Iraklia anchorage guide · Cyclades
Iraklia Yacht Anchorages: The 2026 Guide
Where to anchor a yacht around Iraklia: documented depth, holding and shelter for the island's main anchorages, drawn from published cruising sources.
Last updated May 2026
Iraklia 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.
Iraklia is the smallest and most secluded inhabited Lesser Cyclades island, with minimal facilities, so provision before arrival.
Ashore: The Cave of Agios Ioannis, the largest in the Cyclades (with an annual liturgy on 28 August), the hilltop Chora of Panagia reached by an old stone path, and Livadi beach with the ruins of a 4th-century BC castle.
The anchorages
3 anchorages around Iraklia
Use this guide to understand your captain's routing, request specific anchorages on your preference sheet, judge whether Iraklia fits your charter style, and pair it sensibly with nearby islands.
Agios Georgios (north coast, only port)
Holding
A berth under the ferry pier gives safety even in the Meltemi
Shelter
At the head of a fjord-like inlet; room for only 3 to 5 yachts.
The anchorage off the port is exposed to S; published depths conflict, confirm on chart.
Best for: Shelter under the pier
Alimia (SW tip)
Depth
5-12m
Holding
Sand and weed, generally good
Shelter
Protection from the Meltemi but open to southerly swell.
Livadi (cove S of Agios Georgios)
Holding
Sand in the south corner, good
Shelter
Excellent shelter from W and SW.
An underwater power cable crosses the rocky centre; very shallow near shore.
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 Iraklia
Speak with George P. Biniaris directly. MYBA-standard contracts, full Greek charter fleet.