Grikos Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Sandy patches near the NW shore give the best holding; rocky ledges elsewhere. Tragonisi islet at the bay entrance provides lee from the NW Meltemi. Posidonia fringe at bay edges — anchor over the central sandy area. Use a trip line as a precaution over the mixed bottom.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Grikos Bay is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention. 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. 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 rock.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below for the night.75m for the central bay. Mixed sand-and-rock bottom reduces holding reliability — a trip line is recommended. The Meltemi is well blocked by island topography, reducing swing in NW conditions. Easterly or southerly winds require immediate departure.

May–June and September–October only. Avoid July–August overnight if winds show any easterly tendency. This anchorage rewards sailors who check the forecast carefully.

Navigation Hazards

• Fully exposed to S, SE, E — any wind from these quadrants makes the anchorage untenable; have an escape plan
• Tragonisi islet at the entrance has shallow patches on both its E and W sides — give it a 50m clearance
• Mixed bottom (sand over rock) — use a trip line and verify holding before going below
• Posidonia fringe at bay edges — anchor in the central sandy area only
• Day-trip boat traffic from Skala in peak season

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA transit log required for all yachts over 7m in Greek waters. TEPAI cruising tax mandatory. Small mole at the bay head fits 1–2 boats stern-to (no fee). Anchor on sand only — posidonia on bay edges is protected.

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: Patmos Skala (3nm)
• Restaurant: Several tavernas on the waterfront; excellent fresh fish and Greek cuisine
• Provisions: None on site — Patmos Skala (3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive from the west, passing south of Tragonisi — the approach from the SE is shallower
2. Sandy patches toward the NW shore give the best holding; the SE of the bay is more rocky
3. For stronger Meltemi protection, the nearby Ormos Petras (Diakofti) behind Tragonisi at 37°18.5'N, 26°34.5'E offers better shelter
4. Skala (3nm north) is the port of entry for DEKPA and has full provisions, fuel, and water