Livadi Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Wide bay with room for anchoring, but holding is unreliable due to mixed sand/weed bottom — the marina is strongly preferred. Use the small marina with laid moorings for reliable berths and overnight shelter. The wide bay is subject to violent katabatic gusts from the N in meltemi conditions — wind inside the bay can be significantly stronger than open sea. If anchoring free, use maximum scope and test holding thoroughly under power. Anchor in the S or SW section for the most sheltered position.

Setting Your Anchor

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

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–6m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m 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 weed.

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 Livadi are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below for the night.75m in the free anchorage due to unreliable mixed sand/weed holding and the risk of violent katabatic gusts. The marina reduces alarm radius to 45m with laid moorings. IMPORTANT: Serifos is notorious for violent katabatic fall winds in meltemi season — the wind inside Livadi bay can be far stronger than the open sea forecast suggests. Two anchor preparation is advisable for free anchoring in meltemi conditions.

May–June and September–October are best: fewer boats and slightly more manageable katabatic gusts than July–August. The marina makes July–August viable. Serifos is less visited than neighbouring Sifnos — a genuine discover.

Navigation Hazards

• KATABATIC WIND RISK: Serifos is notorious for violent katabatic gusts from N/NE during meltemi; inside the bay, gusts can be 10–15kn stronger than the open sea forecast — always expect the worst and secure the boat accordingly
• Mixed sand/weed bottom with unreliable holding — the marina with laid moorings is far safer than free anchoring in this bay
• Wide bay with NE/N exposure: swell can penetrate in stronger northerlies — the marina offers the most reliable shelter
• Town quay depth: mostly less than 1m — only dinghies and very shoal-draft vessels
• Wind can arrive in sudden powerful gusts from 0 to 25kn with no warning in meltemi season

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free (free anchorage in bay)
• Mooring buoys: Available — €10–20/night (marina/mooring buoys)
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Marina preferred over free anchoring due to katabatic wind risk. If anchoring free, use maximum scope and two anchors in meltemi conditions. Sand/weed bottom: test holding thoroughly.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Several waterfront tavernas and bars; good selection of seafood and Greek cuisine
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Use the marina: Serifos' katabatic winds are well documented and the marina gives far more security than free anchoring in this wide bay
2. If anchoring free, position in the S/SW section of the bay, use max scope, lay two anchors in meltemi, and test holding under power before setting the alarm
3. A trip line on the anchor is advisable given the weed patches — retrieval can be difficult if the anchor fouls
4. The Chora above Livadi is spectacular — well worth the 30-minute walk or short taxi ride; one of the finest Cycladic hilltop villages