Ormos Prinos Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

A quiet, undeveloped bay on the NW coast of Thasos, just south of Skala Prinos. Anchor in 4–8m on clean sand with good holding. The bay is wider and more open than the Skala Prinos ferry harbour, offering more swinging room. Protection from the NE is the same — the headland to the N screens the prevailing meltemi direction effectively. No facilities ashore — this is a pure overnight anchorage. Beautiful pine-forested slopes surround the bay giving the typical Thasos lush landscape.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Ormos Prinos 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 4–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Ormos Prinos are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to W and NW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m for a free-swinging anchorage in 4–8m on sand. Good holding; anchor beds well in the clean sandy bottom. Can tighten to 50m in lighter conditions once set. Exposed to W and NW — westerlies are infrequent in summer but the bay is wide enough to develop a chop. Move to Skala Prinos (2nm N) if conditions worsen.

Best May–October. Quiet shoulder months (May, October) are particularly attractive — warm water, empty anchorage, no ferry noise. July–August remains uncrowded despite being peak season because most visitors use Skala Prinos or Limenas.

Navigation Hazards

• No facilities — carry adequate fuel, water, and provisions before anchoring here
• Exposed to W and NW: westerly swell can roll in; the bay is wide and exposed on that flank — monitor forecasts
• Posidonia patches possible in shallower areas close to shore — snorkel to confirm sandy patch before setting anchor

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Check for Posidonia patches before anchoring — snorkel to verify sandy bottom is clear of seagrass.

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: Skala Prinos (2nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Skala Prinos (2nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Skala Prinos (2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Perfect quiet alternative to Skala Prinos — same NE shelter, no ferry traffic, no crowds
2. Snorkel conditions are excellent — crystal-clear North Aegean water over clean sand
3. Skala Prinos tavernas are only 2nm away by dinghy or short sail — anchor here overnight and take dinner there