Kleftiko Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 4–8m on mainly sandy seabed with some rocky patches. Solid holding in sandy areas; take lines ashore to the cliffs if available. In northerlies, more shelter is found below the cliffs than near the beach. NOTE: Greek Gov. Gazette No. 6499 (Nov 2023) prohibits approach within 25m of the caves and cliff faces due to rockfall. Day-tripper boat traffic is very heavy 09:00–17:00 — anchoring from the evening is far more peaceful.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Kleftiko is primarily sand and rock 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, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Kleftiko are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE and E winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below for the night.60m radius covers normal swing in 4–8m depths. The mixed sand/rock bottom means a trip line is advisable. Kleftiko is well sheltered from the N/NW meltemi by the cliffs. Completely open to S/SE — any southerly swell makes the anchorage untenable; this is strictly a fair-weather or northerly-wind anchorage.

May–June and September only for overnight stays. July–August: viable overnight in settled weather with no S swell, but the sheer volume of day-tripper traffic 09:00–17:00 makes daytime anchoring stressful. Best to arrive in the evening and depart early morning. Never stay overnight with any southerly in the forecast.

Navigation Hazards

• ACTIVE ROCKFALL RISK: 25m mandatory exclusion zone around cave entrances and cliff faces (Gov. Gazette 6499, Nov 2023) — strictly observe this
• Completely open to S and SE: southerly swell or wind makes anchorage untenable; have a departure plan ready
• Mixed sand/rock bottom — use a trip line; snorkel anchor location before final set
• Heavy day-tripper boat traffic 09:00–17:00 with wash and crowding; anchor well clear of marked routes
• Remote location: 12nm from Adamas; fuel/provisions/water not available; carry sufficient reserves
• Poor VHF coverage from some positions inside the bays

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: MANDATORY SAFETY ZONE: Approach within 25m of caves and cliff faces prohibited (Greek Gov. Gazette No. 6499, vol. B', 15.11.2023) due to rockfall/landslide risk. DEKPA and TEPAI required. No facilities ashore. Anchor on sandy patches — rocky bottom in places.

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: Adamas (Milos) (12nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Adamas (Milos) (12nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Adamas (Milos) (12nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive after 17:00 when day-trip boats have gone — the site transforms from chaotic to magical; stay the night and have it to yourself in the morning
2. Below the cliffs on the N side offers the best meltemi shelter; near the beach is more exposed to northerly gusts rolling over the headlands
3. Bring a stern line and fenders — taking a line to a bollard or rock cleat greatly reduces swing in the enclosed cove
4. Dinghying into the caves is outstanding at dawn before any other boats arrive; check the 25m exclusion zone applies to caves only, open water is unaffected