Porto Palermo — S Entrance Cove Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Small cove just inside the S entrance to Porto Palermo bay, immediately NW of the fortress promontory, in 3–8m over sand and rock. The fortress promontory and the S cliff headland provide partial shelter from N and W — the cove is more exposed than the main bay and is not suitable for overnight in unsettled conditions. Holding is fair on mixed sand and rock — the rock outcrops near the fortress base mean the anchor may not bury cleanly; probe the bottom and confirm set carefully. Day use or as a waiting/observation position before entering the main bay. Swing room is limited — 2–3 boats maximum. The fortress walls tower immediately above on the E side; the entrance channel is directly visible to the S. The dramatic proximity to the Ottoman battlements makes this one of the most atmospheric day stops on the Albanian coast. Close approach to the fortress ruins is possible by dinghy from this position. Open to S and SW — any southerly swell or wind makes this cove untenable; retreat to the main bay immediately in deteriorating conditions.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Porto Palermo — S Entrance Cove is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention.

1. Enter from the south only at 5 knots maximum on echosounder through the narrow (50–80m) entrance channel. Rocks on both sides — stay in the centre.
2. Approach slowly once inside the bay. At 3–8m, deploy minimum 5:1 scope (40m chain at 8m depth) — the 30m+ depth requires generous chain.
3. Drop into the wind and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain for deep anchorage.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Porto Palermo — S Entrance Cove are feasible in settled conditions but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW and SE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below. 70m alarm radius for the S entrance cove in 3–8m. The limited swing room (2–3 boats maximum) and fair holding on mixed sand/rock require careful anchor placement and active monitoring. The critical limitation of this position is the S and SW exposure — the cove faces the open approach bay and the entrance channel, meaning S and SW swell enters directly. In the prevailing summer NW Maestral the fortress promontory provides adequate shelter (the NW swings around the headland before reaching the cove), but any southerly component makes this position uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. Day use only is the recommended approach; the 70m radius is the maximum safe alarm setting given the cove dimensions. If another boat is present, reduce to 50m and monitor swing overlap. This is a position for exploration and fortress viewing by dinghy, not a primary anchorage — the main bay 0.3nm N through the entrance is the correct overnight stop.

Day use May–September. The entrance cove is not a primary anchorage — it is an access point and observation position for the fortress. Best used in May, June, and September when the approach from sea is settled and southerly conditions are least likely. In July–August, afternoon NW Maestral can funnel around the fortress headland and create confused conditions in the entrance cove; morning use and early afternoon are more comfortable. Not appropriate for overnight use in any month unless the forecast is completely settled for 24 hours with no S or SW component.

Navigation Hazards

• S and SW exposure to open approach bay: the cove faces the S approach bay and entrance channel — any southerly swell or wind (S, SW, SE) enters the cove directly; in southerly conditions this anchorage becomes untenable and potentially dangerous; the main bay N through the entrance provides complete all-round shelter; retreat immediately if conditions deteriorate
• Rocks at entrance require echosounder: the approach to the cove passes close to the fortress headland rocks on the E side and rock ledges extending from the cliff on the W; approach at 3 knots maximum on echosounder; the channel is clear for a standard yacht but cutting the bend toward the fortress risks the submerged ledges at the headland base
• Limited swing room — 2–3 boats maximum: the cove is small and the swing arcs of more than 3 boats overlap; if the cove is occupied, proceed to the main bay which has ample space; do not attempt to squeeze into an already full cove — the rocky bottom requires careful anchor placement and crowded conditions increase collision and fouling risk
• Fair holding on mixed rock and sand: the bottom is a mix of sand patches and rock outcrops — the anchor may seat on rock rather than burying in sand; probe the bottom and confirm set with engine reverse; a trip line on the anchor is strongly recommended in this position to aid retrieval from potential rock fouling
• No VHF support: Porto Palermo has no local maritime VHF authority; in an emergency, Ch 16 is the only option; the nearest help is Himarë (12nm SE, seasonal) or Vlorë (15nm NE); the remote location and absence of any facilities means self-sufficiency is essential

Rules & Regulations

• Albania entry — clearance agent mandatory: All foreign yachts must use a local clearance agent (~€100–150). Fly yellow Q flag. Clear at Sarandë or Himarë (June–September) before visiting Porto Palermo.
• Anchoring fee: Free. No facilities.
• Maximum stay: 1 days
• Restrictions: Day use only — overnight in unsettled or southerly conditions is not appropriate given S and SW exposure. 2–3 boats maximum swing room. Keep clear of the entrance channel fairway — the S entrance must remain clear for boats transiting to/from the main bay. Fortress ruins accessible by dinghy to the E quay.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Himarë (12nm SE) (12nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Himarë (12nm SE) (12nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Himarë (12nm SE) (12nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Use this cove as a fortress exploration base by dinghy — the Ottoman battlements are 30–50m away by rowing dinghy; land on the E side of the fortress promontory at the old stone quay steps; the fortress interior is freely accessible, the stonework is in remarkable condition, and the views from the battlements over the entrance channel and the main bay beyond are outstanding
2. The entrance channel is clearly visible from this cove — an excellent observation position to study the transit before proceeding through; time the passage from here, noting the rock ledges on both sides, before moving the main yacht through at 5 knots
3. Best photographed in the morning when the sun lights the W face of the fortress walls — the entrance cove faces W and receives good morning light on the battlements; by midday the sun is overhead and the fortress is in flat light; morning is the window for fortress photography
4. If planning to overnight at Porto Palermo, use this cove for fortress exploration during the afternoon and then proceed through the entrance channel to the main bay before dusk — the main bay provides all-round protection for overnight; do not overnight in the entrance cove unless the forecast is settled and you have checked the anchor is genuinely buried in sand
5. A trip line on the anchor is strongly recommended in the entrance cove — the mixed rock and sand bottom can foul a standard anchor; attach a trip line float before deploying and verify before going to dinghy exploration so retrieval is straightforward