CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons (ronsaunders47)Anchorage· Lesvos· Greece — Dodecanese, Sporades & North Aegean
Gulf of Kalloni — Skala Kallonis (Lesvos)
39° 12.2′ N · 26° 12.6′ E
A huge, almost landlocked inland sea — 'Aristotle's Lagoon' — where the philosopher studied marine life. Flat water, flamingos on the salt pans and grilled Kalloni sardines at Skala Kallonis make it the island's storm refuge and its gentlest anchorage.
Practical
Coordinate is the Skala Kallonis anchorage at the head of the gulf: Grecosailor crew had excellent holding in 5 m, anchor set immediately, good protection from northerlies and no waves. One guide gives 3–10 m over mud with good holding across the gulf, sheltered from the north. The entrance is a narrow, shallow passage (see the Gulf of Kalloni entrance passage) — pilot carefully. The gulf is a Natura 2000 site; avoid oyster and fishing gear. Kalloni town (3 km inland) has AB Vassilopoulos and Masoutis supermarkets and a health centre. Bird hides ring the salt pans east of Skala Kallonis. Gulf sardines are a protected local speciality, best eaten lightly salted or grilled.
Best for
Meltemi refuge, birdwatching and sardines
Season
Year-round; best Apr–May for birds
Nearby
- Kalloni Health Centre1.9 NM away
- Kalloni Salt Pans Birdwatching (spring migration)2.4 NM away
- Apothikes Bay (Gulf of Kalloni entrance)7.6 NM away
- Panagia Glykofilousa Festival, Petra (15 August)7.6 NM away
- Petra Bakeries & Grocer7.6 NM away
- Lesvos Scuba Oceanic Centre (Petra)7.7 NM away
- Women's Cooperative Restaurant (Petra)7.7 NM away
- Gialo Gialo (Petra seafront)7.8 NM away