Galaxidi

Our main port of call in the Gulf of Corinth was Galaxidi. This tranquil little village is off the beaten track for many, but makes an ideal stop for sailors halfway along the gulf, not least of all because it is the most pleasing town in the Corinth! Built on a natural double harbour it has a long maritime history, as attested to by the nearby naval academy and the modest but excellent nautical history museum in town.

Despite being destroyed twice by the Ottoman army, Galaxidi went on to thrive during the 1800s. After the War of Independence, Galaxidi became the second largest nautical centre in Greece. It is even recorded that King Otto visited Galaxidi in 1834 when he was just 19 years old, two years into his reign after ascending the newly created throne of Greece. 

Bar for a few maritime references about the town, you wouldn’t know of Galaxidi’s great history. With the arrival of steam-powered ships, Galaxidi failed to adapt to the new technology and the town swiftly declined. These days it is a well-preserved village of captains’ mansions and cobbled streets. Colourful facades, stone balconies and old ship figureheads decorate each corner of the townlet, hinting at its grand past.  

As is common with most sailors passing through here, we stayed longer than intended and were happy to do so!