Ormos Panagias Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Agios Nikolaos, Ορμος Παναγιάς
Ormos 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. A peaceful alternative to the busier Vourvourou anchorage 4nm to the west, with views of Mount Athos on clear days.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
40°08.00'N 23°59.00'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Good HoldingProtected From
N, NW, W, SW
Exposed To
E, SE
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
50m radius is appropriate for the main anchorage. The bay is well-protected from the prevailing N–NW summer winds. If E or SE winds are forecast, consider moving to Vourvourou (4nm W) for better protection.
Main anchorage: 50m recommended — The main anchorage at Ormos Panagias is a pleasant bay on the E coast of Sithonia with a small fishing village.
Inner harbour area: 35m recommended — The inner harbour area near the fishing village quay offers slightly more protection but is shallower.
Anchoring Zones
Ormos Panagias 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 anchorage
- Depth: 4–10m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good Holding
- Protected from: N, NW, W, SW
- Exposed to: E, SE
- Recommended alarm radius: 50m
The main anchorage at Ormos Panagias is a pleasant bay on the E coast of Sithonia with a small fishing village. Good sand-and-mud holding. Protected from the prevailing N–NW summer winds. Open to E and SE — move if these develop overnight.
Zone 2: Inner harbour area
- Depth: 2–5m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Excellent Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, W
- Exposed to: S, SE
- Recommended alarm radius: 35m
The inner harbour area near the fishing village quay offers slightly more protection but is shallower. Excellent sand holding. Suitable for shoal-draft vessels. Taverna and small shop ashore.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Ormos Panagias 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 4–10m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m 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, Rocna, CQR, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Ormos Panagias are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to E and SE winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 50m radius before going below for the night.50m radius is appropriate for the main anchorage. The bay is well-protected from the prevailing N–NW summer winds. If E or SE winds are forecast, consider moving to Vourvourou (4nm W) for better protection.
Ormos Panagias remains relatively quiet even in peak season — most charter boats head directly to Vourvourou. A good alternative when Vourvourou is overcrowded. The fishing village atmosphere is authentic and unhurried.
Navigation Hazards
- Open to E and SE winds — check forecast before committing to overnight stay
- Shallow patches near the inner harbour — use depth sounder on approach
- Fishing boat activity early morning — 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: Ormos Panagias village (0nm)
- Restaurant: Small taverna in the fishing village
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- A good quieter alternative to busy Vourvourou — 4nm away
- The fishing village has a small shop for basic provisions
- Mount Athos is visible on clear days from the anchorage
- Best visited May–June or September when the crowds are thin
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 Ormos Panagias
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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