Anchoring Zones

Vourvourou has 3 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 bay — inner anchorage

Depth: 3–7m
Bottom: sand, mud
Holding: Excellent Holding
Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Recommended alarm radius: 40m

The main inner anchorage of Vourvourou is a near-360° protected basin formed by a labyrinth of small islets. Sand and mud bottom gives excellent holding. Water is crystal clear and shallow at the edges — check depth carefully before anchoring. Tavernas on the small islets are accessible by dinghy.

Zone 2: Channel between islets

Depth: 4–10m
Bottom: sand
Holding: Good Holding
Protected from: N, NE, S, SW
Exposed to: E, W
Recommended alarm radius: 50m

Anchoring in the channels between islets gives more swinging room but some wind acceleration through the gaps. Good holding on clean sand. Useful when the inner bay is crowded in July–August.

Zone 3: Outer bay entrance

Depth: 5–12m
Bottom: sand, weed
Holding: Good Holding
Protected from: N, NW, W
Exposed to: E, SE
Recommended alarm radius: 60m

The outer bay entrance is more exposed to E and SE winds. Use only in settled conditions or as a temporary stop. Sand bottom with occasional weed patches — verify holding before going below.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Vourvourou 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: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Vourvourou are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 40m radius before going below for the night.40m radius covers the inner anchorage well — excellent all-round protection means minimal swing. Increase to 60m if anchoring in the outer channels. Even in this sheltered bay, run your alarm overnight; crowding in summer can cause boats to swing into each other.

Vourvourou is one of the finest anchorages in northern Greece and draws significant crowds in July–August. Arrive before noon in peak season to secure a spot in the inner bay. May–June and September–October offer the same spectacular setting with far fewer boats.

Navigation Hazards

Shallow patches and submerged rocks around the islets — enter slowly and use depth sounder
Very crowded in July–August; boats anchored very close together
Dinghy traffic around taverna islets — watch for small craft at night

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 (4nm)
Restaurant: Several tavernas on the small islets, accessible by dinghy
Provisions: None on site — Ormos Panagias (4nm)

Skipper's Tips

Arrive early (before 11:00) in July–August — the inner bay fills completely by early afternoon
The clearest water is in the channels between the NE islets — ideal for swimming and snorkelling
Take the dinghy ashore to the taverna islets for dinner — the setting at sunset is extraordinary
The N and NE sides of the inner bay are shallowest — anchor in 4–6m for best holding

Vourvourou Anchorage Guide

Quick Reference