Chartering in the Argolic Gulf: Nafplio, Porto Heli and quiet anchorages

The Argolic Gulf cuts deep into the Peloponnese from the south. At its head lies Nafplio, with its old town and the little island fortress of Bourtzi off the harbour. On the eastern shore Porto Heli sits in an almost enclosed bay, with Ermioni nearby and the island of Spetses off the entrance. Most people chartering in the Argolic Gulf start in the Saronic Gulf near Athens and need a day or two to get there, while a few smaller bases operate on the Argolid coast itself. Once inside, the area is quiet: short hops, many anchorages and very little open sea.

The gulf lies in the lee of the Peloponnese, so the meltemi usually arrives weakened. More typical is a thermal breeze that fills in during the afternoon and dies in the evening, which is why the gulf suits families and crews on their second Greek charter. Quiet does not mean empty, though. In high season the town quay at Nafplio and the quays on Spetses fill early, and popular bays get crowded. Check the bottom before you drop the hook, as weed and mud hold very differently, and let out plenty of chain.

Pick a settled day for the passage round the eastern tip of the Argolid and leave time for the return, because that stretch is more exposed than the gulf itself. In season, arrive in the early afternoon if you want a berth. If you damage another yacht while anchoring in a busy bay you are personally liable as skipper, so your own skipper liability insurance belongs in the preparations.

Worth remembering

The long passage in pays off with quiet days in the gulf.