Kyra Panagia Anchorage Guide
Also known as: ÎÏ Ïά Παναγιά, Kyria Panagia, Pelagonisi
Kyra Panagia is one of the most remote and rewarding overnight anchorages in the Sporades — a virtually uninhabited island (home only to a small community of Athonite monks who tend the Byzantine monastery and goat herds) located in the NMPANS Zone B, 10nm north of Steni Vala. The NE bay provides excellent meltemi shelter and is one of the most peaceful anchorages in Greek waters. The monastery of Kyra Panagia (the Virgin Mary of the island) dates to Byzantine times; the monks maintain it as a working monastic farm with olive groves, vegetable gardens, and goats. Fresh water is available from the monastery spring — ask politely. The underwater visibility in Zone B is exceptional (20â30m) due to the strict no-fishing regulations. Monk seal sightings are relatively frequent in the surrounding waters.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
39°17.8'N 23°54.3'E
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Good HoldingProtected From
N, NW, W, SW, S
Exposed To
NE, E
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m in 4â12m on sand and mud. The NE bay is the preferred choice for the meltemi season as it is well sheltered from N/NW. In moderate NE meltemi (F3â4) the bay is comfortable; above F4 NE, some swell enters and a 90m alarm and confirmed holding is essential. If conditions deteriorate, depart to the SW bay or to Steni Vala.
NE bay — main anchorage (monastery bay): 80m recommended — Anchor in 4â12m on sand and mud in the NE-facing bay that also houses the small Byzantine monastery.
SW bay — alternative anchorage: 85m recommended — Alternative anchorage in the SW-facing bay in 5â12m on clean sand.
Anchoring Zones
Kyra Panagia 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: NE bay — main anchorage (monastery bay)
- Depth: 4–12m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good Holding
- Protected from: N, NW, W, SW, S
- Exposed to: NE, E
- Recommended alarm radius: 80m
Anchor in 4â12m on sand and mud in the NE-facing bay that also houses the small Byzantine monastery. Good holding throughout. The bay is well protected from the prevailing NE meltemi by the surrounding hills and the island's NE peninsula. The monastery monks (usually one to three resident) sometimes offer visitors a glass of water and a brief welcome. Go ashore to the small quay below the monastery by dinghy. Only exposed to NEâE — if the wind backs to NE above F4, some swell enters the bay and overnight becomes uncomfortable.
Zone 2: SW bay — alternative anchorage
- Depth: 5–12m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Good Holding
- Protected from: NE, E, SE, N
- Exposed to: W, SW, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 85m
Alternative anchorage in the SW-facing bay in 5â12m on clean sand. Excellent holding. Sheltered from NE meltemi but exposed to SWâW. Use when NE bay is untenable or when a westerly wind is running. No facilities; completely wild. Outstanding underwater visibility. Best for calm-weather overnight.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Kyra Panagia is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–12m, 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. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Kyra Panagia are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to NE and E winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below for the night.80m in 4â12m on sand and mud. The NE bay is the preferred choice for the meltemi season as it is well sheltered from N/NW. In moderate NE meltemi (F3â4) the bay is comfortable; above F4 NE, some swell enters and a 90m alarm and confirmed holding is essential. If conditions deteriorate, depart to the SW bay or to Steni Vala.
Best in MayâJune and September when meltemi is moderate (F2â4) and the island is at its most beautiful. JulyâAugust: entirely feasible in settled spells, but the 10nm passage north from Alonnisos in strong meltemi requires care. Off-season (April, October): the island is usually completely empty; monastery may have only one monk in residence.
Navigation Hazards
- Remote location: 10nm from Steni Vala in potentially challenging conditions; carry sufficient food, water, and fuel for a full extra day
- Exposed to NE and E: if NE meltemi exceeds F4, the main bay becomes uncomfortable; the SW bay is exposed to the opposite direction
- No emergency services nearby: nearest coast guard and medical care in Patitiri (16nm S); carry full first aid and an EPIRB
- Monk seal habitat: sightings common — maintain 200m distance from any seal; stop engines immediately if a seal surfaces alongside
- Rocky entry to both bays: approach slowly and use the chartplotter; uncharted rocks near the headland entrances in both bays
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Restrictions: NMPANS Zone B: anchoring permitted; all fishing strictly prohibited. Monastery is an active religious community — visit with appropriate respect; modest dress required; do not disturb the monks unnecessarily. Fresh water from the spring is available if offered by the monks — do not take it without permission. Take all rubbish with you. Do not collect shells, sea life, or plants. DEKPA and TEPAI required.
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) (10nm)
- Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Steni Vala (Alonnisos) (10nm)
- Provisions: None on site — Steni Vala (Alonnisos) (10nm)
Skipper's Tips
- This is one of the finest remote anchorages in Greece — an evening anchor in the monastery bay in September is a genuine sailing memory
- Bring a gift (coffee, sugar, biscuits) for the monastery — the monks appreciate the gesture; they may offer local honey, olive oil, or goat cheese in return
- Leave at first light to make the most of morning calm for the 10nm passage south to Steni Vala before the meltemi builds
- Snorkelling in Zone B: visibility of 25â30m is common; sea bream, grouper, and octopus are abundant — bring a camera
- Locate the freshwater spring ashore (E side of the bay near the monastery garden) for a possible top-up if the monks agree
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 Kyra Panagia
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