Karpathos Harbor
Exploring Karpathos Sailing Holidays area
Pigadia or Port Karpathos is one of two harbors in the island of Karpathos. The main space available for visiting yachts is on the outside of the mole enclosing the fishing harbor, where yachts anchor moor in depths of 5 meters (the inside of the mole is full of fishing boats on laid moorings and a yacht should not attempt to enter). There is reportedly a heavy ground chain on the bottom about 60 meters off the quay, on which yachts have occasionally fouled their anchors, so care is needed when mooring.
Port Karpathos gets very uncomfortable in any winds over force 5, especially since they are generally from the north to northwest, which send a heavy chop down onto the quay. In these conditions, either pull further off the quay or anchor off the beach in the northern part of the bay, where the fetch of the waves is shorter. A yacht should only be left unattended on the quay in settled weather.
A new ‘mini-marina’ has been constructed to the west side of the harbor, where charts show a rough breakwater connecting the shore to Garonisos islet. The marina has laid moorings, water and electricity. However, although enabled with EU development funding, it is already filled to capacity with local boats and visiting yachts will be fortunate to find a vacant berth.
Warning: The harbor is subject to very strong gusts and it can be uncomfortable and even dangerous with the meltemi (the Etesians) (the Etesians). It is better to anchor in Pigadia Bay, just 2 km north of the harbor.
Navigational Aids
Bavaria C45 Prestige (4Cab)
The small sandy beach of Ammoope (hole in the sand in Greek), or as it is better known, Mikri (small) Ammoope, is one of the loveliest beaches of the island, with light yellow sand and crystal clear sea. It is situated at a distance of 7 kilometers southern to Pigadia.
The well organized beach of Megali (“big”) Ammoope, or Votsalakia (“fine pebbles”), as it is better known due to the fine pebbles, is the most popular beach of the island, for all ages of visitors. It is situated at a distance of 6 kilometers southern to Pigadia, in front of the homonymous settlement.
The sandy beach of Achata is a lovely and quiet beach with nice sand and pebbles and a wonderful sea with fascinating colors. It is situated some 13 kilometers northern to Pigadia.
Take the road to Amoopi and before you get there a dirt road, in good condition, to your right will lead you to Fokia (there is a sign). A small quiet beach awaits you with shallow waters, large pebbles, little shade, boats moored at the edge and a new hotel where you will find water and anything else you may need as there is also a snack bar.