Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi
From CruisersWiki
Introduction
These are mostly west to east or east to west passages. The general strategy is to minimize the time spent in areas of strong or contrary winds and rough seas. The two areas where strong winds and seas are prevalent are: the Kafireas Strait (between the islands of Andros and Evia) and the Ikario or Sea of Ikaria (between the islands of Mykonos and Ikaria).
The more direct route with the shortest distance is the least desirable because it spends more time in these two regions.
The Northern route has the fewer stopovers and larger distances in between, it also crosses the Kafireas Strait. However, it is a fairly efficient route, not much longer than the direct route. It is a better route if you are going from east to west.
The Southern Route has the more stopover possibilities as it crosses the Cyclades and avoids stronger northerly winds. It is the longest of the three. It is a better route if you are going from west to east.
Most cruisers in the Aegean prefer day sails with many stopovers, so the suggested passages assume this. But a cruiser with a more tight time allowance can easily adopt them. However, do keep in mind that during the July to mid September period when meltemi gales are possible, you may have to stay put for several days in a safe anchorage until the gale subsides.
Climate & Weather Information
See Aegean Weather.
Weather Windows
In general, the best sailing in the Aegean Sea is during the period from late May to mid October. But this does not preclude earlier in the Spring or later in the Autumn. Sailing in the winter months can be problematic due to stronger, more volatile, and less predictable weather.
Communication
See Aegean Sea.
- BA
- 1038 Stenó Sífnou to Stenó Kafiréa
- 1040 Nísos Íos to Vrakhonisídha Kandhelioússa
- 1446 Samos Strait to Güllük Körfezi
- 1537 Nisides Fournoi with the straits between Nisos Samos and Nisos Ikaria
- 1645 Nísos Khíos and Izmir Körfezi
- 1657 Saronikós Kólpos
- 1662 Nisos Milos to Nisos Paros
- 2682 Kolpos Petalion to Nisos Nisiros
- 3926 Lero island and approaches
- 3927 Patmos, Arki and Lipso
- Imray-Tetra
- G14 Saronic and Argolic Gulf
- G28 Nísos Khíos & the Coast of Turkey
- G31 North Cyclades
- G32 Eastern Sporades, Dodecanese & the Coast of Turkey
- G34 Southern Cyclades (West)
- NIMA
- 54320 Kiklades Nisoi to Kriti
- 54332 Nisoi Paros & Naxos
- 54340 Nisos Spetsai to Nisos Vorioi Sporadhes
- 54344 Saronicos Kolpos & K. Petition
- 54355 Nisos Andros & Dhiekplous Kafireos
- 54380 Tuzla Burnu to Samos
- 54386 Khios Strait Greece and Turkey
- 54389 Fener Adasi to Samos Strait
- 54400 Samos to Rodeos
- 54402 Island of the Aegean - Fourni
- 54403 Samos Strait to N. Kalolimnos
- Greek
- 42 Andros to Chalki Island
- 334 Chios Island & Opposite Coast of Asia Minor
- 413 Saronikos Kolpos
- 421 Karystos to Naxos
- 422 Naxos to Samos & Opposite Coast of Asia Minor
- 423 Paros to Astypalea
- 451 Leros to Rhodos
See also Aegean Sea.
Distance & Duration
See:
- Samos & Kuşadasi to Athens Northern Route
- Samos & Kuşadasi to Athens Direct Route
- Athens to Samos & Kuşadasi Southern Route
Possible Departure Points
- Marinas in the Attika Coast (Athens Region)
- Isthmia [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Isthmia|Isthmia]] 37°54.96′N, 23°0.61′E , the east entrance of the Corinth Canal.
- Pythagorio, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Pythagorio, Samos|Pythagorio, Samos]] 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E
- Kusadasi, Turkey [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Kusadasi, Turkey|Kusadasi, Turkey]] 37°52′N, 27°15′E
- Vathi, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Vathi, Samos|Vathi, Samos]] 37°45.3′N, 26°58.3′E
Route/Suggested Stopovers
Northern Route East Going
This route does not avoid the Kafireas Strait indeed it transits it against the prevailing meltemi. However after the Strait the sail becomes a close reach and after Chios a broad reach. One drawback of this route is that the distances between stopovers are greater than on the other routes described below.
- The first convenient stopover after leaving the Attika Coast (Athens Region) is Vourkari [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Vourkari|Vourkari]] (Βουρκάρι) 37°40′N, 24°19.5′E in Kea or Tzia (Κέα or Τζιά), 34 nM from Kalamaki Marina [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Kalamaki Marina|Kalamaki Marina]] 37°54.7′N, 23°42.0′E or 66 nM from the Isthmia, Corinth Canal [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Isthmia, Corinth Canal|Isthmia, Corinth Canal]] 37°54.96′N, 23°0.61′E .
- The second leg is in the NW direction and has two possible stopovers from Vourkari where you can wait for good weather window for crossing the dreaded Kafireas Strait:
- Karistos in Evia [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Karistos in Evia|Karistos in Evia]] (Κάρυστος, 'Εβια) 38°0.7′N, 24°25′E - 22 nM
- Batsi [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Batsi|Batsi]] (Μπατσί) 37°51.5′N, 24°47′E in the island Andros, (Άνδρος) - 26 nM
- The third leg is an ENE long sail to Salagonas [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Salagonas|Salagonas]] (Σαλάγωνας) 38°13.2′N, 25°54.8′E in Chios, (Χίος). The distance:
- From Karistos in Evia is 76 nM.
- From Batsi is 72 nM.
- Finally from Salagonas you sail to ESE Cape Masticho [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Cape Masticho|Cape Masticho]] 38°08.5′N, 26°0.4′E and from there SE to your destination:
- Vathi, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Vathi, Samos|Vathi, Samos]] (Βαθύ, Σάμος) 37°45.3′N, 26°58.3′E - 59 nM
- Kusadasi, Turkey [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Kusadasi, Turkey|Kusadasi, Turkey]] 37°52′N, 27°15′E - 69 nM
- Pythagorio, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Pythagorio, Samos|Pythagorio, Samos]] (Πυθαγόριο, Σάμος) 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E via via the Mycale channel - 74 nM
The total distance from Kalamaki Marina along the route outlined above:
- Vathi, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Vathi, Samos|Vathi, Samos]] (Βαθύ, Σάμος) 37°45.3′N, 26°58.3′E is 193 nM
- Pythagorio, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Pythagorio, Samos|Pythagorio, Samos]] (Πυθαγόριο, Σάμος) 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E is 237 nM
- Kusadasi, Turkey [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Kusadasi, Turkey|Kusadasi, Turkey]] 37°52′N, 27°15′E is 232 nM
See also Samos & Kuşadasi to Athens Direct Route Table.
Northern Route West Going
This route is exactly the same as the route described above, but in the opposite direction. This is a preferred route because while heading NW you are in the relatively shelter waters of the Kuşadasi Körfezi, when crossing the Kafireas Strait you wil be heading SW with the wind on your stern.
Direct Route West Going
The main goal of this route is to travel fairly efficiently and at the same minimize exposure to northerly head winds. Because this route crosses both the Sea of Ikaria and the Kafireas Strait it is best undertaken while the meltemi is not very strong (May-June, September-October) and with a favorable forecast.
- The first leg of this passage depends on your starting point and the weather.
- If you start from Kusadasi, Turkey [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Kusadasi, Turkey|Kusadasi, Turkey]] 37°52′N, 27°15′E and the weather is benign you can sail 19 nM SW to Vathi, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Vathi, Samos|Vathi, Samos]] (Βαθύ, Σάμος) 37°45.3′N, 26°58.3′E , but if there are strong winds it is better to take the longer route and sail S via the Mycale channel to Pythagorio, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Pythagorio, Samos|Pythagorio, Samos]] (Πυθαγόριο, Σάμος) 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E , 20 nM. The reason for this is to avoid the Samos - Fourni channel, see below.
- If you are starting or continuing from Vathi, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Vathi, Samos|Vathi, Samos]] (Βαθύ, Σάμος) 37°45.3′N, 26°58.3′E you have two weather dependent choices:
- With low wind conditions and a good forecast sail 36 nM W, along the N shore of Samos to Perokopió [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Perokopió|Perokopió]] (Πετροκοπιό) 37°33.5′N, 26°29.13′E , Fourni (Φούρνοι).
- Warning: The channel between Fourni and Samos is subject to very strong gusts. Usually the wind in the channel is one force point stronger than elsewhere in the neighborhood. When you transit this channel stay as far as possible from Samos with its very strong katabatic winds down Mt. Kerkis.
- With strong winds, it is prudent to take the longer route and sail to sail S via the Mycale channel to Pythagorio, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Pythagorio, Samos|Pythagorio, Samos]] (Πυθαγώρειο, Σάμος) 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E , 19 nM.
- With low wind conditions and a good forecast sail 36 nM W, along the N shore of Samos to Perokopió [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Perokopió|Perokopió]] (Πετροκοπιό) 37°33.5′N, 26°29.13′E , Fourni (Φούρνοι).
- If you are starting or continuing from Pythagorio, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Pythagorio, Samos|Pythagorio, Samos]] (Πυθαγώρειο, Σάμος) 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E , sail WSW for 26 nM to lovely secluded anchorage of Vitsiliá [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Vitsiliá|Vitsiliá]] (Βιτσιλιά) 37°32.6′N, 26°30.5′E in Fourni.
- In the second leg you continue sailing WSW to South Bay [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#South Bay|South Bay]] 37°23′N, 25°14.3′E in the uninhabited little island of Rhinia (Ρήνεια). If you start this leg from Perokopió [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Perokopió|Perokopió]] 37°33.6′N, 26°29.2′E the distance is 61 nM. If you start from Vitsiliá [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Vitsiliá|Vitsiliá]] 37°32.6′N, 26°30.5′E the distance is 64 nM.
- Warning: fierce gusts are very common on the S side of Ikaria. If you are just transiting in the area it is best to sail at least 3 miles south of the island.
- The third leg 43 nM. First you sail NW from South Bay to the northernmost tip of Syros northernmost tip of Syros [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#northernmost tip of Syros|northernmost tip of Syros]] 37°31′N, 24°52.8′E and then to Loutra [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Loutra|Loutra]] (Λουτρά) 37°26.6′N, 24°25.9′E in Kythnos (Κύθνος).
- The final leg starts from Loutra and ends in either Kalamaki Marina [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Kalamaki Marina|Kalamaki Marina]] 37°54.7′N, 23°42.0′E , 47 nM or in the Isthmia [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Isthmia|Isthmia]] 37°54.96′N, 23°0.61′E the east entrance of the Corinth Canal, 81 nM. In either case, the sailing direction is NW.
The total distance from Kuşadasi, Turkey along the route outlined above is:
- 193 nM to Kalamaki Marina [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Kalamaki Marina|Kalamaki Marina]] 37°54.7′N, 23°42.0′E
- 240 nM to Isthmia [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Isthmia|Isthmia]] 37°54.96′N, 23°0.61′E
See also Samos & Kuşadasi to Athens Direct Route Table.
Direct Route East Going
This route exactly the same as the route described above, but in the opposite direction.
Southern Route East Going
The main goal of this route is to take advantage of the prevailing northerly winds in the Kafireas and Cyclades region by moving south. Then to sail west keeping well south of the Sea of Ikaria, and finally to sail north in the more sedate Samos Sea.
- The first convenient stopover is Fikiada [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Fikiada|Fikiada]] 37°24.816'N, 024°22.903'E in Kythnos which is 44 nM WNW from Kalamaki Marina [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Kalamaki Marina|Kalamaki Marina]] 37°54.7′N, 23°42.0′E or 78 nM from the Isthmia, Corinth Canal [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Isthmia, Corinth Canal|Isthmia, Corinth Canal]] 37°54.96′N, 23°0.61′E . Alternative stopovers are:
- Loutra [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Loutra|Loutra]] 37°26.550'N, 024°25.648'E in Kythnos - 44 nM from Kalamaki Marina, 100 nM from the Corinth Canal
- Vourkari [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Vourkari|Vourkari]] (Βουρκάρι) 37°40′N, 24°19.5′E in Kea or Tzia (Κέα or Τζιά) - 37 nM from Kalamaki Marina, 71 nM from the Corinth Canal
- Koudouros [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Koudouros|Koudouros]] (Κούνδουρος) 37°34.7′N, 24°16.6′E in Kea (Κέα or Τζιά) - 35 nM from Kalamaki Marina, 69 nM from the Corinth Canal
- The second attractive stop is Finikas [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Finikas|Finikas]] (Φοίνικας) 37°23.5′N, 24°52.5′E in Syros (Σύρος) which is 33 nM SW from Fikiada. If you are in a hurry you can skip this stop and proceed directly to the next one.
- From Finikas or if you had skipped it from Fikiada you have two options:
- You can stop in the delightful South Bay [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#South Bay|South Bay]] 37°23′N, 25°14.3′E of the uninhabited little island of Rhinia (Ρήνεια). It is 21 nM W sail from Finikas and 54 from Fikiada. Alternatively, if you like fashionable social life you can go to Mykonos Marina [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Mykonos Marina|Mykonos Marina]] 37°27.8′N, 25°19.6′E , 25 nM from Finikas).
- If you have time you can visit Delos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Delos|Delos]] (Δήλος) 37°23.86′N, 25°15.87′E - which is about two miles NE of Rhinia.
- Then, sail SE to Dendro [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Dendro|Dendro]] (Δέντρο) 37°05.7′N, 25°48.2′E in the small island of Donousa (Δονούσα) which is 33 nM from Rhinia.
- And from Donousa sail SSE 15 nM to Aegiali [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Aegiali|Aegiali]] (Αιγιάλη) 36°54.2′N, 25°58.5′E in Amorgos (Αμοργός).
- Alternatively, you can sail 27 nM SE from Finikas to Naoussa [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Naoussa|Naoussa]] (Νάουσσα) 37°07.5′N, 25°14.1′E in the island of Paros (Πάρος).
- Then, sail 25 nM SSE through the Paros- Naxos channel to Mersini [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Mersini|Mersini]] (Μυρσίνη) 36°52.3′N, 25°30.6′E in the small island of Schinousa (Σχινούσσα).
- And from Schinousa sail ENE 25 nM to Aegiali [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Aegiali|Aegiali]] (Αιγιάλη) 36°54.2′N, 25°58.5′E in Amorgos (Αμοργός).
- You can stop in the delightful South Bay [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#South Bay|South Bay]] 37°23′N, 25°14.3′E of the uninhabited little island of Rhinia (Ρήνεια). It is 21 nM W sail from Finikas and 54 from Fikiada. Alternatively, if you like fashionable social life you can go to Mykonos Marina [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Mykonos Marina|Mykonos Marina]] 37°27.8′N, 25°19.6′E , 25 nM from Finikas).
- From Aegiali a nice 28 nM E sail brings you to the delightful little island of East Cove|Levitha [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#East Cove|Levitha|East Cove|Levitha]] (Λέβιθα) 37°0.14′N, 26°28.06′E , inhabited by a single family.
- If the wind is not northerly or if it is not too strong you can sail 28 nM NE directly from Levitha to the beautiful little island of Marathi [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Marathi|Marathi]] (Μαράθι) 37°22′N, 26°43.6′E . Otherwise:
- Sail 23 nM ENE from Levitha to Xerocambos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Xerocambos|Xerocambos]] (Ξυρόκαμπος) 37°06.45′N, 26°52.3′E in Leros (Λέρος), an easy and pleasant anchorage.
- Then, sail from Xerocambos 20 nM NW to the small island of Marathi [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Marathi|Marathi]] (Μαράθι) 37°22′N, 26°43.6′E .
- Finally, from Marathi it is a 24 nM NE sail to Pythagorio, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Pythagorio, Samos|Pythagorio, Samos]] (Πυθαγόριο, Σάμος) 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E .
- If your final destination is Kusadasi, Turkey [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Kusadasi, Turkey|Kusadasi, Turkey]] 37°52′N, 27°15′E you continue for 19.5 nM further N via the Mycale channel.
- If your final destination is Vathi, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Vathi, Samos|Vathi, Samos]] (Βαθύ, Σάμος) 37°45.3′N, 26°58.3′E you continue through and then turn back westward, all together 19.6 more nM from Pythagorio.
The total distance from Kalamaki Marina [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Kalamaki Marina|Kalamaki Marina]] 37°54.7′N, 23°42.0′E along the route outlined above is:
- 221 nM to Pythagorio, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Pythagorio, Samos|Pythagorio, Samos]] (Πυθαγόριο, Σάμος) 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E
- 240 nM to Kusadasi, Turkey [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Kusadasi, Turkey|Kusadasi, Turkey]] 37°52′N, 27°15′E
- 240 nM to Vathi, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Vathi, Samos|Vathi, Samos]] (Βαθύ, Σάμος) 37°45.3′N, 26°58.3′E
See also Athens to Samos & Kuşadas Southern Route Table.
Southern Route West Going
This route exactly the same as the route described above, but in the opposite direction. There are, however some disadvantages in using this route in the west direction during the meltemi season because you sail S in the Samos Sea where the wind is less strong and then from the Cyclades you sail NW against the wind.
A good strategy avoiding the meltemi headwinds is instead of heading NW from Naoussa Bay (step 3.2 above) is to continue sailing W to Serifos and Hydra and then head N to the Attika Coast (Athens Region).
Possible Arrival Ports
- Pythagorio, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Pythagorio, Samos|Pythagorio, Samos]] (Πυθαγόριο, Σάμος) 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E
- Kusadasi, Turkey [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Kusadasi, Turkey|Kusadasi, Turkey]] 37°52′N, 27°15′E
- Vathi, Samos [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Vathi, Samos|Vathi, Samos]] (Βαθύ, Σάμος) 37°45.3′N, 26°58.3′E
- Marinas in the Attika Coast (Athens Region)
- Isthmia [[Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi#Isthmia|Isthmia]] 37°54.96′N, 23°0.61′E
Forum Discussion Topics
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
See Aegean Sea.
References
See Aegean Sea.
Comments
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- I have used these routes many times over the last 25 years. --Istioploos
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Names: Istioploos, Nereus |