Kilada Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Îιλαδά, Ormos Kiladas, Kiladas Bay
Kilada is one of the most sheltered and least visited anchorages in the Saronic Gulf — a deep, fjord-like bay on the Argolid coast of the Peloponnese that provides near-complete protection from all wind directions. The sticky mud bottom gives exceptional holding. The small fishing village of Kilada sits at the head of the bay with a handful of local tavernas serving the catch of the day. Almost entirely unknown to charter flotillas and relatively few cruising yachts include Kilada on their itinerary, making it a genuine escape from the crowds. The surrounding landscape of olive groves and low rocky hills is classic Peloponnese countryside. The nearby Franchthi Cave (accessible by dinghy, ~2nm north) is one of the most important Neolithic sites in Greece, with evidence of habitation stretching back 38,000 years. An outstanding hidden gem for sailors.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
37°22.5'N 23°12.7'E
Depth
5–12m
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); small informal quay fee (~â¬5) may be requested by village
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m in the main anchorage reflects the depth (5â12m) and the need for adequate scope on the excellent mud holding. The bay is so well protected that the alarm is almost purely a position-drift check rather than a weather safety net. The quay stern-to alarm can be set to 35m. Kilada is effectively a zero-exposure anchorage — one of the most sheltered on the Argolid coast.
Inner bay anchorage (free swinging): 70m recommended — Deep, well-protected inlet with excellent all-round shelter.
Village quay (stern-to): 35m recommended — Stern-to on the small village quay in 2â4m.
Anchoring Zones
Kilada 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.
Zone 1: Inner bay anchorage (free swinging)
- Depth: 5–12m
- Bottom: mud, sand
- Holding: Excellent Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 70m
Deep, well-protected inlet with excellent all-round shelter. Anchor in 5â9m on very good mud and sand. Holding is exceptional in the sticky mud. The bay is lined by olive groves and low hills that provide 360-degree shelter. Virtually no swell penetrates even in southerly gales. Very few yachts visit — a genuine off-the-beaten-track anchorage. The small village of Kilada has basic tavernas accessible from the quay.
Zone 2: Village quay (stern-to)
- Depth: 2–4m
- Bottom: mud
- Holding: Good Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 35m
Stern-to on the small village quay in 2â4m. Excellent all-round protection. Mud bottom gives good holding for bow anchor. Quay has space for 6â8 yachts. Local fishing boats have priority. A taverna is directly on the waterfront. Water available from the quay tap (ask at the taverna). Very calm — almost landlocked.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Kilada is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–12m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (84m chain at 12m depth).
- 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.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
- 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 Kilada are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m in the main anchorage reflects the depth (5â12m) and the need for adequate scope on the excellent mud holding. The bay is so well protected that the alarm is almost purely a position-drift check rather than a weather safety net. The quay stern-to alarm can be set to 35m. Kilada is effectively a zero-exposure anchorage — one of the most sheltered on the Argolid coast.
Works well from May through October — the excellent shelter makes it viable in any settled season conditions. The total lack of crowds makes JulyâAugust here genuinely peaceful, unlike most Saronic anchorages. A thunderstorm bolt-hole of the highest order — nowhere more sheltered exists on this stretch of coast. The Franchthi Cave site is accessible from April to October.
Navigation Hazards
- Deeper than expected: the main anchorage drops to 12m in places — use plenty of chain (minimum 5:1 scope at 10m depth = 50m chain minimum)
- Very isolated location: no fuel, no chandlery, no medical facilities nearby — ensure all systems are in good order before arriving
- Mud bottom can clog Danforth/CQR-type anchors on retrieval — a chain hook and deck brush are useful; Rocna/Mantus types reset more cleanly
- Minimal VHF coverage from some anchorage positions — check before going below if relying on a radio watch
- Entrance channel has a shallow bar (~3m) at the bay mouth — approach with care in deep-draft vessels over 2.5m; confirm depths on latest chart
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free (anchorage); small informal quay fee (~â¬5) may be requested by village
- Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Fishing boats have priority on the village quay. The Franchthi Cave site is archaeologically protected — observe posted signs; do not enter without checking access status. Very isolated location — ensure fuel and water reserves are topped up before arriving.
For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Kilada village (0nm)
- Restaurant: 1â2 simple village tavernas serving local catch; basic but fresh; open daily in summer. No fuel available — nearest is Porto Heli (9nm) or Kranidi by car.
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Kilada is one of the great hidden anchorages of the Saronic — include it as an off-the-beaten-path stop between Porto Heli and the Peloponnese coast
- Dinghy north 2nm to Franchthi Cave — land on the beach below the cave (accessible, no entry fee) and explore one of Greece's most significant Neolithic sites
- The village taverna serves the local catch — order the psarosoupa (fish soup) and the catch of the day; simple and excellent
- The bay is so calm that it feels like a lake — anchor, sleep with hatches open, and wake to birdsong and olive groves
- Good alternative to Porto Heli if the main harbour is full — Kilada is just 9nm further and offers equal or better protection
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 — including depth, holding, and local regulations — can change. Before visiting, 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 Kilada
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius — so you can relax and enjoy the Saronic anchorage.
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