Lipsi Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Lipsi 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 Lipsi is primarily mud and sand 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, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m in the main harbour inlet. Despite the sheltered water, Meltemi acceleration gusts can reach 25–30 knots inside the inlet — use generous scope (5:1) and verify holding. The Lira/Limni coves offer a quieter alternative with 50m alarm radius.

May–October. Good year-round shelter from the Meltemi seaway but gusts require good anchoring technique. The Lira/Limni coves to the W are the best kept secret of the Lipsi anchorage.

Navigation Hazards

• Meltemi acceleration gusts 25–30 knots inside the inlet despite sheltered water — non-negotiable generous scope
• Only 12–14 berths at main quay; floating pontoon adds ~6; arrive by early afternoon in peak season
• Regular ferry calls — keep the harbour channel clear and be prepared to move
• The inlet is narrow; maneuvering in peak season requires care

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Quay bollard: €5–10 may be requested. Ferry traffic has priority at the main quay — be prepared to move. Keep harbour channel clear.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Lipsi village (0nm)
• Restaurant: Several tavernas and cafes on the waterfront; fresh fish, local wine
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. If the main harbour is crowded, the Lira/Limni coves (0.5nm W) are preferable: quieter, clean sand, excellent holding
2. Use 5:1 scope minimum in the inlet — the gusts are stronger than the sheltered water suggests
3. Lipsi is on the Patmos–Leros ferry route; this is a logical stop on a north-to-south Dodecanese passage
4. The village is genuinely small and relaxed — one of the least commercialised harbours in the chain