Agios Ioannis Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 3–8m on sand and rock below the famous cliff-top chapel. Holding is fair — the sandy patches give good holding but rocky bottom is common; use a trip line. The bay provides reasonable shelter from NE but is exposed to S, SW, and NW. In practice, this is a calm-weather stop or meltemi lunch anchorage (NE protected) rather than an overnight. The dramatic 100m rock face with the whitewashed chapel of Agios Ioannis Kastri perched on top is unmistakable. Day-trip boats call here in summer.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Agios Ioannis is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention. Use the following approach:

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 — 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. Snorkel to verify. Given the fair holding here, it is strongly recommended to snorkel down and visually confirm the anchor is buried in sand, not resting on rock.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Agios Ioannis are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W and NW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m in 3–8m on fair holding (mixed sand and rock). The rocky bottom and significant westerly/southerly exposure make this unsuitable for overnight in anything but flat calm. If the anchor is set on a known sandy patch in 4–5m, reduce to 55m in settled conditions.

Useful as a lunch stop May–September in the NE meltemi (sheltered from N/NE). Do not plan an overnight unless the forecast is completely settled — the three exposed quadrants (S, SW, NW) are too significant for overnight risk. May and September give the quietest experience.

Navigation Hazards

• Rocky bottom: anchor can foul on rock; always use a trip line and snorkel before setting the alarm
• Exposed to S, SW, NW: open to three quadrants — any wind from these directions makes anchoring untenable; do not overnight unless forecast is flat
• Day-trip boat wash and crowding 09:00–18:00 in summer
• Landing below the cliff steps: only suitable for inflatables with outboard in calm conditions; swell makes landing hazardous

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Day-trip boats active 09:00–18:00; keep clear of the dinghy and speedboat landing area below the cliff steps. The chapel is an active place of worship — visit respectfully.

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: Loutraki (Skopelos) (4nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Loutraki (Skopelos) (4nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Loutraki (Skopelos) (4nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive before 09:00 or after 17:00 for the best experience — the Mamma Mia crowds are significant between those hours
2. Climb the 103 rock-cut steps to the chapel — the views over the NW Sporades are exceptional; 15 minutes up from the sea
3. Combine with a stop at Panormos Bay (4nm SE) for the overnight — use Agios Ioannis as a lunch stop only
4. The chapel interior can be entered; modest dress required; it is an active Greek Orthodox chapel