Panormos Bay Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Panormos Bay 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 Panormos Bay 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 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, Bruce. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m is conservative for the main anchoring area in 4–9m on flat sand and mud with excellent holding. The bay walls limit fetch from nearly all directions; tighten to 55m in calm settled conditions once the anchor is confirmed set. Open only to W and SW — if a westerly develops, the bay can develop a short chop but remains tenable; increase to 90m in that case.

May–June and September–October are ideal: uncrowded, warm, settled meltemi. July–August is viable and the protection is good, but the bay fills fast. Off-season (April, October) the bay is often completely empty — a memorable experience in the pine forest silence. Avoid in persistent W or SW wind (rare May–September).

Navigation Hazards

• Katabatic gusts roll off the pine-forested hillsides during strong NE meltemi — the bay stays calm but gusts can be sudden; ensure anchor is firmly set before leaving the boat
• Open to W and SW: uncommon in summer but an arriving westerly or SW wind creates a short chop; have a plan to move to Skopelos Town (5nm) if conditions deteriorate
• Busy in July–August mid-afternoon; arrive early for best anchoring positions
• Shallow bay head (under 2m in places) — stay in the main bay if drawing more than 1.8m

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. No formal restrictions beyond standard Greek regulations. Avoid anchoring on the small sandy beach at the bay head (local swimmers use it). Keep clear of the fishing boat channel on the western side.

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: Skopelos Town (Chora) (5nm)
• Restaurant: One seasonal taverna on the eastern shore, open June–September. Dinghy landing on the small beach or quay. Excellent fresh fish.
• Provisions: None on site — Skopelos Town (Chora) (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Best all-round anchorage in Skopelos — the NE meltemi shelter is exceptional; this is the go-to overnight spot in any northerly wind
2. Arrive before 11:00 in July–August to secure the best sandy position in 4–6m depth
3. Swim the anchor after setting — the flat sandy bottom is honest and the holding is obvious; this is one of the few bays where the anchor almost always beds perfectly
4. The taverna can supply ice and sometimes basic provisions — radio ahead on VHF 16 if possible or hail by dinghy
5. Ideal base for a day trip to Skopelos Town by dinghy or water taxi (5nm): the Chora's Venetian kastro and 40+ churches are worth the visit