Kilada Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Kilada has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Kilada is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–10m, 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.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds.
4. Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Delta, Bruce.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Kilada are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night. 70m covers normal swing in 4–8m on excellent mud. The fjord-like shape of the bay restricts fetch to virtually nothing — the only opening is the narrow W entrance. In all but extreme W weather, 60m is sufficient. In strong settled conditions and in the inner cove, alarm can be reduced to 50m. This is one of the safest natural anchorages on the Peloponnese NE coast.

Open May–October. The Argolid coast is mild and reliable in summer. June–September has consistent light NE or NW breezes. The near-landlocked bay makes Kilada safe in almost any summer condition. October is uncrowded and the sea remains warm. Avoid the bay only in prolonged strong W winds, which are uncommon in summer.

Navigation Hazards

• Small quay on N shore is shallow (2–2.5m): drafts over 2m should anchor only; do not attempt stern-to without sounding first
• Posidonia fringe near the bay margins: anchor in the central muddy area to avoid anchoring on protected seagrass
• Narrow W entrance can concentrate any W swell: though rare, monitor forecasts in unsettled conditions
• Limited facilities: no fuel or water available at the anchorage — plan reserves accordingly

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required for all yachts over 7m. Anchor on mud — posidonia fringe near the bay edges in places; aim for the central sandy-mud area. Small quay on N shore suitable for drafts <2m 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: Kranidi village (by car, ~4km) (0nm)
• Restaurant: 1–2 simple village tavernas at the bay head serving fresh local fish; open in summer. No fuel — nearest at Porto Heli (9nm) or Kranidi by car.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the most sheltered free anchorages on the Peloponnese — the fjord shape provides nearly all-round protection; ideal bolt-hole in any wind direction
2. The inner NE cove is outstanding in easterly or NE winds; virtually flat water regardless of conditions outside
3. A good overnight stop between Porto Heli and Nafplio — 9nm from Porto Heli and 22nm from Nafplio; convenient mid-passage anchor
4. Village tavernas are simple but excellent value — far cheaper and less crowded than Porto Heli