The largest island in Greece (18 Division) and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily (EU-025), Sardinia (165), Cyprus (110), and Corsica (104), the stunning island of Crete is home abode to new Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) member 90DA101 Kostas.
From his quaint QTH in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, the club’s first ever Cretan DX-Man (See pictured right) links with us in late November, 2024, eager to take on some exciting new challenges on the airways!
Like most DA-RC members, 90DA101 Kostas is a licensed ham radio operator.
His QRZ.com page indicates a strong interest in digital work in which he specialises in FT-8 operations.
It’s his thirst for serious 11m DX work, however, which really drives him…
On the world’s best HF band, chasing rare DX from a multi-purpose home station and portable operations from picturesque coastal seascapes are listed as favourite pastimes.
Admirably, 90DA101 Kostas meets DA-RC Membership requirements in the DX Hunter category with more than 100 divisions worked and confirmed.
This was during a past association with the Echo Kilo (EK) club; a period which also included some IOTA activity from the main island.
90DA101 Kostas’ postcard perfect island possesses the unique IOTA reference EU-015 in keeping with the popular World IOTA Program.
This exquisite island dxstination is roughly 160 km south of the Greek mainland, about 100 km south of the Peloponnese, and about 300 km southwest of Anatolia.
An elongated shape, Crete spans 260 km from east to west, is 60 km at its widest point, and narrows to as little as 12 km (close to Ierapetra).
To the north, it broaches the Sea of Crete; to the south, the Libyan Sea; in the west, the Myrtoan Sea, and toward the east the Carpathian Sea.
Its capital and largest city is Heraklion, on the north shore of the island, and it’s here where 90DA101 Kostas lives.
The Dodecanese Islands (59 Division) are located to the northeast of Crete, while the Cyclades Islands Group (EU-067) are situated to the north, separated by the Sea of Crete.
Crete is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece.
Popular tourist attractions include the archaeological sites of the Minoan civilization, the Venetian old city and port of Chania, the Venetian castle at Rethymno, the gorge of Samaria, the islands of Chrysi, Elafonisi, Gramvousa, Spinalonga and the Palm Beach of Vai, which is the largest natural palm forest in Europe.
90DA101 Kostas resides in Gazi, a suburb of Heraklion.
It’s known for Ammoudara Beach, lined with bars, hotels, and water sport rental spots.
The Technópolis complex features a multiplex cinema and an outdoor amphitheater with sea views, while Bravo Water Park has a few pools and slides.
Cretan vases, beads, and figurines are on display at the Archaeological Collection Malevizi which can be seen left.
Cafes and traditional tavernas are scattered throughout the area.
Only 13km off the northern coast of Heraklion, where it’s visible on clear days, is the uninhabited island of Dia (also pronounced locally Ntia).
Just 5 km long and 3 km wide, this island is one of roughly 30 islands in the highly sought after Crete Coastal Island Group (EU-187).
According to the Islands Base Online (IBO) database, Dia island (formerly known as Standia) has not been seen on the 11m band since 2008.
Not only is Gazi, the perfect gateway to some of Crete’s magnificent offshore islands, but it’s also dotted with a series of spectacular lighthouses and fortresses which overlook the mighty Heraklion Gulf.
Pictured above and below, the Rocca Mare Fortress is a fortress located at the entrance of the old port of Heraklion.
This potential Castles On The Air (COTA) destination was built by the Republic of Venice in the early 16th century, and is still in good condition today.
The Heraklion Lighthouse and Iraklion Light (ARLHS CRE-008) are 2 examples of navigational beacons which guide vessels across the Heraklion Gulf, nearby Kostas’ home.
This latter lighthouse was built in 1864 in the port of Heraklion on the old Venetian fortress.
It was destroyed by the Germans during the Second World War and today only ruins are preserved.
Like other parts of Greece, Crete has a rich and diverse culture.
The island is known for its Mantinades-based music (typically performed with the Cretan lyra and the laouto) and has many indigenous dances, the most noted of which is the Pentozali.
It also has its own distinctive Mantinades poetry.
90DA101 Kostas has compiled impressive home and portable stations.
His portable setup includes a Icom IC-7300 transciever, and Yaesu ATAS 120A mobile antenna that provides HF, VHF and UHF coverage with automatic motorized tuning.
At home, the station is more detailed with a Icom IC-705 transciever, jpole antenna and RM Italy KL805 amplifier which delivers 600 watts.
“I own 2 e-shops, and a company that sells building materials,” explains 90DA101 Kostas.
“I’m also a truck driver and crane operator.”
Despite such a busy lifestyle, 90DA101 Kostas still finds time for his favourite hobby, balancing radio communications with time spent socializing with family and friends.
As evidenced by the world’s 11m DX clusters, he is QRV most days on 27.555 MHz, monitoring the band, or calling CQ from his picturesque island home in the Mediterranean!
QSL INFOS
“WILL QSL FIRST”
Welcome Kostas, enjoy your New callsign!