Neos Marmaras Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Νέος Μαρμαράς
Neos Marmaras is the main town and provisioning port of the Sithonia peninsula, offering fuel, water, supermarkets, restaurants, and marine services. The best place in Halkidiki to stock up before exploring the quieter southern anchorages.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
40°05.00'N 23°47.00'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Good HoldingProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S
Exposed To
W, NW
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free (harbour dues may apply at quay)
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m radius for the main harbour anchorage. Neos Marmaras is primarily a provisioning and fuel stop rather than an overnight destination — the harbour has boat traffic and some noise. For a quieter night, anchor at Kalogria (8nm SE) or Porto Koufo (10nm S) after provisioning.
Main harbour anchorage: 55m recommended — The main harbour at Neos Marmaras is the principal service port for Sithonia, with fuel, water, provisions, and marine services.
Porto Carras marina area: 50m recommended — The Porto Carras resort area to the S has a private marina — anchoring in the immediate approach is not recommended.
Anchoring Zones
Neos Marmaras 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: Main harbour anchorage
- Depth: 3–8m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S
- Exposed to: W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 55m
The main harbour at Neos Marmaras is the principal service port for Sithonia, with fuel, water, provisions, and marine services. Anchor in the bay NE of the commercial quay. Good sand-and-mud holding. Protected from N through SE. Some swell from W and NW in unsettled conditions.
Zone 2: Porto Carras marina area
- Depth: 3–6m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Good Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E
- Exposed to: S, SW, W
- Recommended alarm radius: 50m
The Porto Carras resort area to the S has a private marina — anchoring in the immediate approach is not recommended. The outer bay south of Porto Carras offers reasonable holding but is exposed to S and SW winds.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Neos Marmaras 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 3–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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 Neos Marmaras are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to W and NW winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m radius for the main harbour anchorage. Neos Marmaras is primarily a provisioning and fuel stop rather than an overnight destination — the harbour has boat traffic and some noise. For a quieter night, anchor at Kalogria (8nm SE) or Porto Koufo (10nm S) after provisioning.
Neos Marmaras is busy year-round as the main town of Sithonia. Best visited for fuel, water, and provisions rather than as an overnight anchorage. Fuel dock open daily in season.
Navigation Hazards
- Ferry and commercial boat traffic in the harbour — keep clear of working vessels
- Porto Carras resort has private marina — do not anchor in the marina approach channel
- Exposed to W and NW swell in unsettled conditions
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free (harbour dues may apply at quay)
For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Available
- Restaurant: Multiple restaurants, supermarkets, ATMs, marine chandlery
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Best used as a provisioning stop — fuel, water, supermarket, ATM, and chandlery all available
- Anchor NE of the main quay in 4–6m on sand and mud
- For overnight, continue 10nm S to Porto Koufo for far better protection
- Marine mechanic and chandlery available for any repairs needed
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 Neos Marmaras
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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