Kalamos Bay — Antikythira Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Completely isolated bay on the SW coast of Antikythira. Sand and rock bottom — variable holding; snorkel essential to verify anchor placement. 4–8m depth. Good protection from N/NE meltemi but exposed to S/SW. Even more isolated than Potamos — zero facilities, no village, no other boats typically. An extreme solitude anchorage for the most adventurous sailors. Stronger current on the SW side of the island than the NE side.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Kalamos Bay — Antikythira is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–8m, 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. Snorkel to verify. Given the fair holding here, it is strongly recommended to snorkel down and visually confirm the anchor is buried in sand, not resting on rock.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: CQR, Delta, Rocna, Bruce. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Kalamos Bay — Antikythira are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below for the night.90m radius minimum for 4–8m fair holding on variable sand and rock. CRITICAL: Snorkel to verify anchor is in sand, not resting on rock. This is the most remote anchorage in this guide — GPS anchor alarm is not optional. Run it all night. Stronger current on the SW coast — add extra swinging room to the 90m radius. If conditions deteriorate from S/SW, there is no alternative anchorage on Antikythira — you must immediately depart for Kythira (39nm NW) or Crete (36nm SE). EXPERIENCED OFFSHORE SAILORS ONLY.

July–August only, and only in the most settled high-pressure conditions. This is not a shoulder-season anchorage — the unpredictability of May, June, September, and October makes it unsuitable for a safe stop.

Navigation Hazards

• CRITICAL — Most remote anchorage in this guide; nearest assistance 36–39nm away
• Variable fair holding on sand and rock — snorkel anchor mandatory
• Stronger current on SW coast than NE — up to 3kt in meltemi
• Completely exposed to S/SW — any southerly requires immediate departure
• No navigation lights anywhere on the island — approach and departure in daylight only
• No communication beyond VHF Ch 16 (range limited by island geography)

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: EXPERIENCED OFFSHORE SAILORS ONLY. No facilities. Self-sufficient minimum 72 hours. Snorkel anchor mandatory — fair holding with rock bottom hazard. GPS alarm mandatory.

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: Kythira (Diakofti, 39nm NW) (39nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Kythira (Diakofti, 39nm NW) (39nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Kythira (Diakofti, 39nm NW) (39nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Only visit in the most settled July–August weather window. A 72-hour high-pressure forecast minimum is required before calling here.
2. Snorkel the anchor immediately on arrival — do not go ashore until you have confirmed the anchor is in sand and well-buried.
3. Keep the engine ready to start at all times. Any significant shift to S/SW wind requires immediate departure — there is no room to wait and see.