Best Anchorages in Halkidiki
Halkidiki's three peninsulas offer sheltered sailing in the northern Aegean — lighter winds than the Cyclades, crystal-clear water, and some of Greece's most spectacular hidden bays. These 10 anchorages have been verified for depth, holding, Athos exclusion zone proximity, and anchor alarm radius.
About Halkidiki Sailing
Three Peninsulas
Halkidiki divides into three finger-like peninsulas extending south into the Aegean: Kassandra (W) — the most developed, with beach resorts and busy marinas; Sithonia (centre) — quieter, pine-forested, with the best anchorages including Vourvourou and Porto Koufo; and Athos (E) — the monastic peninsula with a 500m exclusion zone that sailors must respect.
Lighter Northern Winds
Summer winds are typically N–NE at F3–4 in the afternoons — more manageable than the full Aegean meltemi. The peninsulas provide natural shelter: Sithonia's east coast is well protected from the prevailing NE, and the deep bay of Porto Koufo is virtually all-weather. June to September is the ideal sailing season; avoid October–March when the Vardaris (NW) can blow hard from the mainland.
Vourvourou — Labyrinth Anchorage
Vourvourou on Sithonia's east coast is one of the most remarkable anchorages in the northern Aegean — a near-360° protected labyrinth of small islets, pine trees, and turquoise water. The inner basin offers outstanding holding on sand and mud. Popular with Greek families in summer; arrive by 10:00 in July–August to secure a spot.
Porto Koufo — All-Weather Haven
Porto Koufo at Sithonia's southern tip is the deepest natural harbour in Greece — a drowned river valley with a narrow entrance that blocks all swell and wind. Suitable in virtually any weather. Limited facilities but completely calm overnight. A vital storm shelter if caught out on passage around the peninsulas.
Mount Athos — 500m Exclusion Zone (Strictly Enforced)
The Athos peninsula (Agion Oros) is an autonomous monastic community and UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 500m coastal exclusion zone surrounds the entire peninsula and is enforced by the Hellenic Navy and Coast Guard. Violations carry heavy fines and possible vessel confiscation. Key rules:
- No anchoring within 500m of the Athos coastline under any circumstances.
- No landing without a special permit (diamonitirion). Only Orthodox Christian men may obtain this permit. Women are completely banned from landing on the peninsula.
- Ouranoupoli is the last village before the exclusion zone begins — clear customs here and plan your passage to give Athos a wide berth.
- Passages east of Athos (towards Lemnos or Kavala): maintain at least 500m offshore at all times. The zone is clearly marked on Hellenic Navy charts.
10 Verified Anchorages
Vourvourou
(Vourvourou Bay)Excellent HoldingHalkidiki — SithoniaVourvourou is one of Greece's most extraordinary natural anchorages — a labyrinth of small islets and channels on the NE coast of Sithonia that provides near-360° wind protection in virtually any conditions.
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
40m
Crowds
Busy
Full anchoring guide →
Ormos Panagias
(Agios Nikolaos)Good HoldingHalkidiki — SithoniaOrmos Panagias is a quiet fishing bay on the eastern coast of Sithonia, offering a genuine Greek village atmosphere with good holding in sand and mud.
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
50m
Crowds
Quiet
Full anchoring guide →
Kalogria
(Ormos Kalogria)Excellent HoldingHalkidiki — SithoniaKalogria is a beautiful sandy bay on the SW coast of Sithonia with superb holding in clean fine sand and crystal-clear water.
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
45m
Crowds
Moderate
Full anchoring guide →
Neos Marmaras
(Νέος Μαρμαράς)Good HoldingHalkidiki — SithoniaNeos Marmaras is the main town and provisioning port of the Sithonia peninsula, offering fuel, water, supermarkets, restaurants, and marine services.
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
55m
Crowds
Busy
Full anchoring guide →
Porto Koufo
(Κουφός)Excellent HoldingHalkidiki — SithoniaPorto Koufo is the deepest natural harbour in Greece and one of the most perfectly sheltered anchorages in the Mediterranean.
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
50m
Crowds
Moderate
Full anchoring guide →
Toroni
(Torone)Excellent HoldingHalkidiki — SithoniaToroni is a scenic bay on the SW coast of Sithonia, backed by ancient Byzantine castle ruins and a long sandy beach.
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
50m
Crowds
Quiet
Full anchoring guide →
Koufos Bay
(Ormos Koufos)Good HoldingHalkidiki — SithoniaKoufos Bay is a traditional fishing village anchorage adjacent to the entrance of Porto Koufo.
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
45m
Crowds
Quiet
Full anchoring guide →
Sarti
(Σάρτη)Good HoldingHalkidiki — SithoniaSarti is a beach anchorage on the NE coast of Sithonia offering dramatic views of Mount Athos rising directly across the channel.
Depth
3–9m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
55m
Crowds
Moderate
Full anchoring guide →
Ouranoupoli
(Οὐρανούπολη)Good HoldingHalkidiki — AthosOuranoupoli is the gateway to the sacred Mount Athos peninsula — the last port before the 500m exclusion zone begins.
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
55m
Crowds
Moderate
Full anchoring guide →
Amouliani Island
(Αμμουλιανή)Excellent HoldingHalkidiki — AthosAmouliani is a small car-free island near Ouranoupoli with multiple bays offering shelter from any wind direction.
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
45m
Crowds
Moderate
Full anchoring guide →
Greek Anchoring Rules — Halkidiki
Anchoring in Halkidiki is generally free in most bays outside the Athos exclusion zone. Key requirements for visiting yachts:
- !DEKPA (Transit Log): Required for all foreign yachts over 7m. ~€30. Main Halkidiki entry ports: Thessaloniki, Neos Marmaras, Ouranoupoli.
- !TEPAI Cruising Tax: ~€8/m per month for yachts 7–12m. Pay online at e-tepai.gr before arrival. Keep the receipt on board.
- !Mount Athos 500m Exclusion Zone: Strictly enforced by the Hellenic Navy and Coast Guard. No anchoring, no landing. Heavy fines and possible confiscation for violations. Ouranoupoli is the last permitted stop before the zone begins.
- !Posidonia seagrass: Present in some Sithonia bays. Anchoring on Posidonia is prohibited under EU law and Greek Law 3937/2011. Snorkel to verify bottom type if in doubt.
- !Kassandra Canal: The canal connecting the Thermaic Gulf to the Toroneos Gulf (cutting through the base of Kassandra peninsula) has tidal-like currents at certain times. Check local conditions and VHF Ch 16 before transiting.
For full details, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Monitor Your Anchor Overnight
Safety Anchor Alarm watches your GPS position continuously and sounds an instant alert if your boat drifts — essential in Halkidiki where afternoon N–NE winds can build quickly and crowded summer anchorages like Vourvourou see boats swinging close overnight.
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