The Saronic Coast

This section covers the coast from the Corinth Canal down to Ák Skillaion and around the corner to Ák Mouzaki opposite the NW tip of Nisos Dhókos. It is mostly mountainous with a ridge running along the coast between 600 and 900m (2,000-3,000ft) high reaching the summit at Ortholithi (112m/3,625ft) opposite Methana peninsula. The upper slopes are rocky and devoid of vegetation, but the lower slopes along the coast are densely wooded in pine. Methana peninsula, properly Khersónisos Methanon (almost an island but for a narrow isthmus), is an extinct volcano.

NÉA EPIDHAVRO

Approach

A small harbour off the hamlet set at the foot of a flood plain. The approach is straightforward with good depths up to the entrance.
By night The entrance is lit Fl.G.3s.3M and Fl.R.3s3M.

Mooring

Go stem or bows-to the pontoon off the taverna in the NE of the harbour. The pontoon is a bit rickety and semi-sunk in places so care is needed. Alternatively go alongside the end of the stubby mole.
Shelter Good shelter from the prevailing NE wind although there can be a bit of a surge.
Anchorage In calm weather anchor off the beach in 2-4m on sand and weed, good holding.

Facilities

Water at the taverna. Limited provisions. If you berth on the pontoon then really you should eat in the taverna above which has wonderful views.

General

The hamlet on the small flood plain is a convivial place that has a little tourism to augment the income from the citrus groves extending back from the beach into the valley. The harbour here is like some secret place locked in by the cliffs and the steep-sided valley. The river that formed the flood plain now runs under the cliffs and empties into the Ν corner of the harbour.

EPIDHAVROS (Old (Palaia) Epidavros, Epidhavro, Epidauros)

Approach

Conspicuous The entrance to Órmos Palaia Epidhávrou is difficult to see from seaward. A road scar on the hill on the S side of the bay is conspicuous. Closer in, the light structure and a church on the Ν side of the bay will be seen. The village of Palaia Epidhavros at the head of the bay will not be seen until you are in the entrance. Once into the bay proceed between the two beacons marking the channel to the quay.
By night Use the light on the Ν side of the entrance Ák Kalamáki F1.2s6M, on the two beacons Q.G.3M, Q.R.3M and on the pierhead Fl.R.3s3M.

Mooring

Go stern or bows-to the pier or the quay or anchor in the bay. The bottom is mud and weed, reasonable holding.
Shelter Good shelter. Although the bay is open E, winds from the Ε rarely blow in the summer with any force.
Authorities Port police.
Note The port police and local hoteliers do not like you anchoring too close to the beach. This is understandable as boats have loos and I for one don't like swimming in pumped out liquid goo.

Facilities

Water On the quay.
Fuel In the town.
Provisions Good shopping for most provisions.
Eating out Tavernas on the waterfront and in the town.
Other PO. OTE. Bank. ATM. Greek gas. Hire motorbikes. Taxis can be hired to go to Epidhavros theatre.

General

Set at the base of steep wooded slopes, Palaia Epidhavros is an attractive small village. However the real attraction is Epidhavros theatre about 30 minutes away by taxi - the easiest way of getting there.

The theatre is accepted as the best preserved of all Greek theatres and one of the finest pieces of classical architecture in existence. Some sensible restoration has been carried out, but the theatre is mostly original. The acoustics of the theatre are perfect: a piece of paper rustled on the stage or a coin dropped on the floor can be clearly heard from any one of the 14,000 seats. There is a festival of ancient Greek drama in the summer and seats and transport can be booked at Palaia Epidhavros.

The site was renowned in ancient times not for its theatre but as a sanctuary of the Askeplion: a religious centre for curing the sick and infirm. Extensive temples, hospitals, sanatoriums and the bath-houses covered a site comparable to Delphi. Little remains of the buildings today but the site on the pine-clad slopes has a certain feeling of quiet and calm about it. A museum on the site houses local finds.