Greece
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Greece Cruising Guide
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing around Greece and the Greek islands.
= Featured Cruising Guides
| Greece | |
 Greece | |
 Flag | |
| Capital: | Athens |
|---|---|
| Language: | Greek |
| Currency: | Euro € |
| Time Zone | EET (UTC + 2)
EEST (UTC + 3 summer) |
| Current Sat weather image |
| More notes about the country | |
Greece Background
The background and history of Greece is best observed on Wikipedia.
See also Ionian Sea and Aegean Sea on this Cruising Wiki.
Greece Climate & Weather
The summer weather in Greece is dominated by the meltemi which comes from the NE in the north and west Aegean and from the NW in the south and east. Usually it is a light breeze of force 4-5 in the early morning hours but as the day progresses it strengthens to 5-6 by the afternoon and subsides by sunset. However from middle June to mid Septembers you can count for the meltemi to become a gale of force 7-8 and occasionally 9. These gales usually last 3-4 days.
From October to mid May the probability is equal for either northerly or southerly winds. Winds of force 10 are not uncommon in the winter months. Violent thunderstorms are also probable by late October to early May. The southern winter winds are particularly treacherous and unpredictable.
- Athens Observatory gives 3 day (every 6 hrs) detailed graphical forecasts for the Greek seas.
- Poseidon System gives 3 day forecasts for Greek seas from the National Center for Marine Research. In 2009 the site has been completely revamped, particularly useful is its animated 3 day forecast.
- Weather on Line provides detailed 7 day forecast charts for the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Atlantic.
- Greek Meteorological Service (EMY) it includes the Navtex weather bulletins.
- Wind Guru a surfer's site with worldwide wind forecasts.
- Passage Weather - Eastern Med
Greece Navigation Charts
- BA
- 180 Aegean Sea
- 189 Nísos Sapiénza to Nisos Paxoí
- Imray-Tetra
- G1 Mainland Greece and Peloponnisos
- G2 Aegean Sea (North Part)
- G11 North Ionian Islands
- G16 Peloponnisos West Part
- Greek
- 2 Ionio Pelagos
- 4 Aigaio Sea -Southern part
- 47 Aigaio Sea - Northern Part
- Eagle Ray
- N. D. Elias's Chart Book/cruising guide
Greek Navy charts are of high quality and cost a fraction of the cost of British Admiralty Charts. They can be found in most nautical stores in Greece.
Special Navigation Notes
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
- Greek Coast Guard - VHF 12
- Olympia Radio. This is the Greek VHF network. Local channels are listed in each individual port.
- Cellular Phone(GSM/GPRS). Despite the mountains and the numerous islands Greece has very good GSM/GPRS coverage. In ports where there is no coverage or the signal is weak, there is a notation.
Arrival/Departure procedures
A good quality Greek courtesy flag must be flown in Greek waters. Arriving yachts must call the Port Authority on VHF 12 from offshore, advising your ETA. Fly the "Q" flag and do not go ashore until the Port Authorities have been aboard.
Greece is a member of the EU. All yachts must immediately proceed to a Port of Entry and clear in with the Port Authority, Customs, Immigration (and currency control) and Health. The ship's papers must be presented to the Port Authority after which Customs will issue a Transit Log (renewable after 6 months and valid for 1 year. This Transit Log must be presented to the Port Authority at each subsequent port visited. Also have a fully detailed crew list to present to the Port Authorities on both arrival and departure from ports. Note that the Greek Coast Guard monitors and calls on VHF 12 so this channel should monitored when approaching ports and whilst in port.
Greece Immigration & Customs
Immigration
A visa is not required for a visit of up to three months for citizens of the EU, Andorra, Antigua, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Ecuador, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, St Kitts and Nevis, South Korea, San Marino, Switzerland, Taiwan, the USA and Zimbabwe. For longer stays a visa must be applied for well in advance of the 3 month expiry date.
Visas are not required for citizens of Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay for a maximum stay of up to two months, Hong Kong and Peru up to one month and Singapore up to two weeks.
Visas must be issued in advance for all other nationalities and are valid for up to three months, depending on nationality. Visa extensions can be obtained from the nearest police station or the Greece Aliens Department in Athens.
For Non-EU passport holders - See the Schengen Visa Website for up-to-date information on this option.
Note: Entry may be refused if there are Turkish Cyprus stamps in your passport.
Customs
Firearms and ammunitions MUST be declared on arrival.
PETS: Cats and dogs require health and rabies inoculation certificates issued in the country of origin, not more than 12 months previously for dogs, six months for cats, and not less than six days before arrival. Greece accepts pets covered by the PETS Scheme (Pet Travel Scheme) with a current "Pet Passport".
Foreign registered yachts can buy fuel at duty-free prices. This must be arranged through Customs. Stations that sell fuel for foreign registered yachts are marked by blue and yellow diagonal stripes.
Special Cruising Requirements/Documentation
(Also see Med Cruising Requirements)
(Please edit/update below as/when necessary)
- Individual passports are not stamped on entry into Greece aboard a yacht, nor is this required for departure with the same yacht. However, if leaving by other means (by air), the stamps are required by Immigration at the point of exit.
- When entering Greece all yachts must clear with the Port Authority, Customs, Health, Immigration and Currency Control. The ship's papers - including detailed crew list - will be inspected by the Port Authority before Customs will issue a Transit Log that is renewable after six months (valid for one year), that allows the yacht to sail in Greek waters.
- The Transit Log will only be issued to non-EU vessels, or to EU vessels wishing to purchase duty-free fuel. At subsequent ports, this Transit Log may be inspected by the Port Authority. When leaving Greece, this Transit Log must be returned to Customs.
- Yachts must carry their original registration documents and ship's radio station licence - one member of the crew must be in possession of a certificate to operate the radio/VHF.
- For EU boats, proof of VAT status is required.
- The original insurance certificate and a Greek translation showing Third Party insurance with the amounts in figures. These minimum amounts are:
- 293,470 EURO liability for death or injury by sinking, collision or other cause for crew and third parties,
- 146,753 EURO for damage,
- 88,041 EURO for pollution.
- The skipper must have an International Certificate of Competence.
- Nights should be spent on board (not in hotels ashore, etc) - if not, the Harbour Master and the Immigration officer should be notified.
- Fishing is only allowed with a snorkel in certain areas. Fishing with scuba gear is prohibited.
- To protect archaeological sites, scuba diving is restricted - permission should be sought locally.
- The registered yacht owner/skipper should be on board. If handing the boat's command to someone else, ensure that the proper documentation is obtained from the Port Police.
- Chartering by foreign yachts is now allowed, but the vessel must be inspected and certificated according to Greek law, a proces that involves a huge amount of red tape.
- Hauling out a vessel requires authorisation of the Port Police.
- When entering Greece, cats and dogs require health and rabies inoculation certificates issued in the country of origin, not more than 1 year previously for dogs, 6 months for cats, and not less than 6 days before arrival.
- Foreign yachts can purchase fuel duty-free, with customs approval, at stations that are marked by yellow & blue diagonal stripes.
- The Greek courtesy flag and the Q flag must be flown in the correct manner.
Fees
- For all Non-Greek Boats (over 7 metres): There is a charge of 5.80 EURO per metre, payable at the first Port of Entry. This is called a Circulation Fee.
- If planning to stay in Greek waters for longer than 12 months, the same fee (above) is levied for a permit named Private Pleasure Yacht Permission for Stay and Maritime Traffic Document. This is valid for 3 years and is a one-page A4 document. A 15 EURO charge (Port Police Charge) is levied for issuing these permits. If re-entering Greek waters within 30 days, the "Circulation Fee" will apply.
All Boats:
- A further requirement is a DEKPA (Private Pleasure Maritime Traffic Document) which costs 30 Euro. This is a 6-page booklet that must be presented to, and stamped by, the Port Authority on entry to, and exit from each port visited (As of 2004 it needs only to be stamped once a month for non-charter boats --Istioploos 15:44, 4 June 2008 (MDT)). It is valid until all 50 "panes" are stamped. This charge is applied to all yachts including Greek-flagged vessels.
Non-EU Boats:
- For non-EU registered boats after 90 days, there is a charge of 14.67 EURO per metre and they must obtain a formal "Transit Log". This charge is levied at the end of each 90 day period, and it appears that if the yacht leaves Greece before the end of 90 days the charge will not be made.
Other charges:
- All public harbours now charge a mooring or anchoring fee based on the tonnage and length of the yacht that is usually about 6 EURO for 11m. Boats from EU countries pay lower fees than those from non-EU countries while Greek flagged boats pay even less. There is a basic fee charged at each port for completing the paperwork. A lower fee is charged for anchoring. In most ports these fees are charged even if only stopping for provisions, or to purchase fuel. A fee is charged by Customs for each fuel delivery.
See the FORMALITIES PAGE for further details.
Health & Security
Prefer bottled water when not in big cities.
Greece Ports & Popular Stops
Also see:
- The Aegean Sea - (Including routes and passages)
- The Ionian Sea - (Including routes and passages)
= Featured Cruising Guides, 
= Port of Entry, 
= Marina, 
= Anchorage, 
= Needs data.
Offshore Islands of Greece 
Cruiser's Friends
- Travels with S/Y Thetis Vasilis Riginos has been cruising Greek and Turkish waters for over 25 years, as well as having crossed the Atlantic. He lives for 6-7 months of the year in Greece and is willing to help any fellow cruisers. Email: vasilis[AT]sy-thetis.org
Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
Submit useful website links for the region
- Greece (Wikipedia)
- Greek Navy Charts
Personal Notes
Personal experience?
References & Publications
- Rod Heikell, Greek Waters Pilot Imray, Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire, ISBN 9780852889718
- Anastasios E. Dimarakis, Πορτολάνος Σκαφών Αναψυχής (in Greek), Athens, ISBN 9609011748
- Dana Facaros , Greek Islands, Codogan, ISBN 1860118550
- Alpha Guide, Desmi Ekdotiki, Athens, ISBN 9608304318
- Robert Boulanger, Hachette World Guides Greece, Hachette Book Group
- Fodor's Greek Islands, Fodor's, ISBN 1400019362
- Lawrence Durrell, The Greek Islands, Faber and Faber, ISBN 0571214266
- Richard Stoneman (Editor), A Literary Companion to Travel in Greece, Getty Publication, ISBN 0892362987
- Richard Clogg, A Concise History of Greece, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0521004799
- Lamprine Vagena-Papaioannou & Dora Komine-Dialete, To Aigaio: Epikentro Hellenikou Politismou (in Greek), Melissa, ISBN 9602040106
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