Ios anchorage guide · Cyclades
Ios Yacht Anchorages: The 2026 Guide
Where to anchor a yacht around Ios: documented depth, holding and shelter for the island's main anchorages, drawn from published cruising sources.
Last updated May 2026
Ios sits in the Cyclades.
The Cyclades are dominated by the summer Meltemi (Etesian) northerly, strongest mid-July to mid-August (around Force 5 to 7, gusting higher in open water).
Plan south legs downwind and overnight on lee and south coasts.
May, June and September are calmer.
This guide covers the island's main anchorages with the practical detail charterers and captains actually use: depth where a published cruising source documents it, holding, and shelter direction.
Where a figure was not documented we say so rather than guess.
Ashore: Chora and its Archaeological Museum, the Skarkos Bronze-Age settlement, the Palaiokastro Venetian castle, and the reputed tomb of Homer in the north.
The anchorages
3 anchorages around Ios
Use this guide to understand your captain's routing, request specific anchorages on your preference sheet, judge whether Ios fits your charter style, and pair it sensibly with nearby islands.
Ormos Iou / Port (Yialos)
Holding
Laid moorings in the east basin (no anchoring), stern-to the boulevard.
Shelter
Excellent shelter from the Meltemi.
Strong Meltemi shelter but busy with nightlife in peak season.
Best for: Meltemi shelter, town access
Manganari (south coast)
Depth
4-10m
Holding
Sand, good
Shelter
Well protected from the Meltemi; totally open to south winds.
Wide sandy bay; the calm overnight alternative to the port.
Best for: Quiet overnight in northerlies
Tris Klisies (south)
Depth
4-6m
Holding
Sand, weed and rock, check the anchor holds
Shelter
In strong Meltemi move to Manganari.
Ensure the anchor is set.
When to visit
The Cyclades are dominated by the summer Meltemi (Etesian) northerly, strongest mid-July to mid-August (around Force 5 to 7, gusting higher in open water). Plan south legs downwind and overnight on lee and south coasts. May, June and September are calmer.
Captain's note
The Cyclades are dominated by the summer Meltemi (Etesian) northerly, strongest mid-July to mid-August (around Force 5 to 7, gusting higher in open water). Plan south legs downwind and overnight on lee and south coasts. May, June and September are calmer. Pick the anchorage to the wind: in the prevailing summer airflow, favour the lee and sheltered bays listed above, and keep a documented all-weather shelter or a layover day in reserve when the forecast climbs. Depths and holding here follow published cruising sources; your captain will confirm the exact anchor drop against current charts on arrival.
Charter Ios
Speak with George P. Biniaris directly. MYBA-standard contracts, full Greek charter fleet.