Konnos Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage in the enclosed limestone cove of Konnos Bay in 3–7m over firm clean sand. Excellent holding — sand is deep with no weed and anchors bite quickly. Protected from W, SW, S, and SE by surrounding limestone headlands; exposed to N, NE, and E across open Levantine Sea. Gin-clear turquoise water with visibility to 15–20m. Blue Flag beach at head of bay with seasonal beach bar (June–September). Anchor outside the marked swim zone (yellow buoys). Bay is narrower than it appears on chart — confirm swinging room before setting anchor. One of the finest cove anchorages in Cyprus. 85m alarm radius for well-confined cove. Cape Greco MPA core zone is 2nm SE — do not stray into the prohibited anchoring zone.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Konnos Bay is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Verify Cape Greco MPA boundaries before anchoring — if within the Natura 2000 core zone, use the yellow mooring buoys provided. Anchoring is strictly prohibited in the MPA core area (€500+ fines).
2. Check for Posidonia seagrass — snorkel to verify a sand patch before dropping anchor. EU-protected; fines apply for damage.
3. Anchor in 3–7m. Cyprus tidal range is negligible (<30cm). Deploy 35m chain at 7m depth (5:1 scope).
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Konnos Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E winds. The primary overnight hazard on the southeast coast is easterly swell from the open Levantine Basin (Lebanon/Israel direction) — develops rapidly in E/NE winds. The Limassol–Beirut ferry route passes SE of Cape Greco — maintain a watch on VHF Ch 16 and keep clear of commercial traffic at night.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 85m radius before going below. 85m radius in 4–6m sand. Excellent holding. N/NE/E exposure to Levantine Sea — uncomfortable in easterly swell. Narrow cove — confirm swinging room before anchoring.

Best April–October. June–September offers warmest water (up to 28°C) and most reliable morning calm. July–August is peak season — arrive early. October excellent — warm water, fewer visitors, weakened westerly. November onwards not recommended due to E/NE exposure.

Navigation Hazards

• N/NE/E exposure — easterly swell rolls directly into cove; leave immediately if easterly is forecast
• Narrow cove — limited swinging room; confirm space before anchoring, especially July–August
• Swim zone at beach head — anchor well clear; beach crowded with swimmers in peak season
• Cape Greco MPA boundary 2nm SE — do not anchor in the prohibited zone

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen): Cyprus is an EU member state but NOT part of the Schengen Area. Passport controls apply to all nationalities. Non-EU boats must clear customs at Larnaca Marina (24/7) or Agia Napa Marina before anchoring in Cyprus waters.
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Anchor outside swim zone (yellow buoys at beach head). Verify sand patch before anchoring — Posidonia EU-protected. Do not stray into Cape Greco MPA core zone to the SE.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Protaras (3nm)
• Restaurant: Seasonal beach bar at Konnos Beach (June–September). No marine services. Nearest full provisions and restaurants in Protaras (3nm NE) or Agia Napa (4nm NW).
• Provisions: None on site — Protaras (3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive before 08:00 in July–August to secure a position before bay fills
2. Snorkel the rocky outcrops at cove edges — excellent marine life just a short swim from the boat
3. Water clarity exceptional — anchor position visible from deck in up to 6m
4. Afternoon westerly is blocked by headlands — one of the calmer anchorages in afternoon summer conditions