Sailing the Peloponnese
The eastern Peloponnese coast south west of Poros is a spectacular mountainous wall stretching south south east from Astros to the towering Cape Malea. It is rugged, wild and sparsely inhabited, with only seven small harbors in sixty miles of coast. Down here, in the provinces of Arcadia and Lakonia you see the same untouched scenery as Odysseus.
The eastern Peloponnese coast is a place of quiet un-spoilt villages and anchorages. You will find waterside tavernas but you will be well away from large towns and the noise of all-nights bars and discos. If you look for peace and natural beauty, this is the area for you.
Please note that waypoints are provided for identification purposes only and represent good ‘stand-off’ locations. However, they are not intended to be used for navigation.
Tiros
This has become a new stop since the pier has been extended providing good shelter. It is worth the visit for the friendly restaurants and the charming village on the hill.
Sambatiki
A new baby harbor with limited facilities, but peaceful and useful in high season when other harbors are full.
Taverna choice is very limited, but the food is simple and wholesome. Tables are laid out after sunset quite literally on the beach!
Plaka
This is a must; Plaka harbor is situated under impressive rocky slopes and boasts a mile long beach with tavernas selling dishes sourced from the local garden markets.
It is the port for Leonidhion which is situated four kilometers inland on the floor of the valley and is the capital of the region.
Kiparissi
Kiparissi is situated in a spectacular bay surrounded by steep mountains that provide good sheltered mooring from all but north easterly winds. There are three quays; town quay, chapel cove and the northwest quay, each appropriate for sheltering from a different wind direction.
The village has several tavernas and basic provisions can be found.
Between Kipirissi and Yerakas there are some wonderful anchorages providing the weather is calm.
Yerakas
Yerakas is something really different; a totally protected fjord opening out into a (very) shallow inland salt water lagoon. It is an enchanting little place with a couple of excellent tavernas along the water’s edge.
There is a small shop under one of the tavernas. It has limited opening hours and even more limited stock, but does sell Kojac lollipops!
On the northern point of the entrance are the ruins of an acropolis dating from Mycenaean times which sits above ÁK Kástro (Castle Point).
Monemvasia
Monemvasia is unique and should be visited at all costs. It will leave you remembering it as one of the most impressive places you have ever visited. Leave a day for exploration and relaxing in the excellent restaurants and wandering the streets and shops.
The colossal rock has the remains of a Byzantine town spread across the top and a medieval village tucked onto its southern side. To enter the village is to take a step back in time. A causeway joins it to the mainland town of Yefira where the harbor is situated.
Cape Malea
It is a considerable distance from Monemvasia to the next stopping points of Elafonisos or the harbors of Kithera. Cape Malea and the Kithera-Elafonisos strait have a reputation for strong winds and confused seas making it difficult to return north. If you intend to visit these two islands, make sure you have ample time to return and check the weather forecast before putting out to sea.
