Potamos — Antikythira Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

The main anchorage off Potamos, the only village on Antikythira — population approximately 40 people. Sand and rock bottom in 3–6m. Reasonable N/NW meltemi shelter from the headland. Exposed to S/SE. This is a PASSAGE ANCHORAGE — experienced sailors only. Absolutely no facilities beyond a small quay. The Antikythira Mechanism was found in a shipwreck approximately 1nm off the island in 1900–1901.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Potamos — Antikythira is primarily sand and rock with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–6m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m 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: CQR, Delta, Rocna, Bruce. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Potamos — Antikythira are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE and E winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 85m radius before going below for the night.85m radius for 3–6m sand and rock. Snorkel to verify anchor in sand — rock bottom can give a false sense of security. This is a remote, exposed anchorage — run a GPS anchor alarm all night without exception. Strong currents around the island complicate anchoring — allow extra swinging room. If conditions deteriorate from S/SE, there is NO safe alternative anchorage on this island — you must depart to Kythira (38nm NW) or Crete (36nm SE). EXPERIENCED SAILORS ONLY.

June–September only, and only in settled conditions. July–August has the most reliable meltemi pattern — stable N/NW with predictable lulls. May and October bring too much variability for a safe stop at this remote location.

Navigation Hazards

• CRITICAL — Experienced offshore sailors only; no rescue services within 36–38nm
• Strong currents around the island — 1–2kt in all conditions, up to 3kt in strong meltemi
• Completely exposed to S/SE — any southerly requires immediate departure; no alternative anchorage on the island
• No facilities whatsoever — medical emergency requires helicopter or fast boat from Kythira/Crete
• Rock bottom in places — snorkel to confirm anchor placement in sand
• The Antikythira passage (between Kythira and Crete) is notorious for sudden weather changes

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: EXPERIENCED SAILORS ONLY. Self-sufficient for 72 hours minimum. No facilities. Strong currents — allow extra swinging room. Antikythira Mechanism shipwreck site is a protected archaeological zone — do not anchor in or disturb the wreck area.

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, 38nm NW) (38nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Kythira (Diakofti, 38nm NW) (38nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Kythira (Diakofti, 38nm NW) (38nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Only call here in settled, high-pressure conditions with a minimum 48-hour forecast of stable meltemi — never in unsettled weather.
2. Monitor VHF Ch 16 continuously — any change in the forecast requires a departure decision within minutes in deteriorating S/SE conditions.
3. The 40 residents are extremely friendly to visiting sailors — the experience of being in one of Greece's most isolated communities is extraordinary.
4. Strong currents make the approach more complex than it appears on the chart — arrive in daylight with engine running, not under sail alone.