Koukounaries Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor W of the main beach in 4–9m on beautiful clean sand. Holding is excellent — one of the most reliable sandy bottoms in Skiathos. The pine forest descends to the beach and the famous lagoon (Strofylia pine forest) is directly behind. Fully exposed to the south, so a southerly swell or wind signal an immediate departure. In the NE meltemi, the bay is well sheltered and very pleasant. Very busy in July–August with beach speedboats and day-trip vessels — keep clear of the beach boat lane.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Koukounaries is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–9m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (63m chain at 9m 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 Koukounaries are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and SE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m is appropriate in 4–9m on excellent sandy holding. The bay opens fully to the south — if any southerly swell is forecast, increase to 90m and be ready to depart. In settled NE meltemi, 55m is sufficient once the anchor is confirmed set.

May and September are the ideal months — uncrowded, warm, and the beach is genuinely magnificent. June is still pleasant. July–August should be treated as a brief stop or avoided for overnighting. The bay is completely untenable in any southerly condition regardless of season.

Navigation Hazards

• Fully exposed to S, SW, SE: any southerly swell makes this anchorage untenable — monitor forecasts carefully and be prepared to leave at short notice
• Very heavy beach boat traffic in July–August: speedboats, jet-skis, and water sports equipment operating at high speed in the bay; maintain full watch
• July–August is overwhelming: sunbed noise, beach party music, and day-tripper boats make peaceful overnight stays difficult; prefer May–June and September
• Skiathos flight path: commercial aircraft approach Skiathos airport from the SW at low altitude passing directly over the bay — the noise is considerable

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Keep well clear of the designated beach swimming zone (marked buoys). Do not anchor in the speedboat/water sports lane. Lagoon is a protected wetland — no access by dinghy into the lagoon channel.

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 (10nm)
• Restaurant: Multiple beach bars, tavernas, and cafes directly behind the beach. Very tourist-oriented in July–August; quieter and more local in May–June and September.
• Provisions: None on site — Skiathos Town (10nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive before 09:00 in July–August to secure the best position before beach infrastructure arrives; anchor in the W portion of the bay clear of the beach lane
2. May and September: this is genuinely one of the most beautiful bays in Greece — empty beach, pine scent, and clean water; the contrast with the August chaos is remarkable
3. Skiathos airport is just 2nm east — plane-watching from the cockpit is a Skiathos tradition; jets pass very low on final approach
4. The lagoon behind the beach (Strofylia) is a Natura 2000 protected wetland; walk the path around it from the beach for a 45-minute circuit through the pine forest