Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 4–7m on white sand. Excellent holding. More sheltered from NW than Vrika as the bay opens SE–S. Slightly deeper and slightly less crowded than Vrika. Posidonia patches exist at the edges — snorkel to confirm position on sand. Overnight anchoring feasible in settled conditions.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on the anchor.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator to confirm you have adequate chain for the depth.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m for free-swinging in 4–7m. Better NW shelter than Vrika; more exposed to S through SW. In calm summer conditions either direction is fine. Do not anchor on Posidonia.

Best May–June and September–October. July–August crowded but manageable in the evenings after day-trip boats depart.

Navigation Hazards

• Posidonia seagrass — anchor in sandy patches only; fines apply
• Day-trip boat congestion Jul–Aug
• Open to S–SW — southerly conditions make anchorage uncomfortable
• No provisions or water on Antipaxos

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: NO anchoring on Posidonia seagrass (EU protected). Anchor in sandy patches only — snorkel to verify.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Gaios (Paxos) (4.5nm)
• Restaurant: Small beach bar open May–September
• Provisions: None on site — Gaios (Paxos) (4.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Slightly better NW shelter than Vrika — a better overnight choice if the Maestro is building.
2. Snorkel to verify anchor position on sand before settling in.
3. With two anchors (bow and stern), you can reduce swinging room and fit more boats in safely.