From Rod Heikell's guide "The islands once supported a prosperous monastery, (photo above)but today there is just one monk who looks after sheep, poultry , a vineyard and a vegetable garden. Apparently there is the question as to whether he is still there, or not?"
These strange islands are part of the Zakinthos National Park with the waters the clearest we have, I think, ever seen! One could visualise easily the rocky bottom in 20 metres....
Surprisingly we were 4 yachts at anchor in Ormos Tavernas, southern side of the smaller island, plus a couple of fishing boats who have their own moorings.
Of course, NO INTERNET !
Hesitating a while before we dropped our faithful bugle anchor, as we could see the big boulders underneath, but thankfully we found a decent area of sand in which to safely set our anchor. The chain still had to pass over these menacing looking rocks. Immediately we swam over to check, all looked good in 6 metres, enabling us not to worry during the night, which ended up being relatively calm, although slightly rolly to start with.
We do not regret spending the night there, as it would be impossible in strong winds and we will never have the chance again, I imagine!
Part of our sail the next day towards Ormos Keri, Zakinthos was very sportive with 20 knts + in the nose, but we managed a direct with the winds turning slightly in our favour.
'Pacific Pearl' sailed beautifully into the wind with reduced sails, but we sure had a decent rincing all over!
Finally, arriving under the spectacular cliffs of Zakinthos, where the wind died out completely......