Pissouri Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Large open bay in 3–8m over clean sand with consistently good holding — one of the most reliable anchoring grounds on the south coast. Protected from N, NE, E, and NW; exposed to SW and W, which coincides with the summer afternoon sea breeze direction. The afternoon westerly is typically less severe here than further west along the coast (the headlands to the W provide some lee), but can still reach 15–20kt by 14:00. Anchor in 5–6m for optimal scope and holding. The hilltop village of Pissouri (whitewashed terraces above terraced vineyards) provides a dramatic backdrop. Fish tavernas at the beach in season. Moderate crowds July–August; quiet in spring and autumn. 100m alarm radius for the large bay and SW/W exposure in afternoon westerly conditions. Tidal range negligible.

Setting Your Anchor

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

1. Check for Posidonia seagrass before dropping the anchor — snorkel or use a waterproof camera to verify a sand patch. Posidonia is EU-protected; fines apply.
2. Anchor in 3–8m. Cyprus tidal range is negligible (<30cm). Wind-driven sea level variation up to 0.5m possible in strong onshore conditions.
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (40m chain at 8m depth). Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle.
4. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Pissouri Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to SW and W winds. The primary overnight consideration on the south coast is the daily westerly sea breeze and proximity to the Akrotiri SBA restricted zones.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 100m radius before going below. 100m radius in 5–6m clean sand. Good holding throughout. SW/W exposure to afternoon westerly sea breeze — conditions build from noon; arrive early and set well before midday.

Best April–October. April and May are outstanding — the vineyards are green, the beach is quiet, and the water is warming. June–August brings the beach tavernas to life but also increases crowds and afternoon westerly intensity. September and October are arguably the best months — warm water, fewer visitors, lower summer prices ashore, and the grape harvest in the hillside vineyards above. Not recommended as an overnight stop from November onwards when SW gales can develop quickly.

Navigation Hazards

• SW and W exposure — afternoon westerly sea breeze 15–20kt builds after noon; arrive and anchor before midday in summer
• Posidonia in deeper sections of the bay — anchor in confirmed sand patches only; snorkel inspection recommended
• 22nm from Limassol Marina — ensure adequate fuel and provisions before departure; no services at the anchorage
• Summer crowds July–August — popular bay; arrive before 11:00 to secure best position

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen): No customs for EU boats from EU ports. Non-EU boats: Limassol Marina is a port of entry (check hours); Larnaca Marina is the preferred 24/7 entry. Fly yellow Q flag. EES biometric for non-EU crew since October 2025.
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Exposed to SW and W — conditions build in afternoon; plan anchorage before noon. Posidonia may be present at depth — anchor in confirmed sand patches only. In strong W or SW swell, the bay can become uncomfortable — move to a more sheltered position or proceed to Limassol Marina.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Pissouri village (0.5nm)
• Restaurant: Fish tavernas and beach restaurants at the waterfront operating June–September. Village of Pissouri above (15-minute walk uphill) has shops, tavernas, and provisions. No marina services — Limassol Marina 22nm E for full services.
• Provisions: None on site — Pissouri village (0.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive early in summer — anchor before noon to be settled before the afternoon westerly builds
2. Hilltop village of Pissouri is 15 minutes on foot — worth the climb for views and a cold Cypriot lager
3. Clean sand throughout — easy anchor inspection from the boat; excellent swimming
4. One of the quietest south coast bays in summer afternoons — the headlands offer slight westerly lee
5. Good overnight stop on the Limassol–Paphos passage in settled conditions