Karavostasis Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Go stern-to on the outside of the quay where there is space for approximately 8 yachts. Drop anchor near the green beacon of the ferry quay and reverse toward the yacht quay. Bottom is sand and rock — does not always hold. Use generous scope and spring lines. A rock just above the water ~50m E of the mole is a hazard on approach. Not safe with strong meltemi (N/NE): swell enters the bay and conditions become very uncomfortable.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Karavostasis is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–5m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m 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. Snorkel to verify. Given the fair holding here, it is strongly recommended to snorkel down and visually confirm the anchor is buried in sand, not resting on rock.

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

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Karavostasis are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m for this compact port. The mixed sand/rock bottom reduces holding reliability — use maximum scope. In strong N/NE meltemi, swell penetrates the bay and the anchorage becomes unsafe; be prepared to depart or use longer scope with a second anchor. Night approach is not recommended due to the hazardous rocks framing the bay.

Best May–June and September when meltemi risk is lower and the island is not crowded. July–August is viable in settled conditions but the port fills quickly and meltemi risk is highest. Folegandros rewards those who time their visit carefully — it remains relatively unspoiled compared to the major Cyclades islands.

Navigation Hazards

• NOT SAFE in strong N/NE meltemi: swell enters the bay and the anchorage becomes untenable with uncomfortable motion; have an escape plan
• Dhio Adelphia rocks (Nisides Aderfia) on the E side of the bay — conspicuous; keep clear on approach
• Rock just above water ~50m E of the mole — must be left to port on approach; do not approach in poor visibility
• Night approach NOT recommended — rocks and reefs frame the bay and are difficult to identify without local knowledge
• Mixed sand/rock bottom: holding is unreliable — use maximum scope and test before leaving the boat

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free (small port fee may apply, ask harbourmaster)
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Approach in daylight only — rocks and reefs frame the bay. A rock above water ~50m E of the mole must be left to port on approach. The Dhio Adelphia rocks (Nisides Aderfia) on the E side of the bay are conspicuous — keep clear. Not safe with strong N/NE meltemi.

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: Karavostasis village (200m) or Chora (2km by road) (0nm)
• Restaurant: Small tavernas in Karavostasis village; better restaurants in Chora (2km by road, taxi or bus)
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Approach in daylight only; study the chartplotter carefully for the reef and rock positions framing the entrance
2. Drop anchor near the green beacon of the ferry quay and reverse slowly toward the yacht quay stern-to — this is the standard procedure here
3. The Chora above is one of the finest in the Cyclades — well worth the 2km taxi or bus ride; the village has excellent restaurants and a magical atmosphere
4. If conditions deteriorate (N/NE meltemi F5+), Sikinos (8nm NE) or Ios (15nm NE) offer better shelter