Porto Palermo — S Approach Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Open anchorage in the S approach bay approximately 1–2nm S of the Porto Palermo entrance channel, in 5–12m over sand and rock. This is the outer staging anchorage used when timing the entrance to Porto Palermo or waiting for conditions to settle before the approach. Protection from N and NE from the Karaburun Peninsula headland to the N; exposed to SW, W, and S — comfortable only in N and NE winds. In the prevailing summer NW Maestral, this position receives the full force of the afternoon wind from the NW quadrant and is not suitable as an overnight stop in those conditions. The view N toward the Karaburun Peninsula is dramatic — the limestone cliffs rising to 300m directly from the sea. The Albanian coast south toward Himarë is visible to the SE. Fair holding on the mixed sand/rock bottom — confirm anchor is in a sand patch rather than on rock. 90m alarm radius to account for the depth (up to 12m), long scope requirement, and open-water exposure to SW. Use this anchorage as a staging and timing position only; proceed to the main Porto Palermo bay as soon as conditions and timing allow for the entrance transit.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Porto Palermo — S Approach Bay 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 5–12m, deploy minimum 5:1 scope (60m chain at 12m 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 Approach Bay are feasible in settled conditions but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to SW and W and S winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below. 90m alarm radius in the S approach bay at up to 12m depth. The generous radius reflects both the depth and the open-water exposure to SW and W. This is a staging anchorage, not a primary stop — the 90m radius covers the worst-case scope deployment scenario in the deeper (10–12m) areas of the outer bay. In N and NE winds, the holding on sand patches is adequate for a staging stop of a few hours; in SW or W conditions the anchorage deteriorates rapidly and the alarm provides early warning of any dragging. If the alarm triggers in this position, do not re-anchor — proceed immediately to Porto Palermo main bay through the S entrance channel. This is one anchorage where the correct response to any alarm activation is to move rather than to investigate and re-set.

Usable as a staging stop May–October in settled conditions. The S approach bay is a transit and timing anchorage — it has no character of its own as a destination. May and June are the most comfortable months for a staging stop here: NW Maestral has not yet reached peak intensity, SW swell is minimal, and the morning window for Porto Palermo entry is long. July–August: afternoon Maestral builds quickly and the morning window is short; aim to transit the Porto Palermo entrance before 10:00. September–October: settled conditions generally prevail in September; October requires weather window management as NW and NE gradient winds increase in frequency. Not suitable for overnight use in any month unless conditions are completely settled.

Navigation Hazards

• SW, W, and S exposure to open Adriatic/Ionian approach: the S approach bay is open to the full fetch of the SW approach — in SW or W conditions (Libeccio, west swell) this position receives unbroken swell from the open sea and is completely untenable; retreat immediately to Porto Palermo main bay through the S entrance in any southerly conditions
• Fair holding on mixed rock and sand: the approach bay bottom is a mix of sand patches and rock; a poorly placed anchor on rock will not hold in any deterioration; probe the bottom on approach and confirm the anchor is in a sand patch with engine reverse before relying on the hold; a trip line is advisable
• NW Maestral exposure in the afternoon: the prevailing summer NW Maestral reaches this outer position in full force in the afternoon; the staging anchorage is comfortable in calm morning conditions but deteriorates as the afternoon wind builds; plan to complete the Porto Palermo entrance transit before the Maestral peaks (typically 12:00–15:00)
• No emergency services or infrastructure: the approach bay is a remote open anchorage with no VHF maritime authority, no facilities, and no other vessels in the vicinity in most conditions; in equipment failure or emergency, the only resources are the main Porto Palermo bay (1–2nm N) or Himarë (10nm SE)
• Depth up to 12m requires increased scope: at 12m depth with 5:1 scope, 60m of chain is deployed; the open-water exposure means any scope creep in building NW or SW conditions can lead to a fast-developing dragging situation; the 90m alarm radius is non-negotiable in this position

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 stop and staging anchorage only — do not overnight in SW, W, or unsettled conditions. Proceed to Porto Palermo main bay for overnight. Keep echosounder active on approach to Porto Palermo entrance from this position — approach the S entrance channel at 5 knots.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Himarë (10nm SE) (10nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Himarë (10nm SE) (10nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Himarë (10nm SE) (10nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Use this anchorage as a breakfast/morning stop to time the Porto Palermo entrance for slack conditions — in settled mornings the outer bay is calm and the 5-knot approach to the entrance channel is comfortable; by midday the NW Maestral builds and transit through the entrance in steep chop is less comfortable
2. The view of the Karaburun Peninsula from this position is exceptional — the 300m limestone cliffs rising directly from the sea to the N are among the most dramatic coastal scenery on the Albanian coast; the MPA patrol vessels can sometimes be seen working the peninsula coast to the NW
3. If approaching from Himarë (SE) and making landfall at Porto Palermo for the first time, this outer anchorage is a useful orientation position — from here the fortress promontory at the entrance becomes visible and the approach line for the S channel can be confirmed before committing to the transit
4. Carry the approach waypoints into the Porto Palermo S entrance from this position with the chartplotter already set — the approach from the S approach bay to the entrance channel is straightforward in daylight but having the waypoints confirmed before departing the staging anchorage reduces stress on the transit
5. This is a position where monitoring the VHF for any weather broadcasts is essential — the outer bay is exposed and the transition from comfortable staging anchorage to dangerous open roadstead in building SW conditions can be rapid; if in doubt about the overnight forecast, proceed to the main bay immediately