Marathounda Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Steeply shelving bottom reduces effective scope — use extra chain; stern line to N shore is strongly recommended. Sandy patches are present but the steeply sloping seabed limits anchor scope effectiveness. Mountain katabatic gusts can be violent even in calm ambient conditions. Vacate immediately if any southerly develops.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Marathounda 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 4–7m, 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. 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. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m; the steeply shelving bottom reduces effective scope and holding reliability. A stern line to the N shore is the standard solution — this reduces swing and compensates for the limited holding. Set the alarm conservatively and check the holding before going below.

May, June, and September only. Avoid in any easterly or southerly forecast. July–August is viable in settled Meltemi but the katabatic gusts demand vigilance.

Navigation Hazards

• Steeply shelving bottom — reduced scope effectiveness; use extra chain and a stern line ashore
• Mountain katabatic gusts: violent downslope squalls can occur down the valley even in calm ambient conditions
• Any southerly wind makes the bay untenable — have an escape plan and monitor forecasts
• Day-trip boat wake in peak season from Symi Gialos excursions
• Posidonia patches on bay edges — seek sandy central patches

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Anchor on sandy patches only — posidonia present on bay edges. Stern line to shore: use N shore rocks or rings if available.

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: Symi (Gialos) (5nm)
• Restaurant: One seasonal taverna at the beach — open summer only (typically June–September)
• Provisions: None on site — Symi (Gialos) (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Take a stern line to the N shore — this is the standard anchoring method in this bay
2. Arrive in the morning when katabatic gusts are typically calmer; the valley wind tends to build in the afternoon
3. The taverna is only open in summer — call ahead if planning a meal (it may close in September)
4. For better shelter in southerly conditions, retreat to Panormitis (7nm SW) which has near-total enclosure
5. The walk into the valley behind the taverna reveals a dramatic landscape with carved rock features