Platia Ammos Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Secluded sandy bay on the east coast of Kythira with excellent holding sand in 4–7m. Good shelter from the N/NW meltemi from the high cliffs of the eastern coast. One of the least-visited bays on Kythira — a genuine find for independent cruisers. No facilities. Beautiful clear water and a pebble/sand beach backed by dramatic eroded cliffs.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Platia Ammos 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 4–7m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m 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 Platia Ammos are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to E and SE and S winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below for the night.75m radius for excellent sand in 4–7m. High cliffs to the W and N provide good meltemi shelter. Exposed to E/SE — monitor for easterly swells. No facilities — self-sufficient stop only.

June–September for the most settled conditions. May and October can bring easterly weather making the bay uncomfortable. Best in July–August when easterly swells are rarest.

Navigation Hazards

• No facilities — carry all water and provisions
• Exposed to E/SE — southeasterly swell builds quickly; evacuate to Diakofti in easterly conditions
• Approach in daylight only — no lights and rocky coastline either side of the bay
• Remote — nearest assistance at Kythira Chora (8nm W)

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: None. No facilities — self-sufficient stay required.

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 (8nm W) (8nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Kythira Chora (8nm W) (8nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Kythira Chora (8nm W) (8nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Approach from the N hugging the east coast — the bay entrance is not obvious from the S.
2. Excellent for one night of complete solitude — the kind of anchorage that makes Kythira worth the diversion.
3. Carry sufficient water — nearest provisioning is Kythira Chora (8nm W).