Skala Harbour (Patmos)

37° 19.7′ N · 26° 32.7′ E

Patmos' only commercial port and the main yacht harbour of the northern Dodecanese: a deep bay ringed by Skala's waterfront, with the fortress-monastery of Chora on the skyline above. Sailing Issues rates it a must-see.

Dodecanese

Practical

Three options (Sailing Issues): (1) West quay — room for 50+ yachts but full by about 11am in July–August; no lazy lines, so med-moor on your own anchor and expect crossed anchors ('anchor spaghetti'); a harbour official at the kiosk on the bend charges a €3 line-handling fee even if you need no help; alongside is possible outside the season. (2) Breakwater (extended December 2021) — inside (north) is a lee shore in the prevailing wind, go alongside; outside (south) gets cruise-ship and ferry wash, moor stern-to. (3) Patmos Yacht Marina pontoon in the NE of the bay. Holding is good in muddy sand — use plenty of scope. Hazards: strong NW–N gusts and cross-winds make docking tricky; a water freighter berths in the NW corner; the power-station generators in the NW corner send fumes over the quay in NW–N winds. The quay south of the bend is normally reserved for Coast Guard/Navy. Water and electricity pillars along the waterfront (Grecosailor: affordable dues but costly electricity and water). Keep clear of ferry berths. Port Authority works VHF 12 (Grecosailor). Fees: verify locally.

Best for

Best-stocked harbour in the group: provisioning, laundry, showers and the climb to Chora

Season

Year-round; packed by late morning in Jul–Aug

Practical

Best for

Season

Nearby