Lindos Bay Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Lindos 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 Lindos Bay is primarily sand and rock with reliable holding when properly set. 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. 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. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m for the NW sector anchorage. The mixed sand-and-rock bottom and the Acropolis headland gusts both demand a conservative radius. Verify anchor is set on sand (not rock) before setting the alarm. In Acropolis gusts the boat can swing sharply — 70m gives adequate clearance.

May–June and September–October for overnight stays. July–August best as a daytime stop — gusts and congestion make overnight challenging. The shoulder season anchorage is exceptional.

Navigation Hazards

• Katabatic gusts from the Acropolis headland — 25+ knots can arrive suddenly into the NW sector with no warning; verify anchor set on sand, not rock
• Rocky ledges throughout the bay — a trip line is strongly recommended to retrieve a fouled anchor
• Heavy tourist boat and water-taxi traffic during the day in July–August
• E and SE exposure: swell from these directions builds quickly — monitor forecasts
• Posidonia at bay edges — seek the central sandy areas

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. A landing fee (~€2–5/person) may apply at the dinghy quay. Anchor on sand only — rocky ledges throughout. Trip line recommended.

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: Lindos village (0nm)
• Restaurant: Numerous tavernas in Lindos village (10-minute walk from the anchorage); excellent local cuisine
• Provisions: None on site — Lindos village (0nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive in the morning and leave by mid-afternoon in peak season — day-boat congestion and gusts both peak in the afternoon
2. Shoulder season (May–June, September–October) is the best time to overnight — the Acropolis at sunset is unforgettable
3. Use a trip line as standard — rocky ledges are widespread and anchor fouling is common
4. St Paul's Bay (0.5nm S) is quieter, shallower, and nearly enclosed — excellent for a shoal-draft boat or as a swimming stop
5. The climb to the Acropolis is worth the effort: one of the three great Doric Temples in Greece