Symi anchorage guide · Dodecanese
Symi Yacht Anchorages: The 2026 Guide
Where to anchor a yacht around Symi: documented depth, holding and shelter for the island's main anchorages, drawn from published cruising sources.
Last updated May 2026
Symi 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: Yialos's neoclassical harbour and the Kali Strata stairway up to Chorio and the Kastro, and the Monastery of the Archangel Michael at Panormitis.
The anchorages
4 anchorages around Symi
Use this guide to understand your captain's routing, request specific anchorages on your preference sheet, judge whether Symi fits your charter style, and pair it sensibly with nearby islands.
Agia Marina (between Symi harbour and Pedi)
Depth
3.5-5m
Holding
Sand, good
Shelter
Outstanding shelter even in fierce NW Meltemi.
Little room to swing, take a line to the islet.
Best for: Meltemi shelter
Pedi (deep inlet, E coast)
Depth
6-10m
Holding
Sand, weed, some rock and mud, double-check it sets
Shelter
Good shelter from the Meltemi though gusty.
Anchor off, or N of the pier in 5 to 8 m.
Best for: Meltemi overnight
Panormitis (S coast)
Holding
Sand and mud, good
Shelter
Shelter from northerlies, exposed to S and SE swell.
By the Monastery of the Archangel Michael; depth not documented.
Yialos (Symi town harbour)
Holding
Mud and rock, not always good
Shelter
Well protected from the Meltemi but problematic in strong S winds.
Deep; fills early; the famous neoclassical harbour.
Best for: Town, scenery
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.
Continue exploring
Charter Symi
Speak with George P. Biniaris directly. MYBA-standard contracts, full Greek charter fleet.