Poliochni Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Poliochni Bay is a relatively protected bay on the SE coast of Limnos, facing the open Aegean but with good shelter from W and NW. Depth 3–6m on sand and mud with good holding. The remarkable Bronze Age city of Poliochni (predating Troy, 4000–1200 BC) is situated on the headland immediately N of the bay — one of the oldest cities in Europe. The archaeological site is small but extraordinary. Exposed to E and NE — the NE meltemi makes this a fair-weather anchorage.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Poliochni Bay is primarily sand and mud 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: Rocna, Delta, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m for the bay in 3–6m on sand and mud with good holding. Exposed to E and NE — the dominant meltemi direction. Anchor here only in settled conditions with no NE forecast overnight. Tighten to 55m once anchor is confirmed set in calm conditions. The bay is manageable in light NE but uncomfortable in F4+.

June–September in settled conditions. Best on calm mornings in July–August when the meltemi is temporarily quiet. The 20nm passage from Myrina means an early departure to make use of morning calm before the afternoon NE builds.

Navigation Hazards

• NE and E exposure — open to the dominant summer meltemi; settle-weather anchorage only; check forecast before anchoring
• Remote — 20nm from Myrina; carry full provisions and fuel for the return passage
• Archaeological site nearby — the headland approach has shallow rocks; anchor in the bay and dinghy to the small quay or beach to land

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Archaeological site on the adjacent headland — follow posted signs; do not remove any material from the site. Fair-weather anchorage only.

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: Myrina (20nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Myrina (20nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Myrina (20nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Poliochni predates Troy — older than almost any inhabited site in the Aegean; the bouleuterion (circular council chamber) is extraordinarily well-preserved for its age
2. Combine with Moudros Bay: the two are 15nm apart; Moudros for all-weather safety, Poliochni for a daytime excursion from the bay entrance
3. Bring plenty of water and sun protection — the archaeological site is fully exposed and there are no facilities