Kythnos anchorage guide · Cyclades
Kythnos Yacht Anchorages: The 2026 Guide
Where to anchor a yacht around Kythnos: documented depth, holding and shelter for the island's main anchorages, drawn from published cruising sources.
Last updated May 2026
Kythnos 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: The Chora and Dryopida villages, the Katafyki cave, the Loutra hot mineral springs (the island was once known as Thermia), and the Vryokastro ancient site above Episkopi bay.
The anchorages
5 anchorages around Kythnos
Use this guide to understand your captain's routing, request specific anchorages on your preference sheet, judge whether Kythnos fits your charter style, and pair it sensibly with nearby islands.
Loutra (NE coast)
Holding
Stern or bows-to the NE breakwater quay
Shelter
The port giving the best Meltemi protection on the island.
Space for about 12 yachts; the more yacht-friendly harbour.
Best for: Meltemi shelter
Kolona / Kolonna (NW sandspit)
Depth
3-10m
Holding
Weed, not always good, drop on a sand patch and check
Shelter
Very well protected from both the Meltemi and southerlies.
Iconic double bay; rolls in northerlies, take a long line to the N shore in summer.
Best for: Scenery, swimming
Kanala (SE)
Depth
8-15m
Holding
Sand, good
Shelter
Sheltered from N, exposed to S-E.
Agios Stefanos (E coast)
Holding
Muddy seabed, the best holding on the island
Shelter
Gusts from the NW.
Tavernas ashore.
Merichas (main ferry port, W)
Shelter
Wide bay with frequent violent katabatic winds from the N.
More prudent to use the marina; laid moorings.
Best for: Ferry port
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 Kythnos
Speak with George P. Biniaris directly. MYBA-standard contracts, full Greek charter fleet.