Best Anchorages in Greece
Greece offers over 16,000 kilometres of coastline and more than 6,000 islands — the greatest concentration of sailing destinations in the Mediterranean. Our verified guides cover depth, bottom type, meltemi exposure, local rules, and the anchor alarm radius to set for each location.
Free
Anchoring in most bays
DEKPA
Transit log required (≈€30)
€8/m
TEPAI tax per month
May–Oct
Best season
Sailing Regions
Ionian Islands
11 anchoragesThe Ionian Sea is Greece's most beginner-friendly cruising ground — no meltemi, predictable afternoon sea breezes, and some of the most beautiful anchorages in the Mediterranean. Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Ithaka, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos each offer distinct character.
Saronic Gulf
11 anchoragesThe Saronic Gulf offers easy sailing within reach of Athens — Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses are classic one-week circuits. Light meltemi, short passages, and a mix of busy harbours and quiet coves make this Greece's most accessible sailing region.
Sporades
11 anchoragesThe Northern Sporades — Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonnisos — are pine-forested islands with some of the clearest water in the Aegean. Home to Greece's only National Marine Park (Alonnisos), protecting the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.
Cyclades
12 anchoragesThe whitewashed Cyclades are the heart of Greek island sailing — iconic, spectacular, and demanding. The meltemi blows hard from July to August (25–35+ knots). Sail in May–June or September for the same crystal water with manageable winds. The southern islands (Sifnos, Milos, Folegandros) offer the best shelter.
Dodecanese
12 anchoragesThe Dodecanese stretch along the Turkish coast from Patmos to Rhodes — a 300km arc of islands with deep history, strong meltemi, and world-class sailing. The eastern faces (towards Turkey) offer the best meltemi shelter. Rhodes, Symi, Patmos, Kalymnos, and Leros each have outstanding anchorages.
Peloponnese
13 anchoragesThe Peloponnese coastline offers sailing that is quieter, cheaper, and less crowded than the islands — with the bonus of some of the most extraordinary ancient sites in the world. Porto Heli, Nafplio, Methoni, and Koroni are highlights of a region that rewards sailors who venture off the main charter routes.
Halkidiki
11 anchoragesHalkidiki's three peninsulas — Kassandra, Sithonia, and the monastic Athos — offer sheltered sailing in the northern Aegean. Vourvourou on Sithonia is one of the most protected multi-island anchorages in Greece. Note: Mount Athos has a 500m coastal exclusion zone.
Greek Anchoring Rules — Summary
Greece is generally sailor-friendly for anchoring — most bays are free with no advance booking required. Key requirements and restrictions:
- !DEKPA (Transit Log): Required for all yachts over 7m. ~€30 for EU boats, €30 for non-EU (18-month stay limit). Obtain online at customs.gov.gr or at first port of entry.
- !TEPAI Tax: €8 per metre per month, applied to all yachts over 7m. Paid by the month even if you arrive mid-month.
- !Posidonia seagrass: Anchoring on protected Posidonia meadows is prohibited under EU law. Widespread in the Cyclades and Dodecanese — snorkel to verify bottom type.
- !Marine parks: Alonnisos National Marine Park (Zone A requires permit), Zakynthos National Park (Laganas Bay anchoring prohibited May–Oct for caretta caretta nesting).
- !Mount Athos (Halkidiki): 500m coastal exclusion zone strictly enforced.
For full details, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Understanding the Meltemi
The meltemi is the defining weather feature of Aegean sailing. It blows from the north or northwest, typically builds from 10:00–14:00, and peaks in the afternoon before easing at sunset. In the Cyclades it can reach Force 6–8 in July and August. The Ionian Sea is outside the meltemi zone entirely. Best strategy: sail between 06:00–10:00, anchor before noon, and always run a GPS anchor alarm — a calm anchorage at 09:00 can see 25 knots by 15:00.