Ormos Finikas Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Ormos Finikas 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 Ormos Finikas is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–6m, 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. 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, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Ormos Finikas are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m east of the marina in 4–6m water. Bottom has mixed sand, mud, rock patches, and seagrass — may take two attempts to set on a clean sandy/mud area. Marina alarm: 40m. In SW conditions the anchorage (not the marina) becomes exposed — the marina provides better SW shelter. Overall a reliable, well-sheltered stop.

May–June and September–October are ideal. Syros is an important transit stop between Athens/Piraeus and the central Cyclades, making it busy year-round. July–August sees F5–7 meltemi regularly — the SW position of Finikas makes it the most comfortable option on the island. Ermoupolis hosts the annual Apanto regatta in late August — book ahead if visiting at that time.

Navigation Hazards

• Mixed bottom (seagrass, rock patches, sandy mud): holding can be unreliable; may need two anchor drops to find a clean set — always test under power before leaving the boat
• Open to S and SW: southerly or SW winds expose the anchorage (not the marina); use the marina if SW is forecast
• Syros receives stronger meltemi than the southern Cyclades — it is in the northern belt where N/NE meltemi blows F5–7 regularly in July–August
• Ermoupolis ferry terminal (5nm) generates substantial ferry traffic in the wider approach channel
• Marina has limited capacity — fill quickly in July–August; contact ahead via VHF Ch 09 or phone

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free (anchorage); marina fees apply for berths (~€15–25/night depending on season and boat size)
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Marina berths should be booked ahead in July–August. Bottom has rocky patches and posidonia — take time to find a sandy/mud patch and test holding before setting alarm. SW conditions expose the anchorage (not the marina) — shift to the marina if SW wind is forecast.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Several tavernas and cafes in Finikas/Posidonia village; good bakery on the waterfront; well-supplied supermarket 50m from the marina
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Finikas is the best anchorage on Syros for meltemi shelter — the SW position gives the most protection from the prevailing N/NE wind on this island
2. Fuel by phone or VHF — call ahead as delivery can take 1–2 hours; plan for a morning fuel stop
3. Ermoupolis (5nm) is worth a visit: the grand neoclassical capital of the Cyclades with excellent chandlery, provisioning, and culture
4. The bottom can be tricky — if the anchor drags on the first drop, move 20–30m and try again on a sandy/mud patch; do not accept marginal holding on posidonia