39:20.59N 24:04.11E Nira Panayia Island

Ariel of Hamble
Jim and Valerie SHURVELL
Sun 29 Jul 2018 20:25


Monday 18th June, 2018.

We had a little sailing race with Cherry and Hugh along the coast after leaving Alonnisos and of course we won until we headed to the bay at the far end of Nira Panayia and they headed into the first bay on the island.

We made our way into Panitis bay entering via the gap of 82 metres wide and over the sand bar and anchored near the beach.  No phone signal at all which is a little concerning now a day.  When we first set off ten summers ago we had trouble finding a bar in France which actually had Wifi that worked.  We were often assured yes we do and bought the usual beer or coffee to be told sorry it is not working tonight. We have got so use to be able to phone or call up the weather wherever.

We saw dolphins twice on our way.  Two were working in the channel off Alonnisos and then when we had left Alonnisos behind we had 12 come and play with us as we sailed across to Panayia island.  It is amazing how much fun and excitement just seeing a dolphin can cause but to have 12 all rushing under the boat and keeping up with us crossing back and forth for several minutes.

Beautiful scenery in the bay with 28 degree water just right to swim in. The island lies 4 miles NE of Alonnisos and is deserted except for a large herd of goats, herd of cows, some horses, a big black bull and a guardian who watches over it.

The island is a nture reserve and is partof the NMPANS marine reserve.  It is one of the few remaining habitats of the Mediterrarean Monk Seal.  Others inhabit Cephalonia in the Ionian and Morocco.

The b ay is very difficult to get in if there is a north wind as it piles into the narrow entrance and over the sand bar into the bays.  The outside cliffs are very barren but the inside is thick with trees and cricks which don’t stop in any 24 hours!  We had a super quiet night on anchor.

 


JPEG image

JPEG image

JPEG image

JPEG image

JPEG image

JPEG image

JPEG image