Western Argolic Sailing Guide: Anchorages, Harbours and Tips

The western side of the Argolic Gulf offers a diverse mix of historic ports, sheltered anchorages and fishing harbours.

Overview

The Western Argolic coast stretches from the northern shores of the Argolic Gulf around Nafplio to the fishing harbours and coastal towns of eastern Arcadia. The area includes historic cities, resort villages, sheltered bays, and several of the safest anchorages in the region.

For sailors, the area’s greatest attraction is its variety. Nafplio serves as a cultural and historical centre, Vivari provides one of the most protected anchorages in the gulf, while Romvi Islet offers crystal-clear water and some of the most scenic overnight stops in the area.

The coastline is also an excellent gateway to some of Greece’s most important archaeological sites, including Mycenae and Tiryns.

Sailing Conditions in Western Argolic

The western Argolic Gulf generally enjoys moderate and predictable summer sailing conditions.

Prevailing wind: N–NW during summer.

Local conditions:

• Strong northerlies can affect exposed anchorages along the eastern Peloponnese coast.
• Gusts occasionally descend from hills surrounding enclosed bays such as Vivari and Romvi.
• Southerlies can generate uncomfortable swell in otherwise sheltered northern anchorages.

Overall, the area offers comfortable cruising with numerous alternatives when weather conditions change.

Coast Overview

Nafplio Area

• Includes Nafplio, Karathona Beach, and Nea Kios.
• Main area for sightseeing and provisioning.
• Excellent access to archaeological sites.
• Anchoring alternatives depending on weather conditions.

Tolo & Romvi Area

• Includes Tolo, Romvi islet and Vivari.
• Most scenic anchorages in the region, especially in Romvi.
• Excellent swimming and snorkelling.
• Popular with charter yachts and excursion boats.
• Vivari is used as a safe heaven in heavy weather.

Eastern Peloponnese Coast (West Coast of the Argolic)

• Includes Paralio Astros, Tyros, and Sabatiki.
• Series of useful harbour stops along the coast.
• Good shelter and authentic local atmosphere.
• Convenient overnight stops during longer passages.

Overall, Western Argolic combines historical destinations with excellent weather refuges.

Western Argolic Sailing Itinerary Ideas

• Porto Heli → Romvi → Nafplio → Paralio Astros → Tyros → Spetses – exploring from the most popular Argolic destinations.
• Tyros → Sabatiki → Monemvasia – continuation towards south Peloponese

For more route ideas, see the detailed Argo-Saronic sailing itineraries guide, including maps and day-by-day routes.

All Anchorages & Harbours in Western Argolic

Main Harbours

• Nafplio – historic city harbour, provisioning hub, and cultural centre.
• Paralio Astros – practical harbour beneath a medieval castle.
• Tyros – small harbour town with useful facilities.
• Sabatiki – traditional fishing harbour with limited visitor berths.

Protected Anchorages

• Vivari – one of the safest natural anchorages in the Argolic Gulf.
• Nea Kios – excellent shelter from northerlies.
• Karathona Beach – spacious anchorage close to Nafplio.

Scenic Anchorages

• Romvi Main Bay – arguably the most beautiful anchorage in the region.
• Pefkakia – pine-covered anchorage with crystal-clear water in Romvi islet.
• Tolo – convenient anchorage close to restaurants and provisioning.

Where to Anchor in Western Argolic (Quick Guide)

If you’re looking for the best anchorages in Western Argolic, here is a quick overview:

• Best harbour: Nafplio
• Best heavy-weather anchorage: Vivari
• Most scenic anchorage: Romvi Main Bay
• Best swimming anchorage: Pefkakia

General guidelines

• Use Vivari and Nea Kios when seeking maximum protection from strong weather.
• Use Nafplio as the main base for provisioning, sightseeing, and crew changes.
• Use Romvi Main Bay and Pefkakia primarily for swimming, snorkelling, and overnight stays.
• Expect increased traffic around Tolo, Romvi Islet, and Nafplio during summer afternoons.
• Pay attention to swimming zones, submarine cables, and local anchoring restrictions near beaches and popular tourist areas.
• Use the eastern Peloponnese harbours as convenient stopovers during longer coastal passages.

Western Argolic Sailing Map: Anchorages and Harbours

Below is an interactive map of all major anchorages and harbours in Western Argolic. Click any location to jump to the detailed guide below.

Locations

Vivari

Type: Bay anchorage
Best for: Shelter, overnight stays

Vivari (Βιβάρι) is a small fishing village at the head of a deep, lagoon-like bay south of Nafplio. The narrow entrance and surrounding hills create one of the most sheltered natural anchorages in the area, making it a popular refuge during unsettled weather.

The village itself is small but pleasant, with several waterfront tavernas, cafés and a small minimarket. The fish restaurants Mermaid and Borelli on either side of the jetty are very good.

Swimming is possible throughout the bay, although the water is generally less clear than at the open-coast anchorages nearby. The sheltered waters, however, are excellent for paddleboarding and other watersports.

Vivari is also a convenient base for exploring the region. Nafplio, Mycenae, Epidaurus, and other major attractions of the Argolid are easily reached by car from here, while the lagoon west of the village provides attractive walking opportunities and is home to abundant birdlife.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°32.074′ N, 22°55.069′ E
• Protection: Excellent from any direction
• Seabed: Sand and mud, with some gravel in places
• Holding: Good
• Depths: 8–15 metres

How to Anchor

Anchor freely in the west part of the bay, towards the lagoon

• Moorings: Numerous local moorings occupy parts of the bay.
• Wind: Strong northerlies can create gusts and shifting wind directions.
• Crowding: Despite its popularity, there is usually plenty of room for visiting yachts.
• Dinghy Landing: Possible at the fishermen’s jetty, and several small landing points along the beach southwest of the jetty.

Tolo

Type: Village anchorage
Best for: Provisioning, restaurants

Tolo (Τολό) is one of the most popular destinations in the Argolic Gulf, attracting thousands of visitors during the summer months. The village itself, located along the southern shore, is not particularly attractive but is highly practical, with numerous restaurants, cafés, and supermarkets. The beach along the northern shore is excellent but can become very crowded during summer. It is shallow, sandy, well protected from the wind, and has crystal-clear water.

The only mooring option is free anchoring, as Tolo harbour is always occupied by local fishing boats. However, it can be used for dinghy landings.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°31.050′ N, 22°51.620′ E
• Protection: Good from most directions except S
• Seabed: Sand
• Holding: Good
• Depths: 6-12 metres

How to Anchor

Anchor freely off the village along the southern shore.

• Submarine Cables: Avoid anchoring between Koronisi Islet (Κορωνήσι) and the mainland to prevent damaging the cables.
• Moorings: Local moorings occupy parts of the shallow-water areas.
• Anchoring off the Beach: The local coast guard requires yachts to remain at least 200 metres outside the buoyed swimming area. This typically means anchoring in around 20 metres depth, well away from the beach, making it a less popular option.
• Dinghy Landing: Use Tolo harbour.
• Alternative: The nearby anchorage of Pefkakia, on Romvi Islet, is far more scenic and quieter.

Pefkakia (Romvi Islet)

Type: Islet anchorage
Best for: Swimming, overnight stays, visiting Tolo

Pefkakia (Πευκάκια) is a beautiful anchorage on the western side of Romvi Islet (Ρόμβη), directly opposite Tolo. Surrounded by pine trees and steep rocky shores, it offers a far more natural and scenic setting than the busy resort town across the channel. Crystal-clear water, excellent snorkelling, and easy access to Tolo make it an attractive anchorage.

During summer days, the bay attracts numerous rental boats, excursion craft, and yachts. Most leave before sunset, when the anchorage becomes notably quieter and more relaxed. The illuminated cliffs of Romvi create a particularly attractive atmosphere after dark.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°30.771′ N, 22°51.644′ E
• Protection: Good from S, moderate from N
• Seabed: Sand with patches of weed
• Holding: Good
• Depths: 5–10 metres

How to Anchor

Free anchoring is possible, but stern lines ashore are recommended to keep the anchor chain in shallower water.

• Anchor Set: Choose sandy patches carefully, as some areas contain weed.
• Shallows: A shallow area extends in the southwest part of the bay and should be avoided.
• Crowding: Can be busy during summer afternoons, especially with rental boats and excursion vessels.

Romvi Main Bay

Type: Islet anchorage
Best for: Overnight stays, swimming, snorkelling

The main bay of Romvi Islet (Ρόμβη) is the most beautiful anchorage in the Tolo area. Surrounded by steep cliffs, pine trees, and crystal-clear water, it offers a far more natural setting than the busy mainland town of Tolo. A small chapel stands on the nearby Daskalio islet within the bay, while footpaths lead across Romvi to viewpoints overlooking Tolo Bay.

The anchorage is particularly popular for swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, and peaceful overnight stays. During summer days, the bay attracts excursion boats, charter yachts, and large motor yachts, but most depart in the evening, leaving a surprisingly tranquil anchorage.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°30.444′ N, 22°51.843′ E
• Protection: Good from N, moderate from S
• Seabed: Sand with patches of weed
• Holding: Good
• Depths: 5–12 metres

How to Anchor

Most yachts anchor freely in the central part of the bay. Running stern lines ashore is possible, most commonly along the eastern side of the bay.

• Depths: The seabed rises rapidly near the shore, requiring attention when approaching the shallower areas.
• Protection: Good shelter from northerlies and generally calmer than the surrounding coastline.
• Wind: Gusts occasionally descend from the surrounding hills and local conditions may differ from weather forecasts.
• Crowding: Popular with charter yachts, excursion boats, and large motor yachts during the day.
• Daskalio Islet: You can visit the chapel in the nearby islet by leaving your dinghy at the small pontoon at 37°30.246′ N, 22°51.864′ E.

Karathona Beach

Type: Beach anchorage
Best for: Shelter in southerlies, visiting Nafplio, overnight stays

Karathona Beach is a large bay southeast of Nafplio, popular with both local visitors and cruising yachts. The long sandy beach, easy access ashore, and excellent protection from southerly weather make it one of the most useful anchorages in the area.

Although not the most scenic anchorage in the Argolic Gulf, it offers plenty of space, good holding, and easy access to Nafplio via a pleasant coastal walking path. Several beach bars and tavernas operate along the shore during the season.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°32.548′ N, 22°49.154′ E
• Protection: Good from any direction except W
• Seabed: Sand and mud with patches of weed
• Holding: Good
• Depths: 5–10 metres

How to Anchor

Anchor either in the northern corner during northerlies or in the southern part of the bay during southerlies.

• Swimming Area: The coast guard requires yachts to remain outside the swimming zone and its buoy line.
• Submarine Cables: Avoid anchoring near charted cable areas in the middle of the bay.
• Wake: Watersports boats and recreational craft may create disturbance during the day.
• Noise: Loud music from beach bars or clubs can occasionally continue well into the night during summer.
• Dinghy Landing: Possible along the beach or at the small harbours in the northern and southern corners of the bay.
• Ashore: Beach bars, tavernas and showers.
• Walking: A scenic waterfront path leads to Nafplio in approximately 45 minutes and is one of the highlights of the anchorage.

Nafplio

Type: Historic city, harbour & anchorage
Best for: Sightseeing, crew changes, provisioning, archaeological excursions

Nafplio (Ναύπλιο) is one of the most beautiful and historically significant towns in Greece. It served as the first capital of modern Greece between 1827 and 1834 and played a central role during the Greek War of Independence. Venetian, Ottoman, and neoclassical influences are visible throughout the old town, giving Nafplio a character unlike any other port in the Argolic Gulf.

The city’s most famous landmarks are the imposing Palamidi Fortress, the sea fortress of Bourtzi, and the ancient fortifications of Acronafplia. Visitors can climb the famous stairway to Palamidi for panoramic views over the Argolic Gulf, take a boat to Bourtzi, wander through the narrow streets of the old town, visit museums, or relax in the lively cafés and tavernas around Syntagma Square.

Nafplio is also an excellent base for visiting some of Greece’s most important archaeological sites, including Mycenae, Epidaurus with its famous theater, and Tiryns, all within easy reach by car or public transport.

Usefull Contacts

• Coast Guard: +30 27520 22974
• Municipal Port Fund: +30 27520 24107, +30 27520 26906and +30 27520 99449
• Εlectrician: +30 6977 591 879
• Diver: +30 6932 341 755

⚓ Docking

• Pos.: 37°34.091′ N, 22°47.862′ E
• Type: Public town port
• Protection: Good except in strong N winds
• Holding: Excellent
• Seabed: Mud
• Depths: 6 metres alongside; anchor dropped in 7 metres

How to Moor

The town quay is located directly in front of the old town. Although yachts are berthed directly in front of a public car park, it is by far the most convenient place from which to explore Nafplio, with the city’s attractions, shops, and restaurants only a short walk away.

Upon arrival, harbour assistants wearing orange vests will guide you to a suitable berth and assist with mooring. A fee is charged for this service. Whether it is possible to decline the assistance and avoid the charge remains a grey area. There are reports of sailors facing legal action after attempting to do so, although I have been unable to confirm it myself.

• Berthing location: Use the section of quay running east-west on the southern side of the harbour, approximately at the above coordinates.
• Mooring: Stern-to using your anchor.
• Mooring Assistance: Harbour assistants wearing orange vests help arriving yachts. The assistance fee is €25 for monohulls and €50 for catamarans, payable once on arrival.
• Fees: Municipal harbour fees of around €10 per day for a 12- metre monohull apply in addition to the mooring-assistance charge.
• Water: Available from the quay. A one-off charge of approximately €15 provides unlimited usage during your stay.
• Electricity: Currently unavailable and often unreliable.
• Fuel: Delivered by tanker truck. Contact +30 6971714038.
• Space: Limited during summer, particularly when large yachts are present.:
• Ashore: Supermarkets, laundries, restaurants, cafés, museums, car hire, and bus connections are all within a short walk.

⚓ Anchoring

There are two options for anchoring. The most common is outside the port’s breakwater. In case of strong northerlies head out to Arvanitia beach, south of the Akronafplia peninsula.

1. Outside the Breakwater

• Approx. Pos.: 37°34.487′ N, 22°47.417′ E
• Protection: Protected only from E
• Holding: Excellent
• Seabed: Mud
• Depths: Around 2.5 metres

How to Anchor

The most popular anchorage lies immediately outside the northern breakwater.

• Restrictions: The Coast Guard requires yachts to remain at least 500 metres from Bourtzi Fortress.
• Fishing Nets: Temporary nets are occasionally laid across parts of the anchorage.
• Visibility: Poor due to the muddy seabed.
• Dinghy Landing: Easy at several points along the harbour front.

Many sailors prefer this anchorage to the town quay because of the excellent views of the illuminated fortresses and easier access without harbour fees.

2. Arvanitia Beach

• Approx. Pos.: 37°33.706′ N, 22°47.794′ E
• Protection: Good from N–E
• Holding: Good
• Seabed: Sand
• Depths: 5–10 metres

How to Anchor

Arvanitia Beach lies immediately south of Nafplio beneath the Palamidi cliffs.

• Swimming Area: Remain at least 200 metres outside the swimming buoys.
• Stern Lines: Prohibited by the Coast Guard.
• Coast Guard: The anchorage is actively monitored and yachts too close to the beach or with stern lines are often asked to move.
• Wake: Passing vessels occasionally generate some rolling.
• Dinghy Landing: Best accomplished in Nafplio Harbour rather than on the beach. To reach the beach you will have to paddle inside the buoyed area.
• Walking: Nafplio can be reached in approximately 10–15 minutes.
• Noise: Beach bars occasionally operate as nightclubs, with loud music sometimes continuing until the early morning hours.

Alternative Anchorages

• Karathona Beach to the south offers better shelter and considerably more space for anchoring.
• Nea Kios to the north is the safest anchorage during strong northerlies.

Nea Kios

Type: Town anchorage
Best for: Shelter from northerlies, overnight stays, visiting Nafplio

Nea Kios (Νέα Κίος) lies at the northern end of the Argolic Gulf, opposite Nafplio. Although the town itself is fairly ordinary and primarily residential, it can be a useful stopping point when strong northerly winds affect the area. The anchorage is spacious, quiet, and offers excellent holding, while Nafplio can be reached easily by bus, taxi or bicycle.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°35.052′ N, 22°45.472′ E
• Protection: Excellent from N, exposed to S
• Holding: Excellent
• Seabed: Mud
• Depths: 3–5 metres

How to Anchor

Anchor outside the harbour in the wide bay to either side of the entrance.

• Swell: Southerly winds can generate uncomfortable rolling in the shallow bay.
• Harbour: The harbour itself is largely silted up, with depths often below 1 metre.
• Visibility: Poor due to the muddy bottom.
• Dinghy Landing: Easy inside the harbour, with numerous places to leave a dinghy.
• Swimming: Not particularly attractive due to the muddy water.

Paralio Astros

Type: Coastal town, harbour & anchorage
Best for: Overnight stops, provisioning, dining ashore

Paralio Astros (Παράλιο Άστρος) is a small seaside town on the eastern Peloponnese, built around a well-protected fishing harbour beneath the ruins of a medieval hilltop castle. The town has a relaxed atmosphere, a long beach, numerous tavernas and cafés, and enough shops to cover most provisioning needs. Although not a major destination, it is a pleasant and practical stop for cruising yachts.

The castle above the town is worth the short climb, offering extensive views over the gulf and surrounding coastline.

⚓ Docking

• Entrance Pos.: 37°24.822′ N, 22°45.990′ E
• Protection: Good from any direction
• Holding: Good
• Seabed: Mud and sand
• Depths: 3–5 metres

How to Moor

• Berthing in the mole: Moor stern-to using your anchor in the southeastern mole around 37°24.848′ N, 22°46.028′ E. Alongside berthing on the southeastern side of the entrance is also possible.
• Berthing in the pontoons: The floating pontoons are available from Monday afternoon until Friday afternoon but occupied during charter changeover weekends. Moor stern-to. Lazy lines are available throughout the pontoons except along the southeastern side of the southeastern pontoon.
• Water and Electricity: Available through prepaid cards, although some berths may require long extension cables. The card costs €10 and can be purchased from Rigas Restaurant.
• Fees: Municipal harbour fees of about €10 per day for a 12-metre monohull apply.
• Contact: The local Municipal port fund can be contacted on +30 2755 051536. Booking a berth is not provided.
• Protection: Generally excellent, although strong SE winds can create surge and rolling within parts of the harbour.
• Shallow Areas: The inner end of the eastern mole contains very shallow water and should be avoided.
• Fuel: Available through tanker trucks. Contact +30 27550 23366or +30 6977 002 584.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°24.761′ N, 22°45.854′ E
• Protection: Good from N–W, exposed to E and S
• Holding: Good
• Seabed: Sand with light weed
• Depths: 3–7 metres

How to Anchor

Most yachts anchor off Kallisto (Καλλιστώ) beach, immediately west of the harbour, in the shelter of the breakwater.

• Swell: SE winds generate more swell than forecast and can make the anchorage uncomfortable.
• Dinghy Landing: Easy inside the harbour.

Tyros

Type: Small harbour town
Best for: Overnight stops, shelter, walking ashore

Tyros (Τυρός) is a small coastal town on the eastern Peloponnese, popular mainly with Greek holidaymakers. The waterfront is lined with tavernas, cafés, small supermarkets, and bakeries, while the surrounding hills offer several walking routes to traditional inland villages and viewpoints above the coast.

The town has a relaxed and authentic atmosphere, without the tourist crowds found in some nearby destinations. Although there are more attractive stops along this coastline, Tyros is a useful harbour in unsettled weather and a convenient place to spend a night or two.

⚓ Docking

• Approx. Pos.: 37°14.703′ N, 22°52.076′ E
• Protection: Good from N, E and S, less comfortable in strong W winds
• Holding: Variable. Long scope is required.
• Seabed: Sand
• Depths: 4–6 metres

How to Moor

Visitor berths are located along the northern quay.

• Berthing Location: The northern mole is the only area available to visiting yachts. Space is limited to approximately 8–10 monohulls.
• Mooring: Stern-to using your anchor. Alongside berthing is possible on the north side of the entrance.
• Crosswinds: Strong afternoon southerly winds frequently blow across the harbour and can make berthing challenging. Ensure you drop as much chain as possible.
• Water: Available on the quay. A separate charge of €5 usually applies, although it is not always collected.
• Electricity: Not available.
• Mooring Fees: Municipal harbour fees of about €10 per day for a 12-metre monohull apply.
• Fuel: Available by delivery. Contact +30 27570 41467.

Sabatiki

Type: Fishing harbour
Best for: Shelter, authentic atmosphere, peaceful overnight stays

Sabatiki (Σαμπατική) is a tiny fishing harbour tucked into the eastern Peloponnese coast. It is one of those places that has largely escaped development and retains a genuine fishing-village atmosphere. Apart from a taverna, a café, a small beach, and a handful of fishing boats, there is very little here, which is precisely part of its appeal.

⚓ Docking

• Entrance Pos.: 37°11.318′ N, 22°54.431′ E
• Protection: Good from any direction
• Holding: Good
• Seabed: Sand
• Depths: 7–10 metres where the anchor is dropped, 3–4 along the mole

How to Moor

Space for visiting yachts is very limited.

• Mooring: Stern-to using your anchor along the souh mole around 37°11.317′ N, 22°54.469′ E.
• Availability: Around 6 visitor berths are available, depending on the number of local fishing boats and permanently moored yachts.
• Anchoring Hazard: Take care when dropping the anchor, as an old chain is at the bottom near the beach approximately from 37°11.344′ N, 22°54.452′ E to 37°11.360′ N, 22°54.476′ E.
• Harbour Head: Berthing at the head of the mole is reserved for official and emergency use.
• Water: Available for free.
• Electricity: Not available.
• Facilities: Toilets are available at the beginning of the quay.
• Fees: Municipal fees apply, typically around €10 per day for a 12-metre monohull.

Explore nearby Spetses, Hydra and Ermionida, in the full Argo-Saronic sailing guide.