Pythagorio Harbour (Samos)

37° 41.4′ N · 26° 56.6′ E

The ancient harbour of Polycrates - still called Tigani, the frying pan - a snug basin below a lively waterfront town and the castle of Lykourgos Logothetis, Samos's best natural harbour.

Dodecanese

Practical

Inner harbour: stern-to on the quay in up to about 4-5 m over mud with excellent holding; about 25 m of chain is enough, and more invites crossed anchors in the crowded summer basin. Go to the north end of the quay - day-trip boats use the SW end, and ferries use the southern jetty, whose manoeuvring area must be kept clear. A dangerous rock with a beacon lies almost in the middle of the inner-harbour entrance (my-sea notes the beacon is unlit): always enter from the north side, and watch the shoals off the north breakwater and SW side. The outer harbour (up to 6 m, mud) is secure in the meltemi - a CruisersWiki author sat out force 8 there - but unsafe in E and SE winds; use two anchors. A 2021 report says the harbour attendant no longer allows anchoring inside the bay and that prices have risen; laid mooring lines are on the west side, water and electricity cost extra (via the attendant). Expect surge from ferries and a swell in northerlies. Fuel by mini-tanker or at Samos Marina 1.5 nm east. The town is very noisy at night - bars run to about 2 am.

Best for

Town-quay nights next to the Eupalinos Tunnel, castle and museum

Practical

Best for

Nearby