Vlichada Marina

Santorini, who has not heard of it at least once in their life? The very famous island of the Cyclades archipelago is one of the most popular destinations for summer tourism transiting the Aegean Sea. And not only by boaters, because Santorini is really frequented by everyone, those who get there by plane and those who get there by ship, and those who still get dropped off by the numerous ferries that run daily from other nearby islands.

The reason for so much success is easily said: Santorini is a magical and fascinating place, spoiled only – it must be said – by mass tourism that in recent years has somewhat standardized stores and gastronomic proposals. Impossible to escape from the horde of tourists if one decides to visit Santorini; it must be said, however, that the only real port on the island (the only one that offers facilities and services for recreation) is located rather outside the “hot zone,” that is, at the southern end of the island. We are far from the capital Fira (Santorini), Imerovigli with its famous sunsets, the ferry ports that disembark tourists by the hundreds, and even the airport.

Santorini’s history is also one of the main reasons for its appeal. The island is of volcanic origin, indeed the island is a volcano, still active, which over the centuries with its activity has caused surrounding islands and islets to emerge and submerge, changing the physiognomy of the area several times. The black beaches and pumice stone on the island remind us of this. Seismic activity, of course, is not lacking, and indeed the last devastating earthquake dates back to just 1956.
But Santorini is not just about disasters and tragedies: it is also an island rich in archaeological finds and famous for its beautiful frescoes, offering views and sunsets that to call postcard-perfect is an understatement, and bewitching you with its atmospheres and with its very good wine.

Sailing around and “inside” Santorini, that is, in the volcano caldera (which lies between the main island and the islets to the west), is an exciting and fascinating experience. Passing underneath Fira, which overlooks from the high brown-black cliffs, is definitely to be recommended. Fear not, despite sailing inside a caldera, the area is very well mapped on the charts and there are no real dangers; although many however will remember the Sea Diamond passenger ship that sank just off the coast of Santorini after running aground on a volcanic cliff (an incident that resulted in two deaths).

After taking this spectacular tour, which we highly recommend, we head to the south side of the island where, at practically the southernmost point, is the marina of Vlichada, at the foot of the village of the same name. It is the only marina on Santorini and, as is often the case in Greece, it is not finished. Pay particular attention to the approach to the harbor: two large old breakwaters still lie submerged in front of the current structure of the harbor, the east arm, the larger one, blandly marked by a lighted buoy. The safest approach is from west-southwest; the advice is to study the chart carefully before heading to the marina.

Inside, two semicircular structures are protected by a new breakwater stretching out from the northwest; you moor inside or outside these structures, jostling (it must be said!) with charter company boats and local boats. Finding a place in high season, we warn you, is by no means easy.

Also pay attention to the seabed; it does not stand out in terms of depth and is dredged regularly to stay around 2 meters, 2.5 meters maximum. On the services front, for a modest resort fee (just over 20 euros for a”medium-sized boat), you get water, electricity, toilets and free wi-fi. There is no fuel, but the restaurant overlooking the cliff above the marina can arrange delivery to ports from the nearby gas station. Always turn to the restaurant for car or scooter rentals…. and of course for food.