Sarti Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Sarti bay is on the NE coast of Sithonia, directly facing the Athos peninsula. The views of Mount Athos are dramatic. Sand bottom with good holding. Exposed to N and NE — the prevailing summer winds — which creates chop in the anchorage. Best in calm conditions or with offshore W winds.

Setting Your Anchor

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

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–9m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (63m chain at 9m 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, Fortress. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Sarti are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m radius for Sarti. Note that this anchorage is exposed to the prevailing NE summer winds — more appropriate as a lunch stop or calm-weather overnight than a primary anchorage. If NE builds, move to Vourvourou (10nm NW) or Ormos Panagias (6nm N).

Sarti is best visited in settled calm conditions or when winds are from W or SW. The views of Mount Athos (2,033m) rising straight from the sea directly across the channel are spectacular and unforgettable. A good lunch stop en route between Vourvourou and the southern Sithonia anchorages.

Navigation Hazards

• Exposed to prevailing NE summer winds — chop can develop quickly in the afternoon
• Mount Athos exclusion zone begins 3nm E — do not approach within 500m of the Athos coast
• Day boat and water-sport traffic in the bay in July–August

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: Sarti village (0.5nm)
• Restaurant: Beach tavernas and small resort facilities
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. The views of Mount Athos across the channel are among the most dramatic in Greece
2. Best used as a lunch stop rather than overnight unless winds are W or SW
3. The Athos exclusion zone starts clearly visible across the water — maintain safe distance