Paralimni Fishing Anchorage Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Open bay anchorage along the Paralimni coast north of Protaras, in 4–10m over sand with good holding. Protected from W, SW, and NW by the inland topography; exposed to N, NE, E, and SE across Famagusta Bay and the open Levantine Sea. Used primarily by local fishing vessels. Few yachts use this area. Good sand holding — wide open bay with ample swinging room. Note: this area is south of the UN buffer zone (Green Line) which runs across the island — the northern shore of Famagusta Bay (approximately 8nm N) is in the TRNC-administered north. Do not approach northern shores. Stay within Republic of Cyprus waters (south). 110m alarm radius for the wide open bay.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Paralimni Fishing Anchorage 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 4–10m. Cyprus tidal range is negligible (<30cm). Deploy 50m chain at 10m 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, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Paralimni Fishing Anchorage are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E and SE 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 110m radius before going below. 110m radius in 6–9m sand. Good holding. N/NE/E/SE exposure to Famagusta Bay and Levantine Sea. Wide open bay — high exposure to easterly swell. TRNC-administered coast approximately 8nm N — stay in Republic of Cyprus waters.

May–October only in settled W/NW conditions. A niche stop for sailors seeking solitude. Not recommended for those without reliable weather forecasting and the ability to leave quickly if conditions deteriorate.

Navigation Hazards

• High exposure to N/NE/E/SE — wide open Famagusta Bay; swell can build to uncomfortable levels quickly in any northerly or easterly
• TRNC boundary approximately 8nm north — stay in Republic of Cyprus waters
• Seldom-visited by yachts — no rescue or services nearby; be self-sufficient
• Monitor 48-hour forecast carefully — leave at first sign of northerly or easterly development

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: Fair-weather only — highly exposed to N/NE/E/SE. Stay in Republic of Cyprus waters. Do not approach TRNC coast to the north without first clearing at a southern port of entry.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Paralimni town (3nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Paralimni town (3nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Paralimni town (3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Use only as a settled-weather overnight in W/NW conditions — not a reliable anchorage in changeable weather
2. Virtually no other yachts — complete solitude on the Cyprus coast
3. Paralimni town has an excellent local food market worth visiting if provisioning ashore
4. Agia Napa Marina (8nm S) is the reliable fallback if conditions change