the wide bay of Ormos Rougas

Our next anchorage was Ormos Rougas located on the southern shores of the gulf, just 5 miles east of Vontisa. The wide sweeping bay had a quiet road running along its shoreline which separated the tree lined beach from the lagoon behind.

There wasn't much ashore apart from a local taverna tucked under the shade of the trees and a few motorhomes parked randomly. Behind the taverna a compound contained several dilapidated caravans which suggested that the area could well have once been a popular caravan park.

At the far side of bay there was a tiny fishing harbour with a few colourful fishing boats and at the opposite end a boatyard for hauling out yachts.


ample seating and shade offered by the taverna


lovely views


the lagoon


the tiny fishing harbour


a shoreline with many sea urchins

The Gulf is famed for it's Ambracian shrimp. They have even been referenced in the legendary James Bond movie "For your eyes only"! The shrimps live and breed in the gulf so there are seasons when they can be netted. We met a local and he was preparing his boat for August which was the start of shrimp season. Ambracian shrimps are small, 10cm with long antennae with brightly colored stripes on their backs.

It was a very peaceful unspoilt place to enjoy our time. Frequent visits from a loggerhead turtle kept us entertained as he knew exactly when and where to surface to avoid having his photo taken!


our teasing turtle - this was unfortunately the best photo

Total distance this season: 773.117 nautical miles