Patitiri Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Patitiri 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 Patitiri 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 Patitiri are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 40m radius before going below for the night.40m for stern-to berth in the main harbour; swing is minimal when properly moored. Outer anchorage requires 80m to account for open exposure to S/SW and the deeper depths (5–10m). Inner harbour alarm can be set tighter (30m) once lines are secured.

Open and functional year-round. Peak season July–August is very busy but manageable. May–June and September are ideal for provisioning and then heading north into the quieter park areas. Patitiri is primarily a transit and supply stop rather than a destination anchorage.

Navigation Hazards

• Ferry traffic: high-speed and conventional ferries use the port regularly; give way at all times and do not anchor in the ferry lane
• SW swell in the harbour: rare in summer but can make stern-to berths uncomfortable if a SW wind develops overnight; check forecast before settling for the night
• Outer anchorage exposed to S/SW: treat as fair-weather or N-wind anchorage only
• Posidonia in outer anchorage edges: anchor on sandy patches and snorkel to verify if in doubt
• Busy in July–August: harbour fills early; arrive before 10:00 or call the harbour master on VHF 12 in advance

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Harbour dues apply to stern-to berths (modest fee; ~€10–15/night for yachts 10–12m). Free anchoring in the outer bay.
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required (obtain if not already held). NMPANS information and permits available from the park office in the harbour. Ferries have priority at all times — do not obstruct ferry lane. Outer anchorage: avoid posidonia meadows; anchor on sandy patches only.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Multiple tavernas and cafes in the harbour area and up the hillside lanes. Supermarket, bakery, butcher, and fresh produce market within 200m of the quay.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Call the harbour master on VHF 12 about 30 minutes before arrival to check available berths
2. Stock up fully here before heading to Steni Vala, Kyra Panagia, or Gioura — provisioning opportunities diminish significantly north of Patitiri
3. The park warden office on the harbour front issues free park maps and can advise on seasonal Zone A/B variations — visit before heading into the park
4. Alonnisos Old Village (Hora) is 4km uphill by taxi or bus — a beautifully restored Venetian village with stunning views; well worth the trip