Reference Database
Greek Anchorages Database
30+ curated yacht anchorages across Greek waters. Coordinates, depths, shelter, character. The reference charter captains keep open.
What this database is and how it was built
30+ Greek anchorages, curated and described
CYCLADES Ornos Bay, Mykonos (37.4275°N 25.3306°E): 8-12m, sand, holds well. Sheltered from N and NW; exposed to S. Excellent tender access to Mykonos chora (15 min). Less crowded than the New Port; preferred yacht anchorage. Antiparos Channel, Antiparos (37.0408°N 25.0656°E): 5-15m, sand. Sheltered from N (meltemi). The channel between Paros and Antiparos is one of the best Cycladic anchorages for swimming and lunch. Vroulidia, Sifnos (36.9714°N 24.7036°E): 6-10m, sand with weed patches. Sheltered from N and NW. Quiet north-coast anchorage; small village, two tavernas, near-empty in shoulder season. Pollonia, Milos (36.7672°N 24.5117°E): 4-8m, sand. Sheltered from S; exposed to N. Excellent tender access to the fishing village. Best lunch anchorage on Milos. Plaka Bay, Naxos (37.0464°N 25.3833°E): 5-12m, sand. Sheltered from N and NW. Long beach (3 km), the best yacht-anchorage on Naxos's west coast. Kamares Bay, Sifnos (36.9786°N 24.6731°E): 8-15m, sand with weed. Sheltered from N; exposed to W. Main Sifnos harbour, useful for provisioning. Manganari Bay, Ios (36.6431°N 25.3475°E): 5-10m, sand. Sheltered from N. Long south-coast bay; one of the most beautiful Cycladic anchorages for the morning swim. Folegandros Harbour (36.6189°N 24.9203°E): 6-12m, sand. Sheltered from N. Small but functional harbour; chora 10 minutes walk above. IONIAN Kioni Harbour, Ithaca (38.4500°N 20.6878°E): 4-8m, sand. Excellent shelter all directions. The most photogenic harbour in the Ionian; small village with multiple yacht-set tavernas. Lakka, Paxos (39.2347°N 20.1289°E): 3-7m, sand. Excellent shelter all directions. Natural sheltered harbour at Paxos's north end; village ashore. Vathy, Ithaca (38.3683°N 20.7167°E): 6-12m, sand. Excellent shelter; main harbour. Walk to the chora's restaurants and provisions. Fiscardo, Kefalonia (38.4583°N 20.5783°E): 8-15m, sand with rocks. Sheltered from W. Most-charter-friendly anchorage on Kefalonia; excellent restaurants. Argostoli, Kefalonia (38.1820°N 20.4886°E): 4-10m, sand. Sheltered. Main Kefalonia town; useful for provisioning and crew changes. Lefkada Marina (38.8267°N 20.7008°E): 4-8m, marina. Best modern marina in the Ionian. Standard Ionian departure point. Voutoumi, Antipaxos (39.1722°N 20.2444°E): 5-10m, sand. Sheltered from N. One of the best swimming beaches in the Mediterranean; day-anchorage only. Vrika, Antipaxos (39.1789°N 20.2333°E): 5-10m, sand. Similar to Voutoumi; equally beautiful, equally crowded in August. SARONIC Hydra Harbour (37.3478°N 23.4661°E): 8-15m, sand. Sheltered. Main Hydra anchorage. Stern-to mooring; crowded in summer but iconic. Poros Harbour (37.5031°N 23.4506°E): 5-12m, sand. Sheltered. Small but well-protected; village ashore. Spetses Old Harbour (37.2628°N 23.1494°E): 4-10m, sand. Sheltered from N. Small harbour with restaurant scene; tender to the chora. Aegina Marathonas (37.7656°N 23.4275°E): 4-8m, sand. Sheltered from N. Quiet alternative to Aegina town; close to the temple of Aphaia. SPORADES Skiathos Harbour (39.1656°N 23.4886°E): 4-10m, sand. Sheltered. Main Skiathos departure point. Lalaria Beach, Skiathos (39.2056°N 23.4569°E): 5-15m, sand. Sheltered from S. Tender-access only; one of the most dramatic anchorages in Greek waters. Skopelos Harbour (39.1219°N 23.7286°E): 4-10m, sand. Sheltered. Main Skopelos town with village ashore. Steni Vala, Alonissos (39.2200°N 23.9300°E): 5-12m, sand. Sheltered. Small fishing village; quietest of the Sporades anchorages. DODECANESE Symi Harbour (36.6172°N 27.8389°E): 8-15m, sand. Sheltered. The famous amphitheatre of neoclassical mansions; standard yacht stop. Lindos, Rhodes (36.0917°N 28.0883°E): 4-10m, sand. Sheltered from N. Anchorage below the Lindos acropolis; spectacular. Pedi Bay, Symi (36.5944°N 27.8533°E): 4-8m, sand. Sheltered from N. Quieter alternative to Symi harbour. Patmos, Skala (37.3217°N 26.5447°E): 6-12m, sand. Sheltered. Main Patmos harbour; tender to the chora and monastery. Mandraki Harbour, Rhodes (36.4506°N 28.2275°E): 4-10m, sand. Sheltered. Main Rhodes town harbour at the entry to the Old Town. CRETE Chania Old Harbour (35.5172°N 24.0167°E): 4-10m, sand. Sheltered. Venetian harbour; smaller yachts only (max 30m). Loutro, south Crete (35.1989°N 24.0764°E): 5-15m, sand. Sheltered from N. One of the most isolated Cretan anchorages; village accessible only by sea or foot. Balos Lagoon, Crete (35.5917°N 23.5947°E): 3-8m, sand. Sheltered from N (less so from W). One of the most photographed Greek anchorages; daytime only.
Notes from George
- Coordinates given are nav-grade approximations. Always consult current charts and the captain's local knowledge for actual approach.
- Anchoring depths vary by 2-4m depending on tide and seasonal silting. The captain selects the precise spot.
- 'Sheltered from N' means protected when wind blows from the north; the bay is open from the south. Greek summer meltemi blows from the north, so N-sheltered bays are usually fine in summer.
- Holding type matters. Sand holds best with most modern yacht anchors. Weed (Posidonia seagrass in the Med) is the worst — slipping risk. Captains check by feel and by chain tension after setting.
- Some anchorages are protected as Natura 2000 sites (Marine Protected Areas). Local regulations apply. The captain handles compliance.
Frequently asked
About greek anchorages database
Are these coordinates safe to navigate to directly?
They are nav-grade approximations suitable for plotting on a chart and approaching with normal seamanship. Always consult current charts (Greek hydrographic office publishes annually), check weather and tide, and follow the captain's local knowledge. Treat the coordinates as a starting point, not a destination.
How were these anchorages selected?
From actual charter operations we have run or coordinated. We do not include theoretical or unverified anchorages. Each entry is a place yacht charter clients have stayed in the last 5 years and we have direct feedback on.
Are there more anchorages than these 30+?
Yes. Greek waters have several hundred named anchorages, of which roughly 100 are used for yacht charter regularly. This database covers the 30+ most-used in our charter operations. We add to it annually.
Can charterers use this for bareboat?
Yes — bareboat charterers find this useful as a starting reference. But for bareboat operation, current charts and the bareboat operator's briefing documents are more comprehensive (and required for insurance compliance). This database supplements rather than replaces operational charts.
Do these anchorages have fees?
Most do not (free anchoring in Greek waters at sea, with the TEPAI annual tax paid by yacht owner). Some have informal payment to local fishermen or village authorities (€20-€50 typical) for use of mooring buoys where available. Marinas have published rates. The captain handles.