Galaxidi

Well sheltered, with recently refurbished docks, at the foot of a picturesque village that has become the favorite “buen retiro” of wealthy Athenians: this is Galaxidi, a landing place in the northern part of the Gulf of Corinth, a good catch indeed for those who find themselves sailing in the gulf.

It does not offer a marina and services are-as almost everywhere in Greece, but we are still above the average for the area, at least here you can find new or nearly new bollards and mooring rings and columns with water and electricity (and at modest prices, about 5 euros per day).

Galaxidi is a small town that, before its recent rediscovery by inland tourism (Athenians but not only, who come here to spend the weekend), was known in the news more for being a great starting point for a visit to Delphi. Which it still is, but it has now added the fact that it is an extremely well-maintained, pleasant resort, full of cafes and taverns on the longomare and situated moreover in a fantastic spot on the coast.

In fact, the village of Galaxidi is naturally sheltered by the wooded peninsula to the east and the two small islands that also to the east mark the entrance to the deep, narrow bay where the dock with moorings is located. The wooded peninsula can be crossed on foot by pleasant paths that wind through the pine forest.

As mentioned, Delphi is not far away-about 20 km-and moreover well connected by bus as well, so it is worth planning a visit. There you can visit the wonderful archaeological site and, if you have time, also the nearby museum that houses, among other things, the famous charioteer of Delphi (bronze statue).

But even while staying in Galaxidi there are things to do: the town is renowned for its shipbuilding activity and is home to an interesting naval museum and an archaeological collection full of goodies and curiosities. Then, on the hill overlooking the town stands the Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos, which inside houses an entirely inlaid wooden iconostasis, a masterpiece of its kind, definitely worth even a quick visit.

From a nautical point of view, getting to Galaxidi is not difficult but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, assuming that sooner or later you will have to pass from the Gulf of Patras to the Gulf of Corinth, there is to pass under the Rion-Antirion bridge, which marks the entrance to the Gulf of Corinth. Usually those coming from the west must pass between the first two pylons to the south; however, it is mandatory to ask for instructions on VHF channel 14 when you are 5 miles from the bridge and, again, ask for further confirmation when you are 1 mile away.

Once in the vicinity of Galaxidi, one must transit in between the islets of Apsifia and Ag. Georgios to reach the mouth of the bay; here the depths are around 8-10 meters. Be careful not to pass south of Apsifia, although locals do: shallow depths and rocky outcrops.Keep a good distance also from the island of Ag. Georgios, again because of problems with outcropping rocks.
Once in ports, the moorings are on the west side by the quay in front of the town.

The first option once you enter the bay is to moor sideways on one of the three sides of the concrete pier right at the entrance. Altirmenti, the dock offers, as mentioned, brand-new or nearly brand-new mooring rings and bollards, depths of 3 meters along the entire extent and excellent mud-holding bottom. About 5-6 boats can moor here sideways and up to 15 fore or aft.
All along the quay there are columns with water and electricity (free in winter, 5 euros per day in summer).
Beware that a modest tidal phenomenon is experienced at Galaxidi: depths at the dock may fluctuate by half a meter or so.
If you should not find room in the ports, the two small bays just north of the one that houses the harbor are good alternatives, also sheltered.
Speaking of sheltering: Galaxidi is excellently sheltered from all winds, in summer the prevailing wind is from the west, and in the ports we experience some current just when there are strong northeast winds.

As for onshore services, there is a well-stocked boat store (Marine Shop, port area) in Galaxidi, you can ask to have fuel delivered to the dock, there is a laundry in the village, a few mini markets, dozens of bars and taverns, excellent restaurants, car rental service.

And if you were unfortunate enough to find the port and even the two anord bays full, not far from Galaxidi in a northeasterly direction is Itea, a commercial port that, however, has a marina that was started and never completed. This is now the “turf” of local fishermen, but passing visitors can still find places along the breakwater, sideways, with depths of about 4 meters. It still offers excellent shelter, but services are absolutely absent.