Gailos Harbour, Symi, Greece
Not to be used for navigation
DESCRIPTION
Approaches are wide and clear. The harbour is used by ferries, fishing boats, day-tripper boats and and private yachts. It is open to the north, but during our stays the swell has been moderate at its worst. The ferries do kick up quite a wake for a few minutes on their arrival. We have seen cruising boats tied back to all three walls of the harbour (East South and West). Boats are sometimes moved off both the East and West walls to make room for ship arrivals (a Navy ship sometimes calls in at night). As of April 2009 the harbour gained a real asset in Theo. Theo is the new mooring master and can often be reached on VHF Ch16 (or 12 or 06). Look out for him coming in. He is about 40, tall with a moustache. He has an English wife and speaks great English. He will direct you to the best location and help with your lines.MOORING
The harbour is quite deep, there are no laid lines, the bottom is U shaped and there are two theories (at least) on the best anchoring technique. Some use a very short scope relying on the uphill drag of the anchor to secure them. Others prefer to drop their anchor all the way over the other side of the harbour, hanging several hundred feet of chain across the bottom. We have tried both techniques and the long chain approach worked better for us, with no dragging. The penalty however is much more likelihood of fouling another anchor/rode with boats anchored on both sides of the harbour. Additionally there are a few heavy rusty chains on the bottom to catch/pick up if you are unlucky. There are a number of blue boxes on the harbour wall with electricity and water hookups. If possible try and get close to one as they are not within reach of all spaces.When choosing a place to drop your hook, look out for the chain runs on both sides of the harbour - particularly those of larger yachts/Gulets who will definately use the entire width of the harbour for their scope.
FACILITIES ASHORE
WIFI: We were able to pick up an unsecured wifi signal on the West side of the Harbour but not on the East. There are a number of internet cafes and regular restaurants aroudn the harbour all offering free internet for customers.UTILITIES: The harbour has blue boxes dotted around with 220v electricity and water hookups. Do not plug into these without permission. The water/electricity man (usually to be seen riding around the harbour on a large tricycle) will hook you up and issue you with a receipt and expect to be paid. Electricity in 04/2009 was 5 euros a day. Water is in short supply on Symi and is tankered in each week. Faucets are kept locked and expect to pay for metered water (3.50 euros for our 500litres). There are signs posted asking you not to waste water or use it to wash down your decks.
GROCERY STORES: There are a number of small stores, some very good for fresh vegetables, in the streets surrounding the harbour. There are a couple of boats that may sell fresh fish from the harbour wall in the early mornings only and also a few butchers and bakers. There is no large supermarket on Symi but the local stores cater to most needs. One of the wine shops has a particularly good selection (for the Greek Islands) and a knowledgeable owner who will lead you to some decent Greek wines.
TAXI: Taxis are available in the town center, but there is a limited choice of destinations! The upper town (Pedi) is 10 minute walk up the steep stairs on the East side of the harbour. Panormitis bay, the location of the monastery is 24km away.
LAUNDRY: There is a laundry in the harbour area (as well as one in Pedi). The one in the lower town is in the center of the harbour about a block back from the water and is full service.
CHANDLERY:There are two shops selling fishing tackle and basic marine supplies. One is on the West side of the harbour and the better stocked one is next to the bell tower in the center of town.
CAR/SCOOTER RENTAL: The town has several rental agencies. We paid 25 euros fto the agency on the West side of the harbour for a 125cc motorcycle. Scooters were 20 euros and a car quite expensive at 55 euros. We were told that another car rental office in the center of the harbour was renting cars at about 35 euros, so it pays to shop around. The only towns are Gailos/Pedi and the only gas stations are here, so fill up before you head out of town.
OFFICIALDOM: The Harbour Police are located on the East side of the harbour several hundred yards past the village. Immigration police are opposite near the clocktower on the West side.
ANYTHING ELSE: Ask Theo. He is extremely accommodating and knowledgeable on village life.