Thira (Santorini) - General Info
Description:
Thira (more commonly known as Santorini) is one of the most southerly of the Cyclades islands and lies approximately 150NM south-east from Athens.
This island is like no other in Greece, being the remnants of a massive volcanic eruption in about 1450. Viewing the sunset from one of the towns on top of the island is a must! The island is a major holiday destination and Thira town is crowded with cruise ship passengers and “beautiful” people. Prices are high, however, it should not be missed.
Entrance Notes and Cautions:
A yellow buoy marks the extremity of the reef running out from the headland. On approach keep this to starboard. Dredging in the outer basin and the entrance maintains depths at a minimum of two – three meters (6.5 ft – 10 ft). Silting tends to occur during winter storms, so approach with care if coming here early in the season.
It is a challenge to visit here in your own boat. Anchoring is impossible due to very deep water right up to the shoreline. The one marina on the south of the main island is full of local day tour boats and doesn’t have room for visiting yachts. Anchoring off the marina is possible, but only in very mild conditions. A good option is to pick up a mooring buoy at the smaller island of Thirasia (approx. €50 a night). From Thirasia there is a local ferry for just €1 per person across to the big island of Thira (Santorini), from where you can also visit the towns of Fira and Oia.
Position:
36° 20.09’N, 25° 26.17’E (Vlikadha marina)
Read and Post Related Comments
If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at editor@noonsite.com. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).
Next Section: Profile: Clearance
Related to following destinations: Cyclades, Greece, Thira (Santorini)
Port Navigation
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.comMain Ports - Greece
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.com
Rainer Anders says:
Feb 18, 2019 03:51 PM
RED BEACH – Santorini, Greece
During our very extended 2017 cruising tour through the Greek Islands, in some places we faced Problems, to find a good anchorage with enough depth (but not too much). One of these problematic spots was the Island of Santorini.
With a fixed draft of 3.50M (12 feet) most Marinas would not be able to berth our KER 63. Due to its volcanic background, Greece presents extreme deep waters, at a very short distance from the shore, at many of their beautiful islands
Going around the southern end of the Santorini, we finally found a very good anchorage in 18-20 metres of water at 036° 20.769 N, 025° 23.943E.
Going ashore here is a real pleasure, the Restaurant ‘The Dolphins’ does have a very nice dinghy dock, they are very friendly and helpful people and are happy to call you a cab to go into town.
For them it is without saying, that while you are away, they watch your boat and dinghy for you.
After our return from a beautiful day tour around the island, we had a tasty and very typical dinner at The Dolphins and in the end stayed more than two weeks at the same spot.
It looks like it is dredged to 1.8 meters. We could get in with 1.85. Follow starboard as you go in. The best advice is to contact authorities before going in.
Entrance to Vlikhada Marina is 1,7m deep. Convenient enough for the catamaran daily cruise business since it excludes many monohulls from entering the marina, thus always leaving berths for the catamarans.
Occasionally some dredging is done but make sure you check with the marina office about the depth at the time beforehand.
Vlikadha Marina *does* have some space for yachts, if you’re happy to raft up. It’s an overnight base for a great number of day-tripper catamarans; try and avoid the rush hour.
Red Beach, a couple of miles to the west, is a safe anchorage, but you’ll suffer uncomfortable rolling. The numerous tourists on the beach and cats in the bay will completely disappear at sunset.
The must be place is Oia at the northwest end of Thira Island (at sunset time 🙂 ). Quieter then town Thira and more beautiful. Down the coast few mooring buoys.