Konnos Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage in the limestone cove of Konnos Bay in 3–7m over clean sand. Excellent holding throughout — the sand is firm and deep with no weed. Protected from W, SW, S, and SE by the surrounding limestone headlands; exposed to N, NE, and E. The bay is well-defined with steep limestone walls on three sides creating a naturally sheltered pocket. Blue Flag beach at the head of the bay with a seasonal beach bar (open June–September). Anchor outside the swim zone, which is marked with yellow buoys. Gin-clear turquoise water — among the finest anchorage aesthetics in Cyprus. Tidal range <30cm negligible. The bay is narrower than it appears on the chart — confirm room before setting. 85m alarm radius allows for full scope swing in the cove.

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 east coast is easterly swell from the open Levantine Basin (Lebanon/Israel direction) — develops rapidly in E/NE winds. Larnaca Marina provides the only guaranteed all-weather shelter on the east coast.

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

Best April–October. June–September offers the warmest water (up to 28°C) and most reliable morning calm. April and May are ideal — quiet, warm enough, and the anchorage is largely empty. July–August is peak season and the beach becomes crowded with day visitors by mid-morning; arriving early secures the best position. October is excellent — warm water, fewer visitors, and the afternoon westerly has weakened. The bay is exposed enough that November onwards is not recommended.

Navigation Hazards

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

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen) — 24/7 entry at Larnaca: Larnaca Marina is the ONLY 24/7 customs and immigration point in Cyprus. Non-EU boats arriving from non-EU ports must clear here first. Fly yellow Q flag. EES biometric for non-EU crew since October 2025.
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Anchor outside the swim zone (yellow buoys at beach head). Confirm sand patch before anchoring — verify no Posidonia meadows in anchoring area. Do not anchor in Cape Greco MPA core zone boundary 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 (open June–September) — cold drinks and light snacks. No marine services. Nearest full provisions and restaurants in Protaras town (3nm NE) or Agia Napa (6nm NW). Larnaca Marina (20nm W) for full marine services.
• Provisions: None on site — Protaras (3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive before 08:00 in July–August to secure a position before the bay fills with day visitors and local motorboats
2. Snorkel the rocky outcrops at the 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 the headlands — one of the calmer anchorages in afternoon summer conditions