Ouranoupoli Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Ouranoupoli 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.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Ouranoupoli is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. 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. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Ouranoupoli are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m radius. The main concern at Ouranoupoli is the Athos exclusion zone — do not allow your boat to drift S. The zone begins approximately 1nm S of the harbour. Set your alarm conservatively if anchoring in the S bay near the ferry quay.

Ouranoupoli is primarily a passage port — a stop to collect a diamonitirion (Athos permit) and take the ferry, or to re-provision before or after sailing past Athos. Good facilities ashore. The 14th-century Byzantine tower (Tower of Prosfori) is a landmark.

Navigation Hazards

• Mount Athos exclusion zone begins ~1nm S — 500m coastal exclusion strictly enforced
• Ferry traffic in the harbour area — wake wash can be significant
• Open to S through W — watch forecast

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Mount Athos exclusion zone begins ~1nm S — do not approach within 500m of the Athos coast. This is a hard legal boundary enforced by the Greek Navy.

For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Ouranoupoli village (0nm)
• Restaurant: Multiple restaurants and shops in the village
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Diamonitirion (Athos permit) office is in Ouranoupoli — apply in advance online at athos-permits.gr
2. The Byzantine Tower of Prosfori (14th century) is worth visiting ashore
3. Stock up on provisions here before sailing north — last major stop before Kavala
4. Do not sail within 500m of the Athos coast to the S — Greek Navy enforces this rigorously