Attica Southeast Coast Sailing Guide: Anchorages, Harbours and Tips

The southeastern coast of Attica forms the gateway between Athens and the Cyclades. It is one of the busiest sailing areas in Greece, combining practical stopovers, sheltered bays, full-service marinas, and iconic destinations such as Cape Sounio.

Overview

The Attica Southeast Coast extends from Vouliagmeni and Varkiza southwards to Cape Sounio and Lavrio.

Unlike the islands of the Saronic Gulf, this coastline is primarily valued for its practicality rather than its traditional character. Sailors will find convenient provisioning stops, crew-change locations, the Olympic Marine, and protected anchorages within a short distance of Athens. The highlight of the region is undoubtedly the iconic anchorage beneath the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio.

Sailing Conditions on the Attica Southeast Coast

The coastline is heavily influenced by the summer meltemi and local sea-breeze systems.

Prevailing wind: N during summer.

Local conditions:

• Meltemi acceleration is common around Cape Sounio.
• Expect heavy northerlies between Cape Sounio and the island of Makronisos during summer.
• Boat traffic creates significant wake near Athens and the popular anchorages.
• Swell can enter otherwise protected bays even when local winds are light.
• Summer weekends bring heavy recreational boating activity throughout the area.

Overall, conditions are generally straightforward, but exposure to swell and traffic should not be underestimated.

Attica Southeast Coast Overview for Sailors

Athens Riviera

• Includes Ydrousa, Vouliagmeni, and Vari.
• Closest cruising area to Athens.
• Popular for first and last charter nights.

Central Coast

• Includes Agios Nikolaos Beach and Anavissos Bay.
• Good shelter from northerly winds.
• Practical overnight stops.
• Less crowded than the Athens Riviera.

Cape Sounio Area

• Includes Sounio Bay.
• One of the most famous anchorages in Greece.
• Excellent last stop from the Cyclades.
• Popular among charter yachts.

Lavrio Area

• Includes Passalimani, Pounta Zeza, Olympic Marine, and Lavrio.
• Main technical and provisioning hub.
• Excellent airport access.
• Ideal starting or finishing point for Aegean cruises.

Overall, the Attica Southeast Coast is less about secluded anchorages and more about convenience, shelter, and access to sailing infrastructure.

Attica Southeast Coast Sailing Itinerary Ideas

• Alimos Marina → Agios Nikolaos → Sounio – classic first-day on a trip towards Cyclades
• Alimos Marina → Ydrousa → Anavissos Bay → Sounio (overnight) → Passalimani → Olympic Marine – weekend getaway
• Alimos Marina → Ydrousa → Agios Nikolaos → Anavissos Bay → Sounio → Passalimani → Lavrio – full Attica Southeast Coast circuit.

All Anchorages & Harbours on the Attica Southeast Coast

Main Harbours & Marinas

• Olympic Marine – full-service marina and major boatyard.
• Lavrio – charter base, ferry port, and provisioning centre.

Protected Anchorages

• Vouliagmeni – popular first or last anchorage from Athens.
• Vari / Varkiza – convenient for provisioning and crew changes.
• Anavissos Bay – reliable shelter during northerlies.
• Passalimani – useful meltemi refuge near Lavrio.
• Pounta Zeza – practical overnight anchorage near Lavrio.

Swimming Anchorages

• Ydrousa (Prasonisi) – small island anchorage with turquoise water.
• Agios Nikolaos – attractive swimming stop with two anchoring options.

Scenic Anchorages

• Sounio – iconic anchorage beneath the Temple of Poseidon.

Where to Anchor on the Attica Southeast Coast (Quick Guide)

If you’re looking for the best anchorages on the Attica Southeast Coast, here is a quick overview:

• Only marina: Olympic Marine
• Only harbour: Lavrio
• Best meltemi anchorages: Anavissos Bay and Passalimani
• Best swimming anchorage: Ydrousa
• Most scenic anchorage: Sounio Bay
• Best departure point for the Cyclades: Lavrio or Olympic Marine
• Best technical stop: Olympic Marine

General rules

• Use Lavrio and Olympic Marine for provisioning, repairs, crew changes, and airport transfers.
• Always check seasonal anchoring restrictions in Vouliagmeni and Vari / Varkiza before dropping anchor.
• Expect significant boat traffic and wake along the Athens Riviera during summer.
• Carefully check anchor holding in Sounio and Pounta Zeza, where seabed conditions can be inconsistent.
• Plan for meltemi acceleration east of Cape Sounio.

Attica Southeast Coast Sailing Map: Anchorages and Harbours

Below is an interactive map of all major anchorages and harbours in Attica’s Southeast Coast including Lavrio and Sounio. Click any location to jump to the detailed guide below.

Locations

Ydrousa / Prasonisi Islet

Type: Open anchorage
Best for: Swimming, lunch stop

Ydrousa (Υδρούσα), also charted as “Prasonisi“, is a small islet off Vouliagmeni, offering clear, light-blue water and a convenient escape from Athens. It is mainly a day stop or fair-weather overnight anchorage, popular with local and charter boats.

Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°50.254′ N, 23°44.890′ E
• Depths: around 3–5 metres
• Protection: Limited
  Holding: Good in sand
• Seabed: sand with some weed

The best anchoring is usually found on the northeast side, where water clarity is excellent—often noticeably better than elsewhere along the Attica coast. It can feel surprisingly peaceful in the evening once day boats leave.Anchoring is generally easy, with plenty of space. Avoid weed patches for better holding, and watch for changing depths closer to the island.

Protection

Protection is limited:

• Some shelter from northerlies in Aliki bay
• Otherwise exposed to swell and passing boat wash
• Best in calm or light wind conditions

Going ashore

A shallow rocky fringe surrounds parts of the island, so it is safer to approach by rowing or paddleboard rather than using an outboard. The island is uninhabited, with rabbits and seabirds and remains of an old beach club.

Overall

A simple, attractive stop close to Athens, ideal for swimming and relaxing in clear water, but not suitable in unsettled conditions.

Vouliagmeni

Type: Cove anchorage
Best for: First/last stop from Athens, swimming

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 37°48.660′ N, 23°45.909′ E

Vouliagmeni (Βουλιαγμένη) consists of 2 coves, about 6 NM south of Alimos Marina. They were often used as a first or last stop when starting or finishing a charter. The setting is attractive, with clear water and surrounding hills, but the presence of beach clubs, hotels, and heavy boat traffic gives it a more developed, busy atmosphere.

Water clarity is generally good, and the area is popular for swimming. However, it can feel lively, with jet skis, speedboats, and large yachts frequently passing through.

General overview

Anchoring

• Depths: 10-15 metres
• Protection: Moderate (weather dependent)
• Seabed: sand with patches of weed or rock
• Holding: Good in sand

The anchorage is easy to enter, even at night, but space is limited due to anchoring restrictions. Anchoring is straightforward in the central parts of the western cove, where it i allowed. Holding is good in sandy areas. Be sure to check out the images for the precise coordinates of the anchorage.

Restrictions and going ashore

As of 31 December 2024, anchoring is strictly regulated.

• The eastern cove is effectively inaccessible to anchored boats.
• In the western cove, anchoring is allowed only at a distance of approximately 200 metres from the shore.
• The Coast Guard is known to enforce these rules.
• These restrictions apply from 1 May to 30 September each year.

⚠️ If you anchor inside the restricted zone:

• A fine of around €400 may be issued (reduced by 50% if paid within 2 weeks).
• Boat documents may be held until the fine is paid at the Coast Guard office in Glyfada.

Going ashore is possible, but limited:

Much of the coastline is controlled by private beach clubs and hotels.

You can land with a dinghy, but cannot leave it at the beach.

Protection

Protection is moderate but inconsistent:

• Can offer reasonable shelter from northerlies in settled conditions
• Exposed to swell, undertow, and boat wake
• Not reliable in strong winds or changing weather

Even in moderate winds, movement in the anchorage is not uncommon.

Atmosphere

• Noise from beach clubs and hotels, sometimes late into the night
• Occasional events and fireworks
• Busy daytime traffic

Vari / Varkiza Bay

Type: Cove anchorage
Best for: Provisioning, crew changes, airport access

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 37°48.756′ N, 23°48.669′ E

Vari / Varkiza (Βάρη / Βάρκιζα) is a large, open bay just east of Vouliagmeni, widely used as a practical stop for provisioning or crew changes. It is not particularly scenic, but it is very convenient, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and transport. The bay is spacious and easy to enter, with plenty of room even in high season, although the anchorage is now restricted. It is a functional stop rather than a destination, with a busy shoreline, beach bars, and constant activity. Expect noise from traffic, aircraft, and nightlife, especially in summer.

Anchoring

Depths: 6–10 metres
Protection: Moderate (best in northerlies)
Seabed: Sand
Holding: Excellent

Anchoring is easy, with very reliable holding in sand, even in strong winds. The bay can become uncomfortable with swell, especially when the wind shifts south or due to constant boat traffic.

Restrictions

As of 31 December 2024, anchoring is regulated from 1 May to 30 September:

• You must keep clear of designated swimming areas and marked zones
• A minimum distance of around 200 metres from shore is typically required
• The allowed anchoring area is significantly reduced compared to previous years
• The Coast Guard does patrol and may request boats to move

Protection

Protection is good from northerlies, making it a useful fallback in meltemi conditions, but:

• Exposed to southerly swell
• Frequent boat wake from fast traffic
• Some persistent chop even in moderate conditions

Overall, it is not always a calm anchorage despite good holding.

Going ashore

Access ashore is relatively easy:

• Dinghy landing in the small harbour or on parts of the beach
• Shops, supermarkets, and restaurants are within walking distance
• Good option for provisioning and fuel logistics

Atmosphere

• Busy bay with many boats and water sports
• Loud music from beach bars, often late into the night
• Aircraft noise due to proximity to Athens airport
• Active but not particularly charming setting

Agios Nikolaos Beach

Type: Open anchorages (west & east sides)
Best for: Swimming stop, fair-weather anchoring

Agios Nikolaos (Άγιος Νικόλαος) is a small peninsula with two distinct anchorages, one on each side. It is a useful stop in settled weather, offering clear water, but requires careful positioning due to rocks and uneven seabed.

West anchorage

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 37°43.013′ N, 23°55.300′ E

The western side is generally the better and more reliable anchorage, provided you position correctly.

• Depths: 3–6 metres
• Protection: |Good from N, exposed to S
• Seabed: Sand close to shore, rock plateau further out
• Holding: Good in sand

You must anchor inside the rocky shelf, closer to the beach, where sand patches are found. If you drop too far out, the seabed becomes rocky and there is a high risk of fouling anchor or chain.

Protection is good from northerlies, making it a viable option in meltemi conditions, but it is exposed to southerly swell. In the right spot, it can remain relatively calm even in stronger northerly winds.

The water is clear, and the anchorage is often quieter than nearby alternatives, though the surroundings are not particularly attractive due to older development ashore.

East anchorage

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 37°43.057′ N, 23°55.602′ E

The eastern side is generally less reliable, but can offer different protection depending on conditions.

• Depths: 3–10 metres
• Protection: |Good from N, moderate to S
• Seabed: Sand with weed, rocks, and debris
• Holding: Variable

This bay contains mooring buoys, abandoned anchors, chains, and rocky patches, making anchoring more challenging. Suitable sand patches exist, but you must choose your spot carefully and check that the anchor is well set.

Space is limited due to local mooring buoys, often allowing only a handful of boats to anchor comfortably. Protection is better from southerlies than the west side, but the bay can still be affected by wind funneling and swell.

Going ashore requires attention due to shallow rocks near the beach. Some areas are used by locals, and parts of the beach are occasionally naturist.

Overall

Agios Nikolaos offers two contrasting anchoring options in close proximity:

• The west side is simpler and more reliable if you stay inside the sand area.
• The east side is more protected in certain conditions but requires caution due to obstacles.

Best used as a short stop or overnight in suitable weather, with careful anchor placement on both sides.

Anavissos Bay

Type: Bay anchorage
Best for: Shelter in northerlies, provisioning

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 37°43.301′ N, 23°56.427′ E

Anavissos (Ανάβυσσος) is a large, open bay, commonly used as a reliable anchorage in meltemi (northerly winds). It is spacious and easy to enter, offering many anchoring options, though it is more practical than scenic.

The bay is very wide with plenty of room, making it easy to find space even in strong winds or at night. It is a popular alternative to busier spots like Sounion. Ashore, the area is developed, with beaches, tavernas, and shops, but also road noise and activity, especially on weekends.

Anchoring

Depths: 3–10 metres
Protection: Good from N sector, exposed to S
Holding: Very good in sand
Seabed: Sand with patches of weed

There are many suitable anchoring spots, with reliable holding even in strong winds. Avoid weed patches for best results, and be aware of a submerged stone wall visible on satellite images, where depths can suddenly decrease to around 1–1.5 metres. Do not anchor near this feature.

Protection

• Good shelter from northerly winds (meltemi)
• Can become choppy with persistent wind or venturi effects
• Exposed to southerlies, with some swell possible

Even when protected, some small waves or chop are common.

Going ashore

• Easy access via the small fishing harbour of Palaia Fokaia (Παλαιά Φώκαια) at 37°43.066′ N, 23°56.665′ E or the beach.
• Shops, supermarkets, and restaurants at Palaia Fokaia
• A convenient stop for provisioning or crew changes

Atmosphere

• Busy in summer with swimmers and windsurfers
• Some noise from road traffic and beach bars
• Water not always very clear

Sounio Bay

Type: Bay anchorage
Best for: Iconic views, sunset stop

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 37°39.251′ N, 24°01.138′ E

Sounio (Σούνιο) is one of the most iconic anchorages in Greece, lying directly beneath the Temple of Poseidon. The setting is spectacular, especially at sunset and at night when the temple is illuminated. In particular, during a full moon, the moon rises shortly after sunset directly behind the temple, creating a spectacular and memorable scene. Despite its beauty, it is a busy and sometimes uncomfortable anchorage, best approached with realistic expectations.

General overview

The bay is large and easy to enter, with ample anchoring space, although it becomes crowded in summer, particularly in the afternoon and early evening. It is a very popular stop for charter yachts, often used as a first or last night.

Water is generally clear, and the overall setting is an amazing experience.

Anchoring

Depths: 6–15 metres
Protection: Moderate (mainly from N)
Seabed: Sand with some hard or patchy areas
Holding: Generally good (check set)

Anchoring is usually straightforward, with many boats anchoring in sand. However, the seabed can be inconsistent, and the anchor may drag if it is not well set.

It is advisable to:

• Carefully check your anchor is set
• Use adequate scope
• Keep good distance from other boats, as swinging can be unpredictable

Protection

• Reasonable shelter from northerly winds
• Exposed to southerly swell and passing ship wash
• Can be rolly even in calm conditions

In some cases, even with little wind, persistent swell can make the anchorage uncomfortable.

Going ashore

Access ashore can be difficult:

• Much of the bay is marked with swimming buoys, restricting approach.
• Motorised access to the beach is not allowed. Landing is possible by rowing.
• A path from the south end of the beach leads up to the Temple of Poseidon (10–15 min walk).

Atmosphere

• Very busy in high season, especially late afternoon
• Many charter boats arriving and leaving
• Frequent boat traffic and wake
• Occasional noise, but generally calmer at night after departures

Despite this, the view of the temple dominates the experience.

Overall

A must-visit anchorage for its unique setting, combining history and sailing in a spectacular way.

Passalimani

Type: Bay anchorage
Best for: Meltemi shelter, swimming, overnight stays before or after Athens

Passalimani (Πασσαλιμάνι), not to be confused with the old name of Zea Marina in Piraeus, is a spacious bay between Cape Sounio and Lavrio, frequently used by yachts seeking shelter from strong northerly winds. The bay is attractive rather than dramatic, with clear water and two beaches: Passalimani and Asimaki.

Many boats use it as a staging point before entering Athens or departing for the Cyclades.

A few tavernas and restaurants are within walking distance, including the well-regarded Artemis Tavern and BLE Restaurant.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°40.618′ N, 24°03.227′ E
• Protection: Good from N, exposed to S
• Holding: Excellent in sand
• Seabed: Sand predominates in the centre of the bay, while weed and rocks are more common near the edges.
• Depths: 4–8 metres

How to Anchor

Most yachts anchor in the inner part of the bay, often east of the old concrete jetty.

• Wind: Strong northerlies may still reach the bay, so ensure the anchor is properly set.
• Swell: The main drawback. Swell from shipping traffic and open-sea conditions frequently enters the bay and can become uncomfortable, particularly with E, W, S, or SE conditions.
• Crowding: Usually spacious, although it can become busy with charter yachts during summer weekends.
• Dinghy Landing: Possible on the beaches or at the old concrete jetty at 37°40.605′ N, 24°03.105′ E.

Pounta Zeza

Type: Bay anchorage
Best for: Shelter before entering Lavrio or Olympic Marine, overnight stops

Pounta Zeza (Πούντα Ζέζα), known also as Puntazeza, is a broad bay immediately south of Lavrio and close to Olympic Marine. Although not particularly scenic, it is a useful and generally uncrowded anchorage that offers good protection in many conditions and is frequently used as a staging point before entering the marina or heading for the Cyclades.

The bay has a small beach, clear water suitable for swimming, and is occasionally visited by turtles. It as a practical rather than destination-worthy anchorage.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°40.813′ N, 24°03.932′ E
• Protection: Good from N and W; exposed to E and S
• Holding: Moderate
• Seabed: Predominantly weed with patches of sand
• Depths: 5–10 metres

How to Anchor

Anchor in the central part of the bay, looking carefully for sandy patches between the extensive weed beds.

• Swell: Southerly conditions can generate uncomfortable rolling, while passing ships occasionally send swell into the bay.
• Currents: Unusual local currents have occasionally cause yachts anchored nearby to swing in different directions.
• Crowding: Usually quiet, with relatively few overnight visitors.
• Dinghy Landing: Possible on the beach.
• Hazards: There are old chains and mooring lines in the southern part of the bay near the swimming buoys.

Olympic Marine (Lavrio)

Type: Full-service marina & boatyard
Best for: Technical work, wintering, crew changes, airport access, departures to the Cyclades

Olympic Marine is one of the largest and most professionally operated marinas in Greece. Located just south of Lavrio, it combines a modern marina with a major boatyard and repair facility, making it a popular choice for yacht maintenance, long-term berthing, winter storage, and crew changes. The marina is approximately 30 minutes from Athens International Airport and is ideally positioned for departures to the Cyclades.

Contact

Contact the marina to book a berth and be informed about the mooring fees for your vessel.

• Telephone: +30 22920 63700
• Email: info@olympicmarine.gr
• Website: https://www.olympicmarine.gr
• VHF: Channel 09

⚓ Docking

• Entrance Pos.: 37°41.784′ N, 24°03.687′ E
• Protection: Excellent in all weather.
• Mooring: Stern-to with lazy lines. The marina provides professional berthing assistance and assigns berths on arrival.
• Maximum Draught: 3.8 m
• Maximum LOA: Up to 70 m according to the marina’s facilities description.

Facilities

• Water: Available on the pontoons.
• Electricity: 220/380V supply available.
• Fuel: Fuel dock available.
• Wi-Fi: Available throughout the marina.
• Security: 24-hour surveillance and controlled access.
• Showers & Toilets: Modern facilities available.
• Laundry: Available.
• Car Rental: Available within the marina.
• ATM: Available on site.

Mooring Fees

The price for a 12–metre monohull is about €60 per day. Contact the marina for the exact mooring fees.

Lavrio

Type: Commercial harbour, charter base & provisioning stop
Best for: Crew changes, provisioning, technical support, ferry connections

Lavrio (Λαύριο) is one of the principal departure ports for the Cyclades and a major charter base in the Athens area. Although it lacks the charm of many Greek island ports, it is a highly practical stop, offering excellent transport connections, supermarkets, laundries, chandlers, fuel suppliers, boat services, and numerous restaurants within walking distance.

The harbour is shared by fishing vessels, ferries, charter fleets, and visiting yachts. During the summer, almost all berths are occupied by charter companies, but these are often available to visiting yachts during the weekdays while the charter fleets are away. The harbour is therefore frequently used for crew changes, provisioning, repairs, and preparations before heading into the Aegean.

The town itself is functional rather than picturesque, but it provides everything a cruising yacht may need. The harbour can be noisy due to ferries, traffic, motorcycles, and nightlife, particularly on weekends.

⚓ Docking

• Entrance Pos.: 37°42.450′ N, 24°03.981′ E
• Protection: Good from northerly winds, less comfortable with southerlies.
• Mooring: Stern-to or alongside in a few berths. Depending on the berth, you may find lazy lines, mooring lines, or anchor mooring.
• Space: Several charter operators allow visiting yachts to use vacant berths from Saturday afternoon till Friday afternoon while their fleets are sailing.
• Water and Electricity: Available, usually through the charter operator controlling the berth.
• Fees: Charges vary considerably depending on the berth operator and included services. The average asking price is around €20 per day for a 12-metre monohull.
• Assistance: Usually limited, although charter operators sometimes help with mooring.

Charter Companies Contacts

Contact the following companies to enquire about berth availability and current prices. The most popular options for visiting yachts are HDM Sailing, which operates the floating pontoon at 37°42.740′ N, 24°03.640′ E, and Nomicos Yachts.

• HDM Sailing: +30 6976 019 460
• Nomicos Yachts: +30 6943 008 936
• Istion Yachting: +30 6979 295 585
• Dream Yacht: +30 21440 91925
• CV Yachts: +30 210 965 8206
• Olympic Yachting: +30 22920 60271

From Attica’s southeast coast, you can easily sail to Aegina and Agistri. Discover them in the full Argo-Saronic sailing guide.