Anchoring Zones

Gaios 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: North Quay (anchor and stern-to)

Depth: 2–8m
Bottom: mud, weed
Holding: Good holding
Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Recommended alarm radius: 50m

The North Quay (~20–25 yachts, stern/bows-to) sits in 2.5–3m at the quay face; anchors drop into 5–8m in the channel. Holding good in mud and weed. The tripper-boat section of the quay is off-limits 10:00–17:00. Two sections reserved for tripper boats; plan arrival around this.

Zone 2: Anchorage off St Nicholas island (deeper, free swinging)

Depth: 5–10m
Bottom: sand, mud
Holding: Good holding
Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Recommended alarm radius: 60m

Anchor off the E side of St Nicholas island in 5–10m. Good holding in sand/mud. This is the preferred free-swinging option — excellent all-round shelter. Some yachts take a line ashore to St Nicholas rocks for extra security. Holding is moderate in sand and weed; may require two attempts.

Setting Your Anchor

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

Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–8m, 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: CQR, Delta, Bruce, Rocna. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m covers the typical swing in 5–8m in the channel. The harbour offers almost all-round shelter — the only evacuation condition is a rare strong sustained NE blow in which case the Mourtos anchorage on the mainland (~8 nm) is the refuge. In normal conditions even F6+ NW Maistro leaves the basin calm.

Open year-round as the main port. Summer (July–August) is busy but never untenably so — room can always be found. Best visited May–June or September–October for a quieter experience.

Navigation Hazards

S entrance is only 2m deep and 30m wide — unsuitable for most yachts; always use the N entrance
Tripper boats and ferries create wash inside the harbour — ensure your mooring lines are not too loose
NE wind (rare in summer) would compromise shelter — in this scenario relocate to the inner basin or Mourtos
Shoal water S of the town quay (<2m) — stay in the main channel

Rules & Regulations

Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
Anchoring fee: Free for anchoring; small quay fee possible at town quay
Restrictions: Tripper-boat sections of town quay are off-limits 10:00–17:00. S entrance only 2m deep and 30m wide — use N entrance for all yachts.

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

Facilities

Fresh water: Available
Fuel: Available
Restaurant: Multiple tavernas and cafes along the waterfront
Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

The N entrance has plenty of room — do not be tempted by the shorter S entrance which is dangerously shallow for most yachts.
Fuel dock is inside the harbour — fill up in Gaios before heading to Lakka or Anti-Paxos where no fuel is available.
The afternoon Maistro barely penetrates this basin. It is an ideal lay-day anchorage for weather-watching in settled or unsettled conditions alike.

Gaios Anchorage Guide

Quick Reference