Loutraki Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Loutraki 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 Loutraki is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 2–5m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m 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, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 45m radius before going below for the night.45m for stern-to at the quay. Outer anchorage requires 75m in 4–8m depths, particularly with exposure to N/NW. In W or NW conditions greater than F4, tighten the quay alarm and ensure lines are doubled; the fetch from the Sporades channel can produce swell.

Useful as a transit stop May–October. July–August: manageable but ferry traffic is heavy. The Agios Ioannis chapel above makes it worth a stop even if only for a few hours. Off-season it is very quiet.

Navigation Hazards

• Ferry traffic: fast ferries and conventional services call here several times daily — keep clear of the ferry lane at all times
• Exposed to W/SW: Sporades channel westerlies produce uncomfortable swell at the quay; plan to depart early if W wind is forecast
• Outer anchorage exposed to N/NW: use only in SE–E wind or flat calm; do not overnight if meltemi is above F3
• Limited berthing: the quay has space for 4–6 yachts maximum; may need to anchor off

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Modest harbour dues (quay berths). Outer anchorage free.
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Ferry berths have absolute priority — do not obstruct the ferry turning area or approach lane. Quay berths: check with harbour master on arrival.

For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Glossa village (4km uphill) or Skopelos Town (10nm) (0nm)
• Restaurant: Two to three tavernas at the waterfront, plus a small bar. More options up in Glossa village (taxi or steep 30-minute walk). Fuel available in Skiathos or Skopelos Town.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Hire a taxi from the harbour to visit Glossa village — the views from the hilltop over the Sporades are extraordinary, especially at sunset
2. A 4km road from Loutraki leads to Agios Ioannis chapel perched on a 100m cliff above the sea — the Mamma Mia! chapel; arrange a taxi or walk (moderate difficulty)
3. Good transit stop for the Skopelos–Skiathos leg; sheltered enough for an overnight in NE–N meltemi on the quay
4. Check in with the harbour master first — there is usually space even in July–August as it is less known than Panormos or Skopelos Town