Best Anchorages in Thasos & Kavala

North Aegean Meltemi — NE Direction

Unlike the central Aegean where the meltemi blows from the NW–N, the North Aegean meltemi blows from the NE, driven by high pressure over the Balkans and the Thracian coast. In August it can reach F5–6, making the NE coast of Thasos uncomfortable. The western and southern bays of Thasos are significantly more sheltered. Plan passages along the NE coast before 09:00.

Thasos — Pine Forests & Marble

Thasos is the greenest of the North Aegean islands — entirely forested with pine, oak, and plane trees, with rivers flowing year-round. The island's famous white marble (exported since antiquity) gives several bays a distinctive white-sand-and-rock character, especially at Alyki where the ancient quarry meets the sea. Accessible year-round by ferry from Kavala and Keramoti.

Best Timing

June and September are ideal — warm water, settled NE meltemi, and far fewer crowds than July–August. May and October are excellent for those seeking uncrowded anchorages and mild temperatures. July–August is busy at Limenas and Alyki but the western bays (Skala Prinos, Ormos Prinos) remain peaceful.

Kavala as a Base

Kavala is the best-provisioned port in the region: full chandlery, supermarkets, hospital, and yard facilities. Use it as your base for the first provisioning stop before crossing to Thasos (10nm) or heading east toward Limnos and Samothrace. The ancient aqueduct and Byzantine old town make an overnight stop rewarding in its own right.