Pachia Ammos Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Pachia Ammos is a wild, dramatic beach on the south coast of Samothrace, accessible only by sea (no road). Anchor in 5–10m on sand and rock with fair holding. The south coast is more sheltered from the NE meltemi but exposed to S and SE. Bottom is rough with rock patches — a trip line is recommended and snorkelling to verify anchor placement is strongly advised. A truly wild anchorage in one of the most remote landscapes in Greece.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Pachia Ammos is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–10m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m 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. Snorkel to verify. Given the fair holding here, it is strongly recommended to snorkel down and visually confirm the anchor is buried in sand, not resting on rock.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Pachia Ammos are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 85m radius before going below for the night.85m for the south coast anchorage in 5–10m on sand and rock with fair holding. Rocky bottom means holding is unreliable — snorkel to verify anchor placement. Use a trip line. S and SE exposure can bring swell from the open Aegean — this is a day anchorage only unless conditions are completely settled with no S forecast. Wide alarm radius reflects variable holding and depth range.

July–August in settled conditions only. This is the most demanding anchorage in this guide — variable holding, remote location, and dual exposure (NE from the north, S swell from the south) make it suitable only for experienced sailors in ideal conditions.

Navigation Hazards

• Rocky bottom with variable holding — use a trip line; snorkel to verify anchor placement before relying on it
• S and SE exposure to open Aegean — swell can build from the south; temporary day anchorage only unless fully settled forecast
• Extremely remote — no road access, no facilities, no mobile signal; carry VHF, EPIRB, full safety kit, and sufficient provisions
• Approach from Kamariotissa requires rounding the W cape of Samothrace — exposed to NW and W; time the passage for the morning calm

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Temporary anchorage only — not suitable for overnight without confirmed all-round settled forecast. Trip line mandatory due to rocky bottom. Carry adequate safety equipment for the remote location.

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: Kamariotissa (12nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Kamariotissa (12nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Kamariotissa (12nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the most remote and beautiful beaches in Greece — accessible only by sea; the reward for getting the anchorage right is an extraordinary experience
2. Snorkel to set the anchor — the rocky bottom means you need to visually confirm placement; sandy patches are best but spread out
3. Day trip only unless you have a completely settled multi-day forecast — depart by 13:00 before any afternoon development