The construction of the new Kolymbari Harbour with EU money a few decades ago was no doubt seen as a project to promote development in the area, but in practice it created a number of problems which are only now being addressed. The harbour was apparently designed with little reference to local weather conditions, the entrance being left open to the East so that in rough weather the prevailing north-easterly winds brought waves surging right into the basin and there was no safe mooring except in the small fishing harbour at the back.

In addition the harbour construction altered the pattern of currents along the coast, with the result that Kolymbari beach was eroded and the stretch in front of the restaurants was reduced to a narrow band of rocks. In rough weather the waves would crash against the rocks, drenching passers-by on the promenade above, and winter storms would regularly break down the sea wall and cause damage to the buildings behind it.

A second phase of building, begun in 2019 and only now nearing completion, sought to remedy both of these failings. The northern sea wall was extended outwards at an angle, protecting the harbour entrance from the winter storms. A major replanning removed the small fishing harbour from its original site, which has been filled in and concreted over, creating a space for events, extended car parking, and an area in front of the Argentina and Dyktina restaurants where they can place extra tables during the summer. A new, enlarged fishing harbour sited against the outer sea wall is equipped for mooring larger vessels, and can provide protection for recreational craft during the winter, as well as for the few local fishing vessels which are still active.

Equally importantly, as part of a plan to reduce erosion, three long breakwaters have been created in a line some 200 metres from the shore. The effect has been startling. Aided by importations of sand and gravel, the area in front of the restaurants now boasts a beach some 20 metres wide which has been rapidly colonised by sunbeds and umbrellas belonging to the adjacent restaurants and holiday apartments. The lagoon between the breakwaters and the shore is calm except in fairly rough weather, and has become a favourite bathing place for both locals and visitors. There is even a shower provided by the municipal authority. There has been talk of building a further four breakwaters in line towards the East, which would undoubtedly transform the currently rather bleak Kolymbari foreshore.

Further planned improvements to the harbour include the installation of power and water points on the quayside for visiting yachts, whose number has increased this year along with the general post-pandemic rush of visitors. However, it has to be said that the changeable weather conditions and the lack of facilities along the coast towards Chania mean that it is unlikely that the area will become the yachtsman’s paradise of the Dodecanese and some other Greek islands.