Kos anchorage guide · Dodecanese
Kos Yacht Anchorages: The Complete Guide
Where to anchor a yacht around Kos: documented depth, holding and shelter for the island's main anchorages, drawn from published cruising sources.
Last updated August 2026
Kos sits in the Dodecanese.
The Dodecanese are dominated by the summer Meltemi from the north and northwest (Force 4 to 7 in July to August).
East and south coasts give the lee; May to June and September are gentler.
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: The Asklepion (sanctuary of Asklepios) and the legacy of Hippocrates, the Knights' castle, and Kefalos village with the Ag Stefanos basilica and Kastri islet.
The anchorages
4 anchorages around Kos
Use this guide to understand your captain's routing, request specific anchorages on your preference sheet, judge whether Kos fits your charter style, and pair it sensibly with nearby islands.
Kamari Bay / Kefalos (SW coast)
Depth
5-15m
Holding
Sand, good
Shelter
The most reliable anchorage, sheltered from the Meltemi but exposed to southerlies.
Anchor south of the mole.
Best for: Meltemi shelter
Tigani (south, north of Kamari)
Depth
5-7m
Holding
Sand, good
Shelter
Good protection from the Meltemi.
Quiet southern bay.
Tholos (SW)
Depth
5-8m
Holding
Sand
Shelter
Surprisingly well sheltered; take a line ashore.
Settled overnight.
Kos Marina / Kos Harbour (NE coast)
Depth
3-7m
Holding
Sand and mud, well-holding
Shelter
Full-service marina, stern-to on laid moorings; town-harbour anchorage by the castle.
Berths nearly impossible Friday to Sunday at changeover.
Best for: Provisioning, base
When to visit
The Dodecanese are dominated by the summer Meltemi from the north and northwest (Force 4 to 7 in July to August). East and south coasts give the lee; May to June and September are gentler.
Captain's note
The Dodecanese are dominated by the summer Meltemi from the north and northwest (Force 4 to 7 in July to August). East and south coasts give the lee; May to June and September are gentler. 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.
Questions about anchoring at Kos
Where can a yacht anchor at Kos?
Kos has 4 anchorages in this guide: Kamari Bay / Kefalos (SW coast), Tigani (south, north of Kamari), Tholos (SW), Kos Marina / Kos Harbour (NE coast). Each entry below gives depth, holding, shelter direction and what is ashore.
Which Kos anchorages are sheltered from the meltemi, the summer north wind?
Kamari Bay / Kefalos (SW coast): The most reliable anchorage, sheltered from the Meltemi but exposed to southerlies. Tigani (south, north of Kamari): Good protection from the Meltemi.
How deep are the anchorages at Kos?
Kamari Bay / Kefalos (SW coast) 5-15m; Tigani (south, north of Kamari) 5-7m; Tholos (SW) 5-8m; Kos Marina / Kos Harbour (NE coast) 3-7m. Depths are typical sand-bottom anchoring depths; the captain drops on current chart data.
What is the holding like at Kos?
Kamari Bay / Kefalos (SW coast): Sand, good. Tigani (south, north of Kamari): Sand, good. Tholos (SW): Sand. Kos Marina / Kos Harbour (NE coast): Sand and mud, well-holding.
When is the best time to anchor at Kos?
The Dodecanese are dominated by the summer Meltemi from the north and northwest (Force 4 to 7 in July to August). East and south coasts give the lee; May to June and September are gentler.
What does the captain plan around at Kos?
The Dodecanese are dominated by the summer Meltemi from the north and northwest (Force 4 to 7 in July to August). East and south coasts give the lee; May to June and September are gentler. 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.
Continue exploring
The anchorage library
Every island guide in the series - documented depth, holding and shelter.
Cyclades
Crete
Charter Kos
Speak with George P. Biniaris directly. MYBA-standard contracts, full Greek charter fleet.