Naoussa Bay Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Naoussa Bay has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics. Choose the zone that matches your boat size and the expected overnight conditions.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Naoussa Bay is primarily sand and weed with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–12m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (84m chain at 12m 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 Naoussa Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to N and NE and NW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below for the night.80m for the Agios Ioannis anchorage where wind-driven swell from NW–N can be significant in F5+ meltemi. The large bay has considerable fetch from the N quadrant even in the inner position. Reduce to 60m in calm conditions. Marina berth alarm can be set to 40m.

May–June and September–October for best conditions: good meltemi shelter without July–August crowds. Summer sailing school traffic and flotilla groups make the anchorage very busy July–August. Naoussa faces N so it is one of the more exposed Cyclades ports in strong meltemi — the southern harbours (Parikia, Antiparos) are more comfortable in a blow.

Navigation Hazards

• Strong N/NW meltemi creates significant fetch and uncomfortable swell across the wide bay — even the inner anchorage is rough in F5+ northerlies; use the marina
• Very busy in July–August: marina fills early and anchorage becomes crowded; arrive before 10:00 or book marina in advance
• Kolimbithres anchorage (NW of bay) is open to NE winds — avoid in NE conditions
• Shallowing toward the bay head — keep 3m+ draft clear of the inner quay area
• Local mooring operators may approach and offer to lay mooring lines for a fee; check line quality before accepting

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free (anchorage); Marina fees apply for berths
• Mooring buoys: Available — €10–20/night depending on boat size (peak season); local mooring operators active in July–August in anchorage area
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Marina berths must be booked in advance in July–August. In strong NW–N meltemi, the main anchorage area is not safe — move to the marina. Fixed moorings are laid by local operators in the anchorage — check lines before using.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Excellent selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars in the village; Naoussa is one of the best dining destinations in the Cyclades
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. For meltemi shelter, the Agios Ioannis anchorage (SW of the bay) is better than the marina in moderate northerlies; shift to the marina if winds exceed F5
2. Book the marina online in advance for July–August — walk-in availability is very limited
3. Naoussa village is well worth an evening ashore; the waterfront restaurants serving Parian seafood are excellent
4. Fuel by truck: call the marina or harbour master at least 2 hours in advance