haven.

Rafting up is the way of life here. Sometimes up to three deep. George, the Marina Manager, does his best to ensure that berths are available to all comers and that fishermen’s berths are used to best advantage when the fishing boats are out of port. Berths are usually allocated on the outer side of the outer quays.

The electrical supply can be variable, the water supply the same. The best time to top up is when the tripper catamarans have left for the day. The water is supposed to be non-potable, but we suffered no ill effects from drinking it. We were charged 15 euros a day, including electricity, water and wifi.

The tripper catamarans come and go twice a day. The tourists are brought to the Marina by minibus. Try to avoid arriving at 09:30 – 10:30, 14:45 – 15:45 and around sunset, as these are the busy times, with as many as 10 tripper boats jockeying for position. And twice as many minibuses clogging up the approach roads.

A diesel bowser visits the Marina most days.

The Marina is very dusty with the prevailing N – NW winds, be prepared for a major clean up after leaving!

Getting Around

There are buses to Fira (Thira) town centre. They leave from the car park at the entrance of the Marina, adjacent to the long black sandy beach. Departure time is variable! but usually 20 minutes to the odd hour. Get there early just in case! The fare (August 2012) was 2.40 Euros each way. The route is quite pleasant, meandering through several small villages and tourist resorts. The journey to the bus station in Fira takes about an hour. Check the timetable at the station for the times of the return trip.

Provisioning

ATM’s are not present in Vlychada, the nearest one being in Perissia, a fair walk away.

The mini-market in the Marina is useful, but naturally on the expensive side i.e. bread 1.20 Euros. However, the owner can organise Camping Gas, at 16 Euros per bottle.

There was an elderly Greek farmer selling his wares at the bus stop when we were there. Excellent quality produce at low prices. For example, 1 kg of cherry tomatoes for 2 Euros.

There are three Carrefour supermarkets on the island, unfortunately, they are away from the Marina, and either a taxi (expensive) or a hire car is required to visit. The one in Fira town is about 400 metres from the bus station. The Big Coop on the road down to Perissia has a good choice of provisions and is alleged to deliver to the Marina. There is an ATM outside too. There is meant to be a Lidl Supermarket, but we never found it.

Eating Out

There are numerous Tavernas in the area, we found that the Family Taverna, just outside the Marina up the road from the bus stop, offered the best food and wine at reasonable prices. No view of the famed Santorini sunset, but the quality and quantity more than made up for this. The Tavernas act as agents for hire cars, scooters, bikes and ATV’s. 35 Euros per day for a small car being the norm.

Santorini is a major holiday destination. Fira town is crowded with “beautiful” people, and the prices reflect this!

Jerry & Caz Flint

S/Y Jolini

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Thira (Santorini)