Kavala Harbour Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Kavala is the main commercial and ferry port of the North Aegean mainland. A small marina exists for pleasure craft on the W side of the harbour; anchoring is also possible in the outer basin in 3–5m on mud with good holding. The ancient aqueduct (Ottoman-era, 16th century) towers above the city and is visible from the anchorage — one of the most dramatic harbour backdrops in Greece. Commercial traffic uses the main quay on the E side; pleasure craft should use the W marina area.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Kavala Harbour is primarily mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–5m, 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, CQR, Delta, Bruce. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Kavala Harbour are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to NW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m for the outer anchorage in 3–5m on mud with good holding. The harbour is well enclosed from most directions with only NW as the main exposure — rare in summer. Commercial traffic in the main harbour: set a wider alarm (70m) if commercial vessel movements are frequent and you need extra clearance.

Year-round port — Kavala is a city that functions in all seasons. Sailing season May–October. Summer brings tourist ferries and charter fleets; the marina fills quickly in July–August so reserve ahead or anchor in the outer basin.

Navigation Hazards

• Commercial port with ferry and cargo vessel movements — monitor VHF 16 and keep channels clear
• Thasos ferries depart from the NE quay at high frequency in summer (every hour or so) — do not anchor in the ferry lane
• NW wind exposure: uncommon but a strong NW makes the outer anchorage uncomfortable — use the marina berths
• City noise and lights at night — use good blackout curtains if moored in the city centre area

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Marina berths: ~€20–35/night. Anchoring in outer basin: Free.
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Commercial port — follow port authority instructions. VHF 12 for Kavala Port Authority. Ferry lanes on the NE side of the harbour — keep clear. Contact marina (VHF 09) on approach.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Extensive choice of restaurants in the old town and waterfront. Excellent fresh fish from the market. Full supermarkets, chandleries, and marine services in the city.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Base for a Thasos cruise: provision fully in Kavala before crossing to Thasos — best chandlery and provisioning in the region
2. The Ottoman aqueduct is best viewed from the water at dusk when it's illuminated — anchor in the outer basin and admire from the cockpit
3. Mehmed Ali's birthplace is open as a museum in the old Panagia quarter — 20-minute walk from the quay, a fascinating piece of Greek-Egyptian history
4. Kavala fish market (in the harbour building) opens early morning — exceptional local catch including fresh tuna in summer