Avlemonas Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Small, picturesque harbour below a small Venetian fortress on the NE coast of Kythira. Good protection from N/NW meltemi. Sand and rock bottom — snorkel to verify anchor placement on sandy patches in 3–6m. Limited space — maximum 8–10 yachts at anchor. A beautiful, characterful stop with a handful of local tavernas.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Avlemonas 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. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m radius for 3–6m sand and rock. Good meltemi shelter from N/NW — this is the most comfortable meltemi anchorage on the east coast of Kythira. Exposed to E/NE — in Gregale (NE winter wind) or strong NE conditions, evacuate to Diakofti (6nm S).

Good May–October. Less crowded than Kapsali — a favourite of experienced cruisers who know Kythira. Tavernas may have limited hours outside high season.

Navigation Hazards

• Rock bottom in places — snorkel to confirm anchor on sand before going ashore
• Exposed to E/NE — monitor forecasts for Gregale (NE) development
• Limited space — late arrivals may find no room; plan arrival before 15:00
• The Antikythira Mechanism shipwreck site ~2nm offshore is a protected archaeological site — do not disturb

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Limited space — maximum 8–10 yachts. Fishing boats have priority at the inner quay. Snorkel anchor to verify placement on sand, not rock.

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 Chora (6nm W) (6nm)
• Restaurant: 2–3 local tavernas — some of the best fish on Kythira
• Provisions: None on site — Kythira Chora (6nm W) (6nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. The local tavernas here serve exceptionally fresh fish — this is one of the hidden dining gems of Kythira.
2. Excellent meltemi shelter — a good base for waiting out a meltemi before the Antikythira passage.
3. Snorkel your anchor — the bottom is mixed and the anchor must be in sand, not balanced on rock.