Provatas Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Large open bay with good room for multiple yachts. Anchor in 3–7m on sand and weed — holding is generally good in the sandy patches. The bay is completely open to the south but provides excellent protection from the NW/N meltemi. A ground swell from the south can make the anchorage uncomfortable. Ferry wash from Piraeus ferries passing close to shore can be substantial.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Provatas 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 3–7m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m 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, Bruce, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Provatas Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and SE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below for the night.80m in this wide open bay accounts for the significant fetch from S/SW if any swell penetrates, and the potential for weed patches to reduce holding. In settled N meltemi conditions, 60m is sufficient. Weed patches in places — ensure anchor has dug through to the sand beneath; test under power before setting alarm.

Reliable from May through September for north/NW wind conditions. Avoid in any southerly weather (uncommon June–August but can occur in May and October). July–August sees moderate boat traffic but rarely the overcrowding of more famous spots on Milos.

Navigation Hazards

• Completely open to S, SW, SE: southerly swell or wind makes anchorage uncomfortable and potentially untenable; monitor forecasts
• Ferry wash from Piraeus ferries (especially overnight ferries) — ensure anchor is well set and alarm is active
• Weed patches in the bay: anchor may drag on weed; ensure it has penetrated to sand beneath and test under power
• No navigational aids: easy entry in daylight, but no lights for night approach — approach only in daylight or with good chartplotter
• Katabatic gusts from the hills to the N during strong meltemi can be gusty despite the bay's protection

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. No navigational aids in the bay. Anchor on sandy patches — weed in places can foul anchors; allow extra chain and test holding under power.

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 main port) (7nm)
• Restaurant: Several tavernas and small hotels behind the beach; seasonal (June–September)
• Provisions: None on site — Adamas (Milos main port) (7nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the best meltemi bolt-holes on Milos — large, sandy, and straightforward in all N/NW conditions; a reliable night stop on the south coast
2. Anchor in the E half of the bay (closer to the coloured rock cliffs) for the most sheltered position from NW meltemi
3. Snorkel to verify the anchor has penetrated through any weed to sand beneath — this bay has patchy weed that can fool the crew
4. Good base for a dinghy ride west to Kleftiko (8nm by sea) or east to Paleochori beach