Panarea — Cala Junco / San Pietro Bay
Cala Junco Panarea · Cala Zimmari · Panarea South
38°37.9'N 15°03.6'E
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
95m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
95m
95m for the open Cala Junco anchorage in 8–12m depth with 4:1 scope. The bay is deeper than it appears — use a long scope. If the afternoon Maestrale builds above F4, the SE exposure of Cala Junco becomes uncomfortable; prepare to move or set a second anchor.
About This Anchorage
Panarea is the smallest and most fashionable of the inhabited Aeolian Islands — a jet-set destination attracting Italian celebrities and VIP yachts in July–August. Despite its glamorous reputation, the underwater landscape is spectacular: the submarine volcanic vents between Panarea and the islets create a unique ecosystem. The prehistoric village on the Capo Milazzese headland (Bronze Age, c. 1400 BC) is accessible by a short path from Cala Junco and is one of the finest prehistoric sites in southern Italy. The islets of Basiluzzo, Lisca Bianca, Dattilo, and Bottaro add drama to the anchorage approaches — navigate with caution as the channels between them are shoal in places.
Protected From
N · NW · W
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Maximum stay
- 5 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No AMP permit for Panarea at present. Submarine hydrothermal field between Panarea and Basiluzzo may have local restrictions — check with Capitaneria di Porto Lipari for current status.
Restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. No anchoring in the submarine hydrothermal vent field (marked by gas bubble zones — visible as surface disturbance). The prehistoric village on Capo Milazzese is a cultural heritage site — no disturbance of the ruins. Speed limit 5 kn near the village shore.
Hazards
- !Submarine hydrothermal vents: Gas fields between Panarea and the islets create navigational hazards — water temperatures locally elevated, gas bubbles reduce buoyancy; do not anchor directly in vent areas
- !Shoal channels between islets: Basiluzzo, Lisca Bianca, Dattilo — the channels between these islets are often 3–5m and have uncharted rocks; transit very slowly with watch at the bow
- !Peak season VIP chaos: Panarea in August is famously chaotic — large motor yachts, water taxis, and speedboats create constant wash in the small harbour area; anchor well away from the jetty
- !Depth drops quickly: Cala Junco deepens to 20–30m within 50m of the inner cove edge — have enough chain for the outer anchorage or crowd in to the inner cove where the bottom rises
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit the Bronze Age village on Capo Milazzese before 10:00 — it's a 10-minute walk from the dinghy landing and you'll have it to yourself in the early morning
- →The Basiluzzo islet (3nm NE) has a spectacular anchorage in its E cove in settled weather — dramatic scenery with zero facilities and zero tourists
- →Panarea's nightlife (at the famous clubs near the village) is exceptional by Aeolian standards — but anchor well offshore before joining it
- →The hot springs near Lisca Bianca islet are worth visiting by dinghy — warm, sulphurous water you can swim in; completely natural and free
Facilities
Several restaurants in the village; these are among the most expensive in the Aeolian Islands due to the VIP clientele. One evening meal here is worth it for the atmosphere. Fuel at Lipari.
Nearest provisions: Panarea village (0.8nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
July–August is the height of the VIP season — Panarea is glamorous but overcrowded and expensive. May–June and September–October offer the best experience: calmer seas, fewer boats, still warm. The submarine volcanic activity is year-round.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 95m
In the Aeolian Islands, volcanic rock bottoms and sudden channel winds make anchor drag a real overnight risk. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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