Ionian Greece - Best Places to Overwinter ?

[rivonia]

We have just arrived in Levkas on the Ionian side of mainland Greece and now begins the hunt for a good marina to spend the winter months (eg mid-December to mid-March/April).

We really would like to be in a place that has an active live aboard community as well as the basics such as decent supermarket, medical facilities, Post Office and we do like a traditional Christmas lunch with turkey and the trimmings.

We plan to visit a few places in the area eg Messalonghi, and would greatly appreciate any feedback.

Also thinking of joining the Cruising Association and would like to contact a few members to get some idea if it is worthwhile now we are hoping to spend at least a couple of years in the Greek islands.

Many thanks

Peter + Claire

[jacobite]

I always liked Levkas town itself. There is good activity during the winter, with plenty of reasonably priced restaurants. If you have access to transport there are lots of places to visit on the mainland. For maintenance/repairs Joe Charlton looked after a boat for me for quite some time. Keep notes of the times worked, however.

[rivonia]

Thanks for the comments on Levkas - we are there for a few more days.

We have already met some liveaboards who know the area for some years and the town itself is very attractive.

Only downside at the moment is that the marina charges the same for three months stay as it does for one month. This is our first marina in Greece so perhaps that is the norm? When we stayed in Spain the fees were as follows

1 month ........... -5% daily fees
3 months.......... -10% daily fees
6 months.......... -15% daily fees

Also the VAT of 23% makes a difference when you are used to 16%!

Added to that we are a catamaran so we are charged 50% extra.......whereas in Spain, Sardinia and Sicily we were charged length x breadth like all the other vessels.

We have four months before we have to make a decision so any input is most welcome.

Thank you

[beneteau-500]

try this site for info aegean-marinas dot eu

[swagman]

Hi P & C,
Cannot give advice on longer term Greek marinas as we only ever stopped as visitors.
But for when we cruised the Med CA membership proved worthwhile, as most Turkish marinas gave members a further 10% discount. Plus of course they do have other services one could (but we didn't) make use of.
Enjoy
JOHN

[CatCaptain]

Hi There
We are wintering for the 2nd time on the hard in Cleopatra Marina, Preveza. We did stay in the water in Gouvia Marina in Corfu one winter witch was nice, with a small community. Then there is th all new Messolonghi Marina

[rivonia]

We are currently in Vligho Bay in Levkada after sailing (motoring most of the time) as far as Trizonia, calling in at Mesalonghi Marina on the way. We found some delightful anchorages and having lived out in the country it was so nice to be woken by the sound of goat bells and sheep!

Mesalonghi was extremely busy with many boats being hauled out for the winter and there was a friendly yachting community there. Prices are excellent. The town has good facilities and is about a 20 minute walk from the marina.

Bearing in mind we shall be on board for the whole of the winter and taking into account my health, it looks as if we shall be heading for Levkas this winter.

Must say everywhere we have been, there is so much friendliness and everyone is very helpful

Claire

[seagypsywoman]

Lefkas is a good place for the winter, I agree. Lots to do - it doesn't shut down in the off season like some other places. Also Vliho Bay if you don't mind being on the hook.

[goboatingnow]

Id second Cleopatra Marina, Preveza, I have a friend keeping his boat there and I was there some months ago, modern well run etc.

Dave

[hydrabad]

Had very good experience of being on shore at Peveza Marine Yard [next door to Cleopatra and cheaper].
Hydrabad

[swagman]

Just a thought as this post came back up.

I know most search for good value + expat busy types of marinas for winter months, we used to do the same.

But reality is most places we stopped at were better for summer than they were for the winter. And if you havwe to spend a winter away, it might be better to review bigger cities.

Athens in the summer might be the pits, but is it worth considering for a winter stop-over? With the culture it has to offer you'd not end up wondering what you'll be doing tomorrow!

Cheers
JOHN

[rivonia]

Thank you to everyone for all the input. We are now settled in at Lefkas Marina - love the town and there is an active live aboard life too. Happy to explore by bus at present, but will hire a car to go further afield. We are here all the time, so it was important to find a place that not only stays open in the winter, but also has plenty of walks and other activities.

[ionianpilot]

Cleopatra Marina is a good choice but a little out the way if you do not have any land transport... i

[goboatingnow]

There's a regular bus service to town from the marinas

Dave

[ionianpilot]

i was working on our fleet yachts on the hard standing for 3 weeks at the end of march beginning of April, and as far as i am aware there was no 'regular' bus service anywhere. There might have been an occasional bus pass up on the main road near the toll's for the tunnels but definitely wasnt aware of any bus from the marina on Actio peninsula or would have used them as got stuck there and had to sleep on the yachts for a few nights.