Mongonisi

Description

Mongonisi is a natural inlet at the extreme S end of Paxos, immediately NW of the tiny islet of Kaltsonisi. Originally an island itself (hence the name) Mongonisi is now joined to the main island of Paxos by a causeway carrying a road which supplies the few houses and the well-established taverna on the island. The inlet here offers excellent shelter in all but NE winds.Visiting yachts can either moor at the quays in the inlet or anchor off, where there is space for 10-15 yachts (more if taking lines ashore). The main N quay in the inlet (where the sign for Pan and Theo’s taverna is) can accommodate 10-12 yachts anchor moored bows-to (depths are 1.5 metres or less at the quay, but 2.5 metres just off it). The S end of this quay is occupied by small boat moorings – although depths are unsuitable for yachts anyway, being less than a metre. Alternatively, it is possible to anchor moor (again bows-to) at a smaller S quay just outside the former Carnayo minimarket, where 6–8 yachts can squeeze in. Depths at the quay are 1.25 – 1.5 metres and 2.5 metres just off. The quay is equipped with good quality s-s mooring rings.Unless visiting the taverna, most yachts tend to anchor off in depths of 5.0 – 8.0 metres, taking a line ashore if necessary during busy periods. Some 20-25 yachts or more can be accommodated in this way. Holding is moderate in sand and weed, and it may take more than one attempt to get your anchor to hold. Shelter in the anchorage is excellent in the prevailing winds (although, as mentioned above, it would probably be necessary to evacuate in strong NE winds).