Stenon Samou

BA 1526
Imray-Tetra G32

The narrow strait between the Ε end of Sámos and mainland Turkey. (The Turks call the strait Dilek Bogazi.) At its narrowest the strait is less than a mile across. In the strait there is the small rocky islet of Bayrak Adasi (Turkish) with a light structure on it (F1.5s8M). A yacht can pass either Ν or S of the islet. On the Ν side there is a rocky shoal with a least depth of 9m in the fairway. On the S side there are greater depths.

The narrow strait channels the fairly weak N-going current into a strong current with overfalls. The current sets to the Ε and may attain a rate of 3-4 knots in the narrow section of the strait although it is normally less at around 1-2 knots. The overfalls are usually worse on the Ν side than the S side. The overfalls combined with strong gusts off the high land of Sámos with the meltemi can make the passage very uncomfortable at times and care is needed.

PITHAGORION (Pythagoreon, Tigani)

BA 1526
Imray-Tetra G32

Approach

Conspicuous A line of 9 wind generators on the ridge Ε of Pithagorion are conspicuous and the buildings of the town are visible from some distance off. A large red-roofed hotel to the W of the town and Metamorfosis, a fortified stone monastery on the waterfront, are conspicuous. Closer in, the outer mole is easily identified.
By night Use the light on Ak Foniâs F1.4s5M and the lights at the entrance Fl.R.2s3M/Fl.G.2s2M. From the W the lights at the entrance cannot be seen until close in. Care is needed of the beacon at the entrance to the inner harbour which is unlit.
Dangers With the meltemi there are strong gusts off the high land in the approaches to the harbour.
Note Once inside the outer mole the beacon marking the limit of the shallows on the S side of the entrance to the inner basin is easily identified.

Mooring

Go stern or bows-to the W quay. The bottom is mud - excellent holding.
Authorities A port of entry: port police, customs, and immigration. A small charge is sometimes made.

Facilities

Services Water and electricity on the quay. The connection charge is expensive.
Fuel About 3km out of town. A mini-tanker can deliver to the quay.
Repairs Some mechanical repairs. Hardware shops and limited chandlery.
Provisions Good shopping for provisions nearby. Fruit and vegetable van.
Eating out Tavernas on the waterfront and in town. I seem to have bad luck in Pithagorion with some pretty awful food served up in some of the waterfront tavernas. Choose carefully.
Other PO. OTE. Bank. ATMs. Various yacht agents in the town can arrange services. Greek gas and Camping Gaz collection and delivery by van. Hire cars, motorbikes and bicycles. Regular bus to Vathi. Ferries to Pátmos and Kusadasi in Turkey. Internal flights to Athens.

General

Set at the foot of pine-covered hills and looking over to the Turkish mountains, the town of Pithagorion is a busy tourist resort, and justifiably so. It is a thoroughly agreeable place, set in magnificent surroundings with high wooded mountains behind and just big enough to have good facilities yet small enough to be intimate.

The town was named Pithagorion comparatively recently, in 1955, in honour of Pythagoras who was born on Sámos. Formerly it was called Tigani meaning 'frying pan' - a name which is self explanatory once you have seen the shape of the harbour. Pithagorion is situated on the site of the ancient city of Sâmos which rose to prominence under Polykrates the tyrant. During Polykrates' swift rise to power, what Herodotus described as three of the greatest engineering feats in the Greek world were achieved.

The first was the mole which protected the harbour and which survives in part today as part of the quay and the root of the outer mole. The second was the temple of Hera built near Ireon. In its day bigger and better than any other, today only a single column remains standing amongst the ruins. A small museum in Pithagorion houses some of the finds from the temple site.

The third was the tunnel hewn through the mountain to bring water to the city and also probably as an escape route. It still exists today although the middle section has collapsed. The original was a mile long and 2-4m (8ft) square and for its day an extraordinary engineering feat. The entrance is immediately behind Pithagorion and a part of the tunnel can be explored by those who don't suffer from claustrophobia, though considerable care is needed. It is open six times a week on three days - enquire at the tourist office.

PITHAGORION MARINA

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Approach

The new marina lies immediately Ε of Pithagorion harbour on the Ε side of Ak Foniâs. From the S the entrance to the 'marina' is in line with the easternmost wind turbine on the hill above. For the moment work goes slowly on the marina and it is pretty much a building site. A few yachts use it but most prefer to berth in Pithagorion itself. By night Use the light on Ák Foniás F1.4s5M and the lights at the entrance Fl.G.2s3M/Fl.R.2s3M. VHP Ch 09 will be used.
Note All the main quays are complete. The six pontoons planned for the W of the basin are not yet in place.

Mooring

Data 250 berths. Visitors' berths. Max LOA 20m. Depths 3-7-5m. Laid moorings to be installed. Some local boats use the harbour, but there is plenty of room to go alongside where convenient.
Shelter Good all-round shelter.
Authorities Harbourmaster to be appointed.

Facilities

All services to be installed including water, electricity, toilets and showers. It is planned to install a travel-hoist and workshops. No shops or tavernas. It is a 20 minute walk into Pithagorion.

IREON

At the W end of the large bay running around to Pithagorion is the village and small fishing harbour at Ireon. A short breakwater provides some shelter. Anchor off in 3-4m. The meltemi does not gust into this corner as strongly as elsewhere along this coast. Provisions and tavernas ashore. The Temple of Hera is about 1km from the harbour.