We left Limena Petala after one night as we didn’t find it that attractive and headed for another small bay north of there that was recommended on the CA app. When we got there the bay itself was OK but it was just around the headland from a major industrial port and with the many fish farms in the vicinity there was lots of fast boat activity. We also found that the water on this side of the Inland Sea near the mainland coast was rather more murky green that the clearer waters around the islands.

It only took a few moments to decide that we’d rather got to Kastos – so we did. It was another hour further but we had plenty of time. When we got there we were surprised to find a ‘cat sized’ place available on the quay, tucked up in the inside corner. Our depth alarms had a few heart attacks as we squeezed in with less than half a meter under the keel but it was a secure berth in one of our favourite harbours this year.

Kastos harbour, Splice is on the quay behind the other boats

There is not much in Kastos, three tavernas, a small bar/pizza place, a cafe bar on the edge of the harbour and a cocktail bar/cafe up at the windmill. Twice a day tripper boats disgorge 50 or so people who spend two hours there and then, after 13.00hrs the place calms down. The entertainment is the arrival and departure of other yachts particularly as the late arrivals try to cram into the space remaining. Chris spent a while each day helping arrivals berth on the quay, even earning a beer from one grateful set of charterers.

Chris plays Harbour Master

We walked up over the headland to where the windmill has been done up and had a coffee whilst taking in great views over the surrounding waters. From there we continued around the coast a short way before turning back and re-entering the village from the other side.

We had planned to stay two days but it was such a nice spot that we ended being there for four nights as we weren’t in a rush. We had new neighbours each day on our starboard side but to port there was a 20foot sailboat. The young Italian couple had arrived in June and liked it so much had been there all summer. They made a living by offering massages up by the windmill taverna and judging by the number of ‘yachties’ that used their services they were doing OK.

The massage parlour next door!

We had a very pleasant few days, chatting to the other yacht crews, eating at the ‘Il Porto’ taverna on a couple of nights (where we had watched World Cup games earlier in the year) Carolyn did loads of codewords, played spider solitaire, Chris played the guitar each day and we both read. The weather was sunny with a fair amount of breeze but we were well sheltered and very relaxed.

Main photo: the view from the Windmill cafe/bar -Kastos