Port Mandraki, Corfu
29 August 2017 | Corfu, Port Mandraki
Dierk & Sabrina
Port Mandraki, Corfu
20 to 23 August
As with Maree and Sean we thought this was the perfect place to berth Stella whilst in Corfu. Port Mandraki Marina is right at the base of the fort located on the north side of Ak Sidhero. As such it faces the prevailing wind which cools the area down a bit and sends a breeze through the boat making it more comfortable.
Many marinas are stiffling because breezes become restricted on account of the volume of boats and buildings. In the main we try to avoid these, but Port Mandraki is not only open to the weather, its location as mentioned is second to none. To access the marina you must pass through the entrance of the port. There are guards there that charge people to visit the old fort, but as marina clients, you pass through gratis. You just say "Marina" and they wave you by. So, you get to stay at a place that is close to the action, with a great vista and get to see the old fort for free....every day. Not only that, there is a beautiful beach just outside the boundary and the Corfu Yacht Club has a fantastic bar and alfresco restaurant which is reasonably priced.
The port is old though, and one disadvantage is that you must berth the boat bows too because of the shallow water next to the quay. Berthing this way requires accessing the quay via a plank of wood fixed to the bow of the boat resting on the quay. This becomes a bit intimidating for people, so on the first night we used Quack Quack to access the restaurant. We tied off the plank as well as we could, but it is always an idea to help people negotiate the passage from quay to boat.
Anyway we spent a few days there, checking out Corfu, swimming at the beach and generally taking it easy. Maria Rosa left on the 21st and we were going to leave for Albania on the 23rd. Unfortunately, Mike had a bad fall dislocating his foot quite badly requiring him and Nicky to fly back to Melbourne. We stayed in Corfu until we knew they had organised their trip back home. As previously mentioned, we wish Mike a speedy recovery and we know he will be in good hands back home.