Diakofti Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Wide sandy bay north of the ferry terminal with excellent sand holding in 3–5m. The best meltemi shelter on the SE coast of Kythira — high ground to the N provides good deflection. Ferry pier divides the bay — anchor in the N sector. The bay is relatively undiscovered and uncrowded.

Setting Your Anchor

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

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–5m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m 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, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m radius for excellent sand in 3–5m. Reliable holding — one of the best sand bottoms on Kythira. Exposed to S/SE — in southerly conditions evacuate to Kapsali (8nm SW) which has better S exposure. Ferry wash from the Kythira–Athens service — set anchor firmly.

Good May–October. Reliable sand holding makes it a comfortable meltemi waiting anchorage. Less frequented than Kapsali — a calm option when Kapsali is crowded.

Navigation Hazards

• Ferry wash from Kythira–Piraeus service — set anchor firmly before going ashore
• Exposed to S/SE swell — southerly conditions make the bay uncomfortable; go to Kapsali
• Shoal water S of the ferry pier — consult chart before transiting

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Do not anchor in the ferry approach lane or immediately alongside the ferry pier. Ferry operates scheduled services — the approach creates significant wash.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Diakofti village (0.5nm)
• Restaurant: Small taverna in Diakofti village
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Good waiting anchorage before the Antikythira passage to Crete — sand holding is reliable for a multi-night stay while waiting for the right weather window.
2. The ferry schedule (Kythira–Athens) makes the morning departure information available from the terminal — check the weather and ferry forecast together.
3. Better meltemi shelter than it looks on the chart — the surrounding high ground provides more deflection than expected.