Trasfer boat to Ionian Sea, Greece

[marioxp]

So far, we have only sailed in the Adriatic Sea, where we know the written and unwritten rules.

The plan is to transfer the boat to Greece, the Ionian Sea, next summer. We would not go further because it is far, and the boat should be returned to Zadar at the end of the summer. We are thinking of stationing the boat in Preveza or somewhere nearby, are there any marinas in the area that you would recommend, what are the prices of marinas in Greece.

The boat is under Croatian flag. The plan is for a few friends to use the boat during the summer, in Croatia, there are quite strict rules (law) if the boat is used by someone who is not the owner. What are the rules in Greek?

Can you direct me where I could find information about the Greek coast, for the Adriatic coast we use either 777 or Slovenian websites that described each bay and each anchorage, what the bottom is like and how it is protected from the wind. Are there any websites for the Ionian Sea.

Thank you in advance for every answer.

[Yngmar]

You'll have to pay the Greek cruising tax online, before entering: https://www.aade.gr/polites/etepai

You also need a crew list onboard and update it when the crew (= visitors) change. Greeks are very keen on busting unlicensed charter, but it's not a problem if the owners are on board and you declare visitors to be crew. Port Police (= Hellenic Coastguard) does spot checks, but their efforts vary. More information on Noonsite.

If you want to winter in the water, there's popular liveaboard marinas in Gouvia (Korfu), Lefkas and Preveza. Book early. Most people who aren't spending time onboard in winter probably leave their boat on the hard. There's a huge hardstanding area on the Aktio peninsula opposite Preveza with three yards to haul and put up your boat. Also several smaller ones all over the place.

For a pilot book, the most popular one by far is Rod Heikell's Greek Waters Pilot (Imray) and it served us pretty well. Plus the NoForeignLand online community and the comments on Navily with tips from other cruisers.

In comparison to the Croats, the Greeks are much more relaxed and friendly, at least on average. As most of them are boaters themselves, they understand boats like no other and you can anchor pretty much anywhere you like without being bothered, and often there's a dinghy dock built by an enterprising restaurant owner. Town quays used to be free or cheap or tied to a restaurant visit, but this is slowly changing as capitalism takes over. You can still find them though. There's even some abandoned marinas where you can moor for free if you find a spot, but it's often a bit chaotic. Beware of staying on town quays in strong winds. Damage from weather or more often careless other boaters is extremely common. It's often smarter to anchor off and visit by dinghy or stay on the boat and watch the show, especially in the northern Ionian, which is very popular with absolute beginners chartering first time. Hilarious when you're watching at anchor, less so if they're trying to get into the berth next to your boat.

Don't mess with ferries, fishermen and underwater cables. Those three supply the islands and are more important than you, no matter the official rules

[elias]

We sail always around here , is getting super busy the last years. Is relatively cheap and safe , actually I have never locked or close my door ever while sailing around . Avoid end July to end of August cause is crazy busy . Or as Yngmar mentioned , find a good mooring spot , take a seat on a cafe in front of the key and watch the mooring drama from 16.00 to 18.00 when everybody wants to find a birth while the Mistral in full on