Alimos Yacht Charter base - Saronic & Cyclades - Sailing in the Greek islands

THE MARINA
Kalamaki Marina is said to be the largest charter base in Greece and the East Mediterranean Sea. It is located 12 kilometres away from Athens centre at the south coast of Attica-Athens. During the charter season it is a very busy place, because it is the main yacht base for many charter companies in Greece. There is frequent connection with Athens historical centre (Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka old town, etc) and with Piraeus, the main port for ferries, flying dolphins and catamarans to all the Aegean islands, Cyclades and Dodecanese.

HOW TO REACH OUR ALIMOS BASE
The Athens International Airport EL. VENIZELOS is situated in Spata area and is approximately 41km from Alimos marina. Getting there is pretty straightforward. You can either take a public bus or a taxi. You will find both as soon as you exit the main airport areas. The public bus runs on a 24hr basis and is every 20-25 minutes and the ticket costs 3.5 Euro. Depeding on the traffic, the route from the airport to the marina is approx. 90 minutes. The name of the bus that you have to take is X96 and it is heading to Piraeus port. Your stop is called EDEM, (ask your bus driver for help).
The taxi is certainly the most convenient solution and costs approximately 40-45 Euro.
A pre-arranged transfer with mini-bus can also be provided by EASY SAILING at a small extra cost.

MEETING POINT/OFFICE
The meeting point is directly onto your yacht (we will inform you of your yacht's name a few days before you arrive in Athens Alimos marina). Most EASY SAILING yachts are moored in pier Nr.3.

MOORINGS
When returning, go stern-to. Mooring lines are available. DO NOT USE ANCHORS!
Alimos marina (or so-called Kalamaki) is a public marina and services are far from 5 Stars rating. Lately, it is better organised & clean enough, but one should not expect to get berth-guidance from the marina staff or phone/ lines and internet connection.

FACILITIES
Hot water showers and toilets at 80m distance from the yachts or less. Water and 220V power is available on the quay.
Fuel is delivered on the quay by a car-tanker. A taxi stand is found within the marina, though is better you ask us to order one. ATM cash point is right across the main road opposite the West entrance of the marina.
A few banks are located within 350 meters distance.
An unguarded car parking area is available too, though we suggest cars are parked in front of the port police on the marina or -better- at a small street outside the marina.

PROVISIONING
There is NO supermarket within the marina (!). You can either send us a provisioning list before you arrive and have everything brought directly to your boat or do your own shopping at the big-chain supermarket on the main street (Poseidonos Avenue), across the West entrance of the marina. They can possibly deliver things to your yacht most times with a big delay. on Saturdays the respective supermarket closes at 20.00h and on Sundays is closed too. In case you arrive late, you may use the "Tassos supermarket service". Mr Tassos and his network of employees in all piers will spot you no matter what (!). This is an all-day service and a tough competitor of the normal supermarket. His guys will pick you up with a car, take you to a smaller grocery store nearby and lift you back with all you buy directly to your yacht (They say it's free of change, but in reality items are 5-10% more expensive than in a big supermarket). A night-club is built within the marina area, and loud music can be annoying on Friday nights. Tip: Don't forget to get ice, so that you save your yacht?s power at night!

RESTAURANTS
There is a variety of restaurants, including Greek and Italian cuisine, on and around the main road Poseidonos Avenue which can deliver too!! A fancy, expensive coffee shop-breakfast & all day snack-restaurant called "Kitchen Bar" is situated into the marina.
A good option is the non-expensive Greek tavern named "Vassilis" situated very close to the marina - ask EASY SAILING staff about its exact location. Pizza-Hut and Goodies (fast food, far better than McDonalds) are both within 5-7 min. walk.
Tip: Take the tram to Syntagma Square downtown and walk 700m to Monastiraki. There is a fine kebab house called "Thanassis", order the good and cheap, usual kebab plate served with pita-breads. T-shirts and shorts are allowed. on your way back to the marina you will enjoy the view of the illuminated Parthenon marbles up the hill.

SIGHTSEEING IN ATHENS
For more information on interesting places and other sailing tips you may check our Easy Sailing web page of Athens

THE WEATHER
The Saronic Gulf and Eastern Peloponesse is generally a protected sailing area, with winds seldom exceeding Force 2-4B out of NW to N. The weather is sunny and warm with very little rain, but some during spring and autumn.

HAZARDS
ATTENTION to the reef of AGHIOS COSMAS, SE of the entrance to Alimos Marina, is difficult to spot at night. MORE ATTENTION should be drawn to the MERMINGIA rocks, 4-4.5 miles SE of Alimos Marina in the direction of Cape Sounio.