Ormos Agistri Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Ormos Agistri has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics. Choose the zone that matches your boat size and the expected overnight conditions.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Ormos Agistri is primarily sand and weed with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–7m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m 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, Mantus, Spade, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m at Skala covers normal swing in 3–5m anchoring depth and absorbs the afternoon W thermal chop effect on the anchored position. Weed patches require verified holding before setting alarm. The Dragonera beach alarm can be set to 60m on the clean sand but the open W exposure means the alarm may trigger in afternoon thermal — this is expected behaviour and not necessarily a dragging event; visually confirm before responding.

May–June and September–October for uncrowded conditions. July–August sees heavy Athenian day-tripper traffic, especially weekends, making the island feel crowded for its size. The anchorage at Skala is sheltered from the NE sea breeze — the dominant afternoon direction — making it comfortable most summer afternoons once the W thermal subsides after 18:00.

Navigation Hazards

• Ferry and Flying Dolphin traffic at Skala — fast-moving hydrofoils create significant wash; ensure anchor is well set and lines clear of approach channel
• Afternoon W thermal (F3–4): the anchorage at Skala becomes choppy from 14:00–18:00; ensure dinghy is secured
• Posidonia meadows in the Skala anchorage: verify anchor is on sand before going below
• Very busy summer weekends (Athens proximity): Agistri fills with day-trippers from Saturday noon — arrive Friday evening or depart Saturday morning for peace
• No fuel barge: fuel by jerry can only — inconvenient for larger yachts; plan to fuel at Aegina Town or Piraeus

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free (anchorage); small port fee for mole berths (~€5–8/night)
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Ferry quay has absolute priority — clear the approach channel. Posidonia patches around Skala anchorage — verify holding on sand. Dragonera beach: pedestrian access from the water — no landing on the preserved sections of forest.

For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Skala village, Agistri (0nm)
• Restaurant: Several tavernas in Skala village on the waterfront; good fresh fish available. Fuel by jerry can from the petrol station (500m inland) — no fuel barge
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Dragonera beach anchorage (NW coast) is the hidden gem of Agistri — stunning pine-fringed sand in clear water, far quieter than Skala; best as a daytime swim stop in calm conditions
2. Agistri is easily overlooked on the Saronic circuit — worth including as an overnight stop in June or September when it is quiet and the pine forest is at its best
3. Hire a scooter or bicycle from Skala to explore the small island (circumference ~15km); the pine-shaded interior roads are excellent
4. Stock up on provisions in Aegina Town (5nm) rather than Agistri — the selection is better and prices lower