Gioura Island Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Gioura Island 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 Gioura Island 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 5–15m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (105m chain at 15m 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 Gioura Island are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE and E and NE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 100m radius before going below for the night.100m for emergency anchoring in 5–15m on mixed sand and rock. Zone A applies — this alarm radius is provided for emergency planning only. Do not approach without a permit or emergency cause. The rocky bottom, significant exposure to S/SE/E, and 20nm distance from the nearest assistance mean this anchorage demands a wide alarm radius and confirmed holding. If anchoring in emergency, contact coast guard immediately on VHF 16.

Gioura is effectively off-limits for recreational anchoring year-round without a permit. The passage context: the 20nm open-water crossing from Steni Vala is best in calm June–September conditions, departing before 07:00. Circumnavigation of Gioura at a safe distance (outside Zone A) is possible and rewarding as a day trip from Kyra Panagia in settled weather.

Navigation Hazards

• ZONE A — anchoring without permit is a serious regulatory violation with substantial fines; do not anchor unless holding a valid permit or in documented emergency
• 20nm from nearest assistance (Steni Vala): a mechanical failure or medical emergency in deteriorating conditions is a serious situation; carry full safety equipment
• Fully exposed on multiple quadrants: both anchorages have significant exposure sectors; the remote location means there is no easy escape route in rapidly worsening conditions
• Rocky and deep bottom: holding is fair at best in emergency anchoring; a trip line is mandatory
• Unpredictable local wind effects around the high island mass (560m summit) — downdrafts and accelerated channelling in the NE meltemi
• Monk seals and endemic goats: disturbing the wildlife is a serious offence within the marine park

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Yes — ZONE A STRICT — special permit required from the NMPANS Management Authority, Patitiri, Alonnisos (Tel: +30 24240 65895). Permits are issued only for scientific research, management activities, or documented emergency refuge. Standard recreational anchoring is NOT permitted. Emergency anchoring: immediately notify the Hellenic Coast Guard on VHF 16 and the park authority. Violation fines are substantial (€1,000–10,000). DEKPA and TEPAI also required.
• Anchoring fee: N/A — not permitted without authorisation
• Restrictions: ZONE A: No anchoring, fishing, diving, or landing without special permit. No approach within the Zone A boundary without permit (check current boundary charts from park authority — boundary is approximately the 1nm surrounding waters). The Cave of Cyclops is a protected archaeological monument — entry requires separate Ministry of Culture permit. Coast guard patrols Zone A regularly.

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: Steni Vala (Alonnisos) (20nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Steni Vala (Alonnisos) (20nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Steni Vala (Alonnisos) (20nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. For virtually all cruising sailors, Gioura is a passage waypoint to admire from a distance — the Zone A restriction is clear and the coast guard enforces it
2. If you have a genuine scientific or management permit, the anchorage in the N cove in settled N–NW conditions is reported to be extraordinary — visibility 30m+, goats on the hillside, complete silence
3. The passage north from Kyra Panagia to Gioura is 8nm across open water — ensure conditions are settled (meltemi F2 or less) and depart early morning
4. The endemic wild goats (Capra aegagrus dorcas) are visible from the sea — bring binoculars for sightings from the deck without entering Zone A