Limenas (Thasos Town) Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

The main harbour of Thasos, also the island's capital, offers the best facilities in the north Aegean. Anchor in 3–5m on sand and mud in the outer basin, or take a stern-to berth on the quay if space is available (berthing fees apply in high season). The harbour is exposed to E and SE but these winds are uncommon in summer. Ferry traffic between Kavala and Limenas is frequent — the ferry berth is on the N side; keep the approach channel clear. A large ancient agora and well-preserved ancient theatre are a short walk from the quay.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Limenas (Thasos Town) 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 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, Mantus, Delta, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Limenas (Thasos Town) are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to E and SE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m for the outer basin in 3–5m on sand and mud with good holding. Tighten to 40m in calm conditions once anchor is confirmed set. The harbour is well enclosed except to E and SE — rare in summer but monitor forecasts. Keep clear of the ferry approach lane on the N side of the harbour.

Open year-round — Thasos has the most consistent ferry service of any Greek island, running daily from Kavala and Keramoti even in winter. Summer (June–August) is busy; May and September–October are ideal for uncrowded arrivals. The harbour is well protected in the NE meltemi that dominates August.

Navigation Hazards

• Frequent ferry traffic from Kavala — ferries enter/exit at speed; stay well clear of the ferry lane on the N side of the harbour
• Exposed to E and SE: uncommon in summer but a developing easterly can make the outer anchorage uncomfortable; move to the inner quay if possible
• July–August: harbour becomes very busy with day-tripper ferries and charter yachts; arrive before 10:00 to secure a berth
• Ancient ruins close to the shoreline on the N headland — do not land on the archaeological zone near the ancient harbour

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free anchoring. Quay berths: ~€15–25/night (high season).
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Ferry traffic has right of way — do not anchor in the ferry lane. Kavala port authority VHF 16 covers this area. Keep the commercial quay clear.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Numerous tavernas and cafes along the waterfront and in the old town. Excellent local fish and North Aegean cuisine. Supermarkets within 200m of the quay.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Use Limenas as the main provisioning stop on Thasos — it has the best supermarkets, chandlery, fuel, and water on the island
2. The ancient theatre hosts summer performances (July–August) — a memorable evening ashore; buy tickets at the town office near the agora
3. Ferry from Kavala docks on the N side — if taking the ferry to Kavala for a day trip, leave the boat anchored in the outer basin with a proper alarm set
4. Kavala is visible from the quay on a clear day — a 10nm passage, easily done in the morning calm before the NE picks up