Note 1 at Acts 27:12: Phenice was a city on the southern coast of Crete (see note 10 at Acts 27:7, p. ???). It had an excellent harbor who's opening was divided by a small island into two entrances to the sea (see note 2 at this verse). This was the only port on the southern side of Crete that was safe during every season of the year.

Phenice was located less than fifty miles from Fair Havens (see note 13 at Acts 27:8, p. ???), thus the sailors of Paul's ship thought they could surly make this port even though the storm season was upon them.

Phenice was also known by the name of Phoenix and is today called Lutro. However, it is not to be confused with the Phoenicia of Acts 11:9; 15:3; 21:2 (see note 1 at Acts 11:19, p. 637).

Note 2 at Acts 27:12: This mention of the port of Phenice (see note 1 at this verse) lying toward the south west and north west is interesting. The harbor entrance was divided by a small island into two openings to the sea; one facing north east and the other towards the south east. These are exactly opposite the directions given in this verse.

The apparent harmony is that this verse is speaking of the winds when it mentions south west and north west. The south west winds would facilitate a ship leaving through the north east opening and likewise, a north west wind would aid a ship to sail through the south east opening to the sea.