AGIA ROUMELI

• GRROU
• Latitude: 35.2286
• Longitude: 23.9605
• East Mediterranean
• Port in Greece

Location: Greece

Agia Roumeli is a small village located on the southern coast of Crete, Greece. It's situated at the exit of the Samaria Gorge, one of the most famous and longest gorges in Europe. The village is accessible primarily by boat or on foot through the gorge, as there is no road connecting it directly to other parts of the island. Because of this unique access situation, the marine port of Agia Roumeli plays a crucial role in the village's connectivity and operations.

AGIA ROUMELI Marine Port Description

Location:

• Coordinates: Latitude: 35.2283 N, Longitude: 23.9481 E
• Region: Crete, Greece
• Access: Primarily by sea (boat/ferry) and footpaths

Facilities:

• Berthing: Small-scale docking facilities to accommodate ferries, fishing boats, and small private vessels.
• Mooring: Several mooring points are available for boats, with simple facilities.
• Navigation: The approach to the port is straightforward but often necessitates attention due to local wind and sea conditions.

Infrastructure:

• Jetty/Pier: The port features a primary jetty used for loading/unloading passengers.
• Passenger Amenities: Basic amenities such as seating areas and shade, catering to the significant number of hikers and tourists.
• Cargo Handling: Limited cargo handling facilities, typically used for supplies for the village and emergency needs.

Services:

• Ferry Services: Regular ferry routes connect Agia Roumeli to nearby coastal villages such as Sfakia, Loutro, and Paleochora, and also facilitate transportation to and from Sougia.
• Fishing Support: Limited facilities to support local fishing activities.
• Rescue and Emergency Services: Basic rescue services are often coordinated with nearby coastal towns.

Environmental and Operational Factors:

• Weather: The region experiences Mediterranean conditions, influencing navigation and scheduling of boat services.
• Tidal and Current Conditions: Generally stable, but local knowledge is advisable for navigating potential challenges.
• Operational Season: Heavily influenced by tourist seasons, with increased activity during spring and summer months corresponding with the Samaria Gorge hiking season.

Port Specifications

Entry Channel:

• Depth: Sufficient for small and medium-sized vessels. Exact depth varies, typically around 3-5 meters close to shore.
• Width: Narrow channel with room for single vessel entry/exit at one time.

Berthing Details:

• Lengths: Varying, typically accommodating vessels up to 30 meters in length.
• Depths: Alongside depths range from 2 to 4 meters.

Navigation Aids:

• Beacon/Lights: There may be basic lighting and navigational beacons at the entry of the port.

Shore Facilities:

• Utilities: Limited shore power and water supply facilities.
• Maintenance: Basic maintenance and repair facilities are available, though more extensive services would require travel to larger ports.
• Waste Management: Basic waste disposal facilities are provided, particularly to handle tourist and village-generated waste.

Port Restrictions:

• Access: Subject to weather conditions, especially during adverse weather in off-peak seasons.
• Security: Standard maritime security measures in place, though minimal due to the small scale of operations.

For more extensive maritime and logistical support, ferries connect to larger nearby ports where comprehensive services and facilities are available. The port of Agia Roumeli mainly supports tourism related to the natural attractions in the region, making it an important hub within this unique geographical location.