Mandraki Marina (Rhodes) South Aegean - Rhodes - Greece

Mandraki Marina is located at the northern tip of Rhodes capital city on Rhodes island, the largest and most important island of the Dodecanese. The harbor benefits from proximity to the island's international airport, making it a popular base for charter companies operating cruises to nearby islands. Due to high demand from charter operators who defend their moorings against visiting yachts, berth availability is extremely limited, particularly on weekends when boats often moor in second or third rows. Visiting sailors seeking a guaranteed berth should contact local service agencies that can arrange moorings without advance payment. When securing a free space independently, exercise caution as crossing anchors with the mooring lines on the seabed can create complications. The marina's sanitary facilities are basic, consisting of a simple container that struggles to accommodate weekend crowds. The condition and cleanliness of these facilities can only be described as modest. Navigation into Mandraki harbor is aided by three windmills on the eastern pier serving as prominent landmarks. The harbor entrance is marked by two distinctive columns topped with bronze statues of a stag and a doe. Night entry requires extra vigilance as background lighting from the waterway creates poor visibility at the entrance. The harbor provides good protection from weather and waves. Berths are equipped with power and water connections, while fuel delivery is available directly to the quay via tanker service. Mariners must exercise extreme caution regarding rocks and shallow waters on the north side of the port entrance. A critical anchoring consideration involves the heavy mooring chain submerged parallel to the dock at approximately 30 meters (90 feet) distance. The water depth at this location reaches 20 meters, and boats should deploy maximum chain from their chain locker to prevent the anchor from snagging on the submerged mooring chain. If an anchor does become stuck on this heavy chain, divers will most probably be required to free it. The marina's popularity with charter companies means competition for space is intense, and visiting yachts may encounter resistance when seeking berths. Weekend periods see particularly heavy usage, with the limited space forcing boats into multiple rows. Despite the crowded conditions and basic facilities, Mandraki harbor remains a significant port for accessing the Dodecanese islands and serves as a gateway to the wider South Aegean cruising grounds.