Ormos Koilada Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 3–7m in the lower third of the bay on excellent mud and sand. The steep slopes on three sides give outstanding shelter from N, E, and S sectors. Open only to W and NW — in strong NW conditions a gusty fetch develops across the bay. Very quiet and uncrowded; one of the least-visited good anchorages in the Argolid. Small fishing harbour at the bay head; local fishermen use the quay. A pleasant walk ashore to the village.

Setting Your Anchor

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

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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, Bruce.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Ormos Koilada are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to W and NW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night. 65m covers standard swing in 3–7m on excellent mud. The bay walls on N, E, and S sides restrict fetch significantly. The only exposure is from W/NW — in NW conditions exceeding F4, gusts rolling over the western headland can create short chop. In NW conditions above F5, consider increasing to 80m and verifying holding. In calm settled conditions, 50m is sufficient.

May–September best. A quiet, uncrowded alternative throughout the season. July–August sees occasional visitors but rarely fills. The Argolid coast is warm and reliable in summer; NW gusts are the only real concern and are typically light to moderate. Not recommended as a base for longer stays due to limited facilities.

Navigation Hazards

• W/NW exposure: in strong NW (mistral-type) conditions, the bay opening allows a fetch that makes anchoring uncomfortable; monitor NW forecasts
• No facilities: no water, fuel, or reliable provisions — self-sufficient planning required
• Fishing gear: local fishermen lay nets and pots in and around the bay; anchor well clear and monitor carefully in the dark
• Shoaling near the bay head: depths drop below 2m within 50m of the fishing quay; keep well off

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Fishing harbour quay at the bay head is reserved for local fishing boats — do not block. Anchor clear of any mooring lines or fishing gear. Posidonia possible near bay edges.

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 (by car, ~8km) (0nm)
• Restaurant: Very small village taverna at the bay head — basic local cooking, seasonal and unreliable out of July–August. No fuel or provisioning available.
• Provisions: None on site — Kranidi (by car, ~8km) (0nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the most peaceful and uncrowded anchorages in the Argolid — virtually unknown outside the small community of Peloponnese cruisers
2. Best in settled NE or E winds when the bay is perfectly sheltered; a wonderful overnight stop with complete tranquility
3. Good midway stop on the Nafplio–Porto Heli run for those who want to avoid the crowds at either end
4. Bring all supplies from Porto Heli or Nafplio — the village has almost nothing to offer provisionally