Porto Vathy Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Porto Vathy is a deep, fjord-like inlet on the NE coast of Thasos, cutting well inland and providing exceptional shelter from almost all directions. The depth is 5–10m throughout the inlet on sand and mud with excellent holding. The NE meltemi is screened effectively by the headlands. Exposed only to a narrow NW arc. Completely undeveloped — no facilities, no buildings, just pine forest and clear water. One of the finest natural harbours on Thasos.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Porto Vathy 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 5–10m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m 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. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m for the inner anchorage in 5–10m on sand and mud with excellent holding. The fjord-like geometry limits drift significantly — 60m is adequate once anchor is confirmed in calm conditions. Only exposed to NW through a narrow arc. One of the most secure overnight anchorages on Thasos.

May–October. Best on calm summer mornings and in the settled shoulder months. Not recommended in strong NE — the approach along the NE coast is uncomfortable. Once inside, the shelter is exceptional in all but NW wind.

Navigation Hazards

• NE coast exposure on approach — the passage from Limenas along the NE coast of Thasos is exposed to the meltemi; make the passage in the morning calm
• Entrance rocks near the inlet mouth — approach carefully using the chartplotter and depth sounder; do not cut inside the headland rocks
• No facilities whatsoever — carry full provisions, water, and sufficient fuel for the return passage

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. No facilities — carry adequate fuel, water, and provisions. Check charts for approach rocks near the inlet entrance.

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: Limenas (Thasos Town) (5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Limenas (Thasos Town) (5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Limenas (Thasos Town) (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. This is the finest overnight anchorage on Thasos for those seeking solitude — arrive self-sufficient and you will have an experience few tourists get
2. Depart from Limenas early morning (06:00–08:00) before the NE picks up — the NE coast approach is exposed and can be uncomfortable by midday in summer
3. Snorkelling in the inlet is excellent — very clear water, rocky walls, and abundant fish in an undisturbed environment
4. Take a line ashore to a pine tree if the inlet becomes breezy — depth is sufficient to stern-to the rock wall and lay a kedge forward