Keramoti Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Keramoti is the mainland village and ferry terminus for the short (35-minute) crossing to Thasos Limenas. The small boat anchorage to the W of the ferry pier offers 2–4m on sand with good holding. Sheltered from W and S; some exposure to E and NE. The NE meltemi sends a slight chop into the bay but the anchorage remains manageable. Very quiet village — mainly used as an overnight stop before or after a Thasos crossing. A long sandy beach extends to the south.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Keramoti is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 2–4m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (28m chain at 4m 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, Delta, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Keramoti are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to E and NE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 45m radius before going below for the night.45m for the small boat anchorage in 2–4m on sand. Holding is reliable. Exposed to E and NE — the NE meltemi can send a short chop into this anchorage; use 55m and monitor if NE picks up. Very shallow water close to the beach — do not anchor inside the 2m line.

May–October. Mainly a transit anchorage rather than a destination. Quietest village on the coast — excellent for an undisturbed overnight stop.

Navigation Hazards

• Ferry traffic at the pier — Thasos ferries run throughout the day; keep the approach channel absolutely clear
• Exposed to E and NE: NE meltemi chop enters the bay; anchorage is manageable but not comfortable in strong NE
• Shallow water on the beach side — do not approach within 50m of the beach in depths under 2m

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Ferry has right of way — keep ferry lane clear at all times. Do not anchor within 100m of the ferry pier.

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: Keramoti village (0nm)
• Restaurant: Two or three tavernas in the village. Basic mini-market for provisions.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Use Keramoti as an overnight stop when planning an early morning departure to Thasos — the 35-minute ferry to Limenas means you can time the crossing for the morning calm
2. Nestos River Delta is 5nm to the W — one of Greece's most important bird sanctuaries with rare raptors and waders; worth a dinghy expedition if you have time