Ormos Kastro Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 4–10m on sand and weed. Good holding in sandy patches; weed can foul anchors — allow extra chain and test under power. The bay faces north and is therefore exposed to the meltemi from N/NE. In moderate meltemi (F3–4) the bay provides useful shelter for southerly or calm-weather stops, and the high peninsula with the Kastro ruins provides some deflection of NW winds. In F5+ NE meltemi, the bay becomes uncomfortable and untenable. Use only in S–E wind or flat calm for overnight. Excellent in SW–W wind (the NE meltemi's opposite).

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Ormos Kastro 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 4–10m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m 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. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Ormos Kastro are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to N and NE and NW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below for the night.75m in 4–10m on mixed sand and weed. The northern exposure means this radius must be considered conservative — in any N/NE wind above F3, the bay develops uncomfortable chop across its full width. Use only in calm or southerly conditions. Set 80–90m if anchoring in 8–10m near the bay centre.

Best in May and September in settled or southerly conditions. Summer use is strictly dependent on meltemi strength — in a light meltemi year (F2–3), it can be used overnight. In a strong meltemi year (F5–6), daytime only. Always check the forecast before committing to an overnight stay.

Navigation Hazards

• Exposed to N, NE, NW: the prevailing summer meltemi blows directly into this bay — do not attempt overnight in any northerly wind above F3
• Weed patches throughout the anchoring area: anchor can drag on weed; use extra chain, test under power, and use a trip line
• Day-trip boat wash 09:00–17:00 in summer: significant wash from fast day-tripper catamarans and speedboats from Skiathos Town
• Remote from services: no water, fuel, or provisions; 8nm to Skiathos Town in potentially rough conditions if meltemi builds

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Day-trip boats from Skiathos Town call here regularly in summer (09:00–17:00); expect significant wash and crowding during these hours. Anchor well clear of the small beach used by day-tripper landing boats.

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: Skiathos Town (8nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Skiathos Town (8nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Skiathos Town (8nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. This is fundamentally a day-stop or calm-night anchorage — depart to Skiathos Town or Koukounaries if any northerly is forecast
2. Visit the Kastro ruins (45-minute walk from the beach): the views from the fortified headland over the N Sporades are exceptional, and the Byzantine church of the Nativity of Christ (1688) is worth seeing
3. Arrive before the first day-trip boats (09:00) for a peaceful early morning swim in pristine water
4. In May and September with settled weather, this is a magical overnight spot — completely quiet once the day-trippers leave at 17:00