Koufos Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Ormos Koufos, Κουφός
Koufos Bay is a traditional fishing village anchorage adjacent to the entrance of Porto Koufo. A quiet, authentic alternative with good holding in sand and mud, offering easy access to the ultimate storm refuge just 2nm away.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
39°57.00'N 23°50.00'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Good HoldingProtected From
N, NE, NW, W
Exposed To
S, SE, E
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
45m radius for the village anchorage. If conditions deteriorate from S or SE, Porto Koufo is just 2nm away — one of the easiest retreats in the region.
Village anchorage: 45m recommended — The traditional fishing village of Koufos sits at the head of a small bay just N of Porto Koufo entrance.
S bay near Porto Koufo entrance: 55m recommended — Anchoring just N of the Porto Koufo entrance gives access to both the village and the nearby storm refuge.
Anchoring Zones
Koufos 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.
Zone 1: Village anchorage
- Depth: 3–7m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, W
- Exposed to: S, SE, E
- Recommended alarm radius: 45m
The traditional fishing village of Koufos sits at the head of a small bay just N of Porto Koufo entrance. Good sand-and-mud holding. Protected from N through W. Open to S and SE — check forecast. Taverna and small quay ashore.
Zone 2: S bay near Porto Koufo entrance
- Depth: 4–9m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Good Holding
- Protected from: N, NW, W
- Exposed to: S, SE, E
- Recommended alarm radius: 55m
Anchoring just N of the Porto Koufo entrance gives access to both the village and the nearby storm refuge. Sand bottom, good holding. More swell-exposed than inside Porto Koufo itself.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Koufos Bay is primarily sand and mud 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: Delta, CQR, Rocna. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Koufos Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE and E winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 45m radius before going below for the night.45m radius for the village anchorage. If conditions deteriorate from S or SE, Porto Koufo is just 2nm away — one of the easiest retreats in the region.
Koufos Bay is a charming traditional fishing village anchorage that sees few charter yachts. The proximity to Porto Koufo (2nm) makes it a comfortable choice knowing shelter is immediately available if needed.
Navigation Hazards
- Open to S, SE, E — Porto Koufo is 2nm away if conditions worsen
- Fishing boat activity in the village — keep clear of working boats
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: Neos Marmaras (12nm)
- Restaurant: Traditional fishing village taverna
- Provisions: None on site — Neos Marmaras (12nm)
Skipper's Tips
- A quiet authentic alternative to the more popular Vourvourou and Porto Koufo
- Porto Koufo storm refuge is just 2nm away — excellent safety margin
- The traditional fishing village atmosphere is authentic — visit the taverna for fresh fish
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 Koufos Bay
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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