Sailing+Leisure

Greece Awaits: As we wrap up our journey through the magnificent Ionian Sea and the captivating landscapes of the Peloponnese, a wave of elation washes over us, buoyed by the successful navigation of the intricate 90/180 Schengen rules. Each enchanting coastline and sun-drenched village tells a story, inviting us to linger a little longer. The crystal-clear waters and lush hills create a picturesque backdrop for reflection, as we savor the freedom of movement that comes with compliance. With each passport stamp, we’re reminded of the adventure, the culture, and the connections forged across borders. This journey not only enriches our soul but also instills a profound appreciation for the beauty of exploration within the framework of these regulations.

This post continued from our earlier post.
cruising Diary
September, 2024, Sarandë, Albania

17^th Today marks our liberty day, a much-anticipated moment as we set our course back into Greek waters, fulfilling the 90/180 Schengen rules. We departed from Sarandë at 8:30 a.m. under a blanket of grey clouds and occasional light rain. Unfortunately, the wind was not in our favor, and our head sail seemed temperamental, compelling us to rely on the engine for our journey. After some time on the water, we discovered a sheltered spot to anchor in Petriti, joining a few other sailing yachts in this serene bay on the southeastern coast of Corfu. With forecasts warning of strong winds approaching, we know we must make our way to Preveza for check-in before the weather shifts. Adventure awaits!

18^th Left Petriti Bay at 7.30 a.m. South wind 16-20 kts. We arrived and docked at Preveza government quay dock (Med Stern tied only) at 3.30 p.m This time we docked in front of The National Bank of Greece.

Preveza

a city in the region of Epirus, northwestern Greece

(18^th September -1^st October 2024)

When we arrived in Preveza, the summer season is over. More spaces to moore the boat. Most Italians boaters return to their country. German ,French and others nationals are preparing to store their yachts. The ice cream shop, restaurants were gradually closed in late September.

Preveza, Greece (Government dock fees = 7.50 euros/night 
19th Upon our arrival in Preveza, Greece, we are in search of the immigration office to get our passports stamped. The office is conveniently located at the Port Police, right opposite the cemetery. 

Here’s a clear and concise step-by-step guide for our check-in process:

1. Start by locating the immigration office, which is situated opposite the cemetery (refer to the provided map).
2. Proceed to the customs office, where you'll be informed that the cruising tax can be paid either at the post office or online. We found it more convenient to handle this at the post office.
3. After paying the tax, bring the receipt back to the Port Police. You'll also need to purchase a new cruising log book for €15.
4. Finally, take a clear picture of both the receipt and the stamped paper from the Port Police, then email them to the customs office for completion.

We finally found ourselves back in Preveza, and it felt like we were settling in for a temporary home. Our good friend Bruce was around again, adding a familiar face to the mix. The local vibe was changing as many restaurants began shutting down for the low season, leading some locals to assume we lived or worked here. During our stay, we crossed paths with an Australian couple who owned a boat named “Wild Passion.” They generously shared their insights about the best anchorage and docking spots around the Peloponnese, making our journey feel a little more connected.
As the sun set on the evening of October 1st, we knew we had to check out with the port police to get our cruising log stamped, an essential step in our maritime adventure.

October 2024

2^nd Leave Preveza at 8 a.m. light wind. We arrived Sami quay dock at 4.30 P.m.

Sami, Kefalonia

(2^nd – 5^th October 2024)

Arriving at the pier takes time because the boat is quite full, and we must avoid getting our anchor tangled in our neighbor’s chain like the boat behind us, which faced hours of trouble. At the dockside, we encountered a sociable cat that seemed as welcoming as the owner at the nearby butcher’s shop, who offers free cheese samples and delivery.

6^th We left Sami Port at 8 a.m. and arrived at port of Zakynthos at 2 p.m.

Zakynthos

(a Greek island in the Ionian Sea)

We spent just one night on Sakyntosh Island before heading to the Peloponnese, skipping the shipwreck beach but enjoying free mooring in the low season.

Our beginning of the Peloponnese

Katakolo

October 2024

7^th We left Zakynthos (eastern public quay) and arrived at Katakolo (The Peloponnese) which is a port and immigration ( no cruise ship when we arrived) in the evening police came to check for boat documents). This port will be closed from November – March. Good to know.

8^th Leave Katakolo at 7.45 a.m. (big cruise ship arrived early) wind 13 knots, boat speed 6.2 Then we use headsail and mainsail, and stop the engine. Pyrgos city looks pretty at the far sight. It took times for 4 hours to cross this big ass bay. We approached Pilos Harbour at 4.03 p.m. Free abandoned marina looking full. One guy named Adam came to help and gave us advice on where to dock. We stayed for 2 nights. Port police are on the second floor of one restaurant.

The small scenic harbor of Katakolo is the main port of Pyrgos

Pilos/ Pylos

Pylos, historically also known as Navarino, is a town and a former municipality in Messenia, Peloponnese, Greece. We look forward to exploring the city when we have some free time later.