Amouliani Island Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Αμμουλιανή, Ammouliani
Amouliani is a small car-free island near Ouranoupoli with multiple bays offering shelter from any wind direction. Excellent sandy holding, a charming village with tavernas, and views of the Athos peninsula make it an ideal base for exploring the northeastern corner of Halkidiki.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
40°22.00'N 23°56.00'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Holding
Excellent HoldingProtected From
S, SE, SW, W
Exposed To
N, NE
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
45m for the N bay when winds are calm or from S. Use the S bay (Alykes) when NE winds are forecast — it provides the opposite protection. Amouliani has multiple bays so you can always find shelter regardless of wind direction.
N bay — main anchorage: 45m recommended — The main anchorage on the N side of Amouliani Island is a beautiful sandy bay with excellent holding.
S bay — Alykes: 40m recommended — The S bay (Alykes) of Amouliani is sheltered from the prevailing NE winds — making it the preferred overnight anchorage when NE winds are blowing.
Village harbour: 35m recommended — Anchoring near the village harbour allows dinghy access to the ferry landing and village shops.
Anchoring Zones
Amouliani Island has 3 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics. Choose the zone that matches your boat size and the expected overnight conditions.
Zone 1: N bay — main anchorage
- Depth: 3–7m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Excellent Holding
- Protected from: S, SE, SW, W
- Exposed to: N, NE
- Recommended alarm radius: 45m
The main anchorage on the N side of Amouliani Island is a beautiful sandy bay with excellent holding. Protected from S through W. Exposed to N and NE — the prevailing summer direction — so this bay is best in calm conditions or S winds. The island has no cars; a short ferry runs from the mainland.
Zone 2: S bay — Alykes
- Depth: 2–6m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Excellent Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, NW
- Exposed to: S, SW
- Recommended alarm radius: 40m
The S bay (Alykes) of Amouliani is sheltered from the prevailing NE winds — making it the preferred overnight anchorage when NE winds are blowing. Shallow sandy bay, superb holding. A small beach with crystal water.
Zone 3: Village harbour
- Depth: 2–4m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, W
- Exposed to: S, SE
- Recommended alarm radius: 35m
Anchoring near the village harbour allows dinghy access to the ferry landing and village shops. Shallow — 2–4m. Ferry wash can be a nuisance. Convenient but noisy.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Amouliani Island is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–7m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m depth).
- 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.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
- 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, Delta, Spade, Fortress. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Amouliani Island are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to N and NE winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 45m radius before going below for the night.45m for the N bay when winds are calm or from S. Use the S bay (Alykes) when NE winds are forecast — it provides the opposite protection. Amouliani has multiple bays so you can always find shelter regardless of wind direction.
Amouliani Island is a charming car-free island just off the coast near Ouranoupoli. Multiple bays provide options for any wind direction. Quieter than Kassandra but accessible — a ferry runs to the mainland. Ideal base for exploring the NE Halkidiki area.
Navigation Hazards
- Ferry wash near the village harbour — use a snubber on anchor chain
- Athos exclusion zone begins 2nm SE — maintain awareness of position
- Shallow near the beach edges — check depth carefully
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free
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: Amouliani village (0.5nm)
- Restaurant: Small village with tavernas and shops
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Use the S bay (Alykes) when NE winds are blowing — it faces the opposite direction
- The island is car-free — a pleasant contrast to the busy Kassandra resorts
- Walk across the island between bays if the wind shifts — it's only 15 minutes
- Good base for exploring NE Halkidiki including Ouranoupoli ferry to Athos
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions — including depth, holding, and local regulations — can change. Before visiting, always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather bulletins, and consult your up-to-date charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Amouliani Island
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius — so you can relax and enjoy this Halkidiki anchorage.
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