Full Description & Details
The Marina of Paleochora is a small harbour on the southwest coast of Crete, Greece, in the town of Paleochora. It is a natural harbour, offering a sheltered stop for yachts cruising this part of the island. The marina is situated close to the Castle of Selinos, a notable landmark about 550 metres to the northeast, and near the beach of Methexis. Paleochora itself is a small town of roughly 2,000 inhabitants, located about 75 km southwest of Chania, under the White Mountains.
The harbour provides mooring for visiting yachts, with a maximum draft of about 3 metres. The seabed and holding are typical of a natural harbour, and overnight stays are permitted. The marina is marked on charts as a harbour of the marina category, and mooring is available. Protection is provided by the natural configuration of the bay, though as with any open natural harbour, conditions can vary with wind direction.
Facilities at the marina are basic. A small kiosk at the end of the crossroad leading from the town centre towards the beach sells a ticket, costing about 20 euros, that is valid at multiple ports and required for access to the water. There is no detailed information available on fuel, water, or electricity supplies, so skippers should plan to be self-sufficient or confirm availability locally. The town of Paleochora offers services and supplies within walking distance of the harbour.
Sailors should approach with caution, as the harbour is natural and may have limited space during busy periods. The best season for a stopover is during the summer months, when the weather is generally settled. There are no specific restrictions noted beyond the ticket requirement. The marina is a practical stop for those exploring the southwest coast of Crete, including the nearby anchorage at Elafonisi, about 75 km away.
How to get there
Approach the Marina of Paleochora from the sea, heading towards the town on the southwest coast of Crete. The harbour is a natural one, so there are no marked entrance channels or dedicated approach waypoints described in the sources. Use the town and the Castle of Selinos as visual references when closing the coast.
The maximum draft is about 3 metres, so deeper-draft vessels should check depths carefully before entering. There is no VHF channel listed for the marina, so contact is not specified; plan to make a visual approach and pick up a mooring or berth on arrival. Once ashore, the town of Paleochora is immediately accessible from the harbour.
The nearest major airport is at Chania, about 75 km to the north, with road access connecting the town. The ticket kiosk for the water access fee is located at the end of the crossroad from the town centre towards the beach. Formalities are limited to purchasing the required ticket, which is valid at multiple ports in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum draft at the Marina of Paleochora?
The maximum draft at the Marina of Paleochora is about 3 metres.
Can I stay overnight at the Marina of Paleochora?
Yes, overnight stays are permitted at the Marina of Paleochora.
Is there a fee to use the Marina of Paleochora?
Yes, a ticket costing about 20 euros is required for access to the water at the Marina of Paleochora, and it is valid at multiple ports.
What protection does the Marina of Paleochora offer?
The Marina of Paleochora is a natural harbour, providing protection from the sea, though conditions can vary with wind direction.
What facilities are available at the Marina of Paleochora?
Facilities at the Marina of Paleochora are basic, with a kiosk for tickets; there is no confirmed information on fuel, water, or electricity.
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