Pylos (Navarino Bay) Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Î ÏλοÏ, Navarino, Ormos Navarinou, Navarin, Pylos Bay
Pylos and the Navarino Bay complex are widely regarded as one of the finest natural harbours in the entire Mediterranean — a vast, landlocked bay of 12 square kilometres, completely enclosed by the great barrier island of Sphacteria and the surrounding Peloponnese highlands. No sea state, no swell, and no significant chop can penetrate the bay in any conditions. The mud holding is outstanding. The site of the Battle of Navarino (1827, when the combined British, French, and Russian fleets destroyed the Ottoman-Egyptian fleet — the last major battle fought entirely under sail) is marked by underwater wrecks throughout the bay. Pylos town is charming — a Venetian castle, a main square with plane trees, and excellent local restaurants. The inner Sphacteria island is a wilderness reserve with superb hiking. An unmissable stop on the SW Peloponnese circuit.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°54.9'N 21°41.4'E
Depth
5–20m
Bottom
mud, sand
Holding
Excellent HoldingProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Exposed To
None (all-weather)
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free (anchorage); town quay may have a small municipal mooring fee
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m for the main bay in 6â15m on excellent mud — the radius here accounts for the deep water scope and the large swinging circle in a wide-open bay. The bay is completely landlocked by Sphacteria Island (which blocks all W/SW swell) and the surrounding Peloponnese highlands. There is zero fetch from any direction. The 90m radius is a comfortable margin given the deep anchoring depths; in shallower water near the town (4â8m), 75m is sufficient. This is an exceptional all-weather anchorage where the alarm is primarily a precautionary dragging monitor on the excellent mud.
Main Navarino Bay anchorage (all-weather): 90m recommended — Anchor anywhere in the wide bay in 6â15m on excellent mud.
Pylos town anchorage (N bay, near quay): 75m recommended — Anchor in the N part of the bay close to Pylos town for easy dinghy access to the quay and town.
Sphacteria SE cove (Shipona Bay): 60m recommended — Idyllic small cove on the SE coast of Sphacteria Island, inside Navarino Bay.
Anchoring Zones
Pylos (Navarino Bay) has 3 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics.
Zone 1: Main Navarino Bay anchorage (all-weather)
- Depth: 5–20m
- Bottom: mud, sand
- Holding: Excellent Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 90m
Anchor anywhere in the wide bay in 6â15m on excellent mud. Sphacteria Island to the W and SW completely blocks all Atlantic swell. The bay is landlocked in all weather — this is one of the most naturally enclosed harbours in the Mediterranean. Holding on thick mud is outstanding. The main bay is very large (4 x 3nm); choose a position according to wind direction preference. In N winds, anchor in the southern half for maximum shelter. In S winds, anchor in the N half near the town. The historical wreck sites from the Battle of Navarino (1827) lie in various parts of the bay.
Zone 2: Pylos town anchorage (N bay, near quay)
- Depth: 4–10m
- Bottom: mud, sand
- Holding: Excellent Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 75m
Anchor in the N part of the bay close to Pylos town for easy dinghy access to the quay and town. Depths 4â10m on excellent mud. Town quay has room for 10â15 yachts stern-to with water; contact the port authority. Approach the town quay slowly: the entrance channel is marked and depths are 3m+ at the quay for most vessels. Very convenient but more boat traffic and occasional ferry wash.
Zone 3: Sphacteria SE cove (Shipona Bay)
- Depth: 3–8m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Excellent Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 60m
Idyllic small cove on the SE coast of Sphacteria Island, inside Navarino Bay. Completely landlocked and remote. Sand and mud, excellent holding in 3â7m. Dinghy landing on small beach. Ruins of a Spartan monument and Battle of Pylos (425 BC) fortifications on the island. Rarely visited by yachts despite its excellent shelter and historical interest.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Pylos (Navarino Bay) is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–20m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (140m chain at 20m depth).
- Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds.
- 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, CQR, Bruce.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Pylos (Navarino Bay) are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below for the night. 90m for the main bay in 6â15m on excellent mud — the radius here accounts for the deep water scope and the large swinging circle in a wide-open bay. The bay is completely landlocked by Sphacteria Island (which blocks all W/SW swell) and the surrounding Peloponnese highlands. There is zero fetch from any direction. The 90m radius is a comfortable margin given the deep anchoring depths; in shallower water near the town (4â8m), 75m is sufficient. This is an exceptional all-weather anchorage where the alarm is primarily a precautionary dragging monitor on the excellent mud.
Pylos/Navarino is viable year-round as a harbour of refuge due to its complete landlocked nature. The sailing season runs MayâOctober. The bay is particularly peaceful in May, June, and September. JulyâAugust sees moderate tourist traffic in town but the anchorage is never crowded relative to its size. October and November remain viable as a refuge from Atlantic gales — the bay is utterly calm regardless of conditions outside.
Navigation Hazards
- ENTRANCE SHOAL: Use the N channel only — the S passage between the S end of Sphacteria and the mainland has shallow uncharted rocks; confirm with a current chart and pilot book
- Historical wreck sites (Battle of Navarino, 1827): diving on them without an archaeological permit is illegal; scattered throughout the bay
- Depths in the main bay are 8â20m — need generous scope; a light anchor or insufficient chain will not hold in the deeper sections
- Ferry wash from the PylosâKoroniâKalamata services can create wash near the town quay; keep stern lines taut if berthed
- Sphacteria Island is a protected nature reserve: landing permitted at designated points only; respect wildlife and vegetation
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free (anchorage); town quay may have a small municipal mooring fee
- Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. ENTRANCE: Use the N channel between Pylos town and the N tip of Sphacteria Island — wider, deeper, and well-marked. The S channel (between the S tip of Sphacteria and the mainland) has unmarked shoals and is not recommended. Historical wreck sites throughout the bay: diving near the Battle of Navarino wreck sites requires an archaeological permit.
For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Available
- Restaurant: Good selection of tavernas and restaurants around the main square and waterfront in Pylos town; excellent fresh fish and Messenian cuisine.
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Navarino Bay is one of the sailing highlights of the Peloponnese — the all-weather security and historic atmosphere are unique; plan to stay at least two nights
- Hire a dinghy or walk the Sphacteria Island trail for outstanding views of the bay and the Battle of Navarino monuments — a superb half-day excursion
- The N channel entrance is clear and well-lit for night approach: depth 6m+ throughout; approach on 020°T between the castle point and Sphacteria N tip
- Excellent provisioning stop before heading south to Methoni or north to Katakolon: fuel, water, good supermarkets, and marine services in Pylos
- The Battle of Navarino Museum in Pylos town is outstanding — context for understanding the wreck sites visible through the clear water of the bay
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions can change. Always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather bulletins, and consult your up-to-date charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Pylos (Navarino Bay)
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