Gaios Port Sailing and Mooring Guide

Gaios (Limin Paxoi)

N Entrance: 39º12′.26N 20º11′.51E – Lights at entrance [FL.R.3S.3M, FL.G.3S.3M]

SE Entrance: 39º11′.80N 20º11′.32E – Lights at entrance [FL.R.2M, FL.G.2S.3M]

Gaios port is located on the east side of Paxos island, 10.5 NM off the southern tip of Kerkyra island (Corfu).

Approach

From the north, the entrance to the harbour is difficult to see. As you approach, the lighthouse enclosed by a whitewashed wall on Nisis Panayia marks the entrance to the channel. From the south, the lighthouse on Nisos Andipaxoi is visible. By night, when coming in from the south, use the light on Andipaxoi [FL.W/R.5S.10/15M], and when coming in from the east, use the light on Nisis Panayia [FL.W/R.5S.10/8M].

There is lower visibility mid-channel, especially when coming in from the north. The south entrance is dangerous, with depths of 1.5-2 m in the middle of the channel and no room to manoeuvre, so wait until the way is clear. I would need care when approaching from the east.

Mooring

The waterways are busy with craft of all kinds; ferries and boats are constantly churning in and out of the harbour. For a berth in high summer, arrive in the early afternoon. You can go stern to either side of the town quay, leaving the ferry and tripper boat berth clear in the middle. The bottom is mud with good holding at 5-10 m depths in the north channel and 2-4 m in the south. In the summer, the town quay is very crowded, and crossed anchors are a fact of life. Stay calm and use some muscle power.

Facilities

Water and electricity boxes are available around the quay. Fuel tankers tour the quays (Tel: +30 266 203 1900, +30 697 357 3597, +30 697 221 4889). Most provisions can be obtained in town, including yacht chandlers off the main square.