Ermionida Sailing Guide: Anchorages, Harbours and Tips

The Ermionida Peninsula is α diverse cruising area in the Argo–Saronic Gulf, offering sheltered harbours, all-weather anchorages and crystal-clear swimming bays.

Overview

Ermionida (Ερμιονίδα) occupies the eastern corner of the Peloponnese and forms a natural gateway between the Saronic Gulf, the Argolic Gulf, Hydra, and Spetses.

The peninsula combines excellent mainland facilities with a varied coastline featuring large sheltered bays, modern marinas, traditional fishing villages, and anchorages with clear turquoise water. Unlike many sailing destinations in Greece, Ermionida offers both reliable weather refuges and attractive swimming anchorages within a relatively compact area.

For sailors, the area’s greatest strengths are its versatility and accessibility. Porto Heli and Ermioni provide marine services, repair facilities, provisioning and ferry connections, while anchorages such as Hinitsa, Korakas, Kounoupi, and the Porto Heli Coves provide some of the best swimming stops in the region.

Sailing Conditions in Ermionida

Ermionida benefits from generally moderate and predictable sailing conditions throughout the cruising season.

Prevailing wind: N–NW during summer.
Mornings: usually calm with light winds.
Afternoons: moderate northerly sea breezes develop.
Evenings: winds typically ease significantly.

Local conditions:

• Ferry and water-taxi traffic can create wake near Ermioni and Porto Heli.
• Gusts may accelerate around headlands and hills during stronger northerly conditions.
• Porto Heli and Kapari Bay provide excellent shelter during periods of unsettled weather.
• Southerly winds can affect otherwise sheltered anchorages on the southern coast.

Overall, Ermionida offers some of the most comfortable cruising conditions in Greece.

Ermionida Sailing Itinerary Ideas

• Athens → Agistri → Poros → Hydra → Ermionida → Spetses → Aegina → Athens – classic Argo-Saronic island route.
• Hydra → Ermioni → Dokos → Hinitsa → Porto Heli → Porto Heli Coves → Spetses – Argolic Gulf highlights.
• Ermioni → Agios Emilianos → Hinitsa → Porto Heli (overnight stay) → Porto Heli Coves → Korakas → Doroufi → Kilada – full Ermionida circuit.

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

All Anchorages & Harbours in Ermionida

Main Harbours

• Ermioni – harbour town with excellent provisioning and ferry connections.
• Porto Heli – major yachting centre with marina, town quay, and extensive services.
• Kilada – fishing village with boatyard, repairs, and winter-storage facilities.

Large Protected Anchorages

• Kapari Bay – spacious and reliable anchorage near Ermioni.
• Porto Heli Anchorage – one of the safest anchorages in Greece.

Swimming & Scenic Anchorages

• Kounoupi Beach – crystal-clear water and sandy seabed.
• Agios Emilianos – attractive anchorage opposite Spetses.
• Metochi – spacious sandy anchorage with excellent swimming.
• Hinitsa – sheltered anchorage with easy access to Porto Heli and Spetses.
• Porto Heli Coves – collection of peaceful coves with exceptional water clarity.
• Korakas Islet – beautiful anchorage with turquoise water and wildlife.
• Korakia Beach – clear-water anchorage with a secluded atmosphere.

Dining Stop

• Doroufi Beach – excellent restaurant and good shelter in southerlies.

Where to Anchor in Ermionida (Quick Guide)

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

• Best harbour: Porto Heli Marina
• Best heavy-weather anchorages: Porto Heli Anchorage and Kapari Bay
• Best swimming anchorage: Hinitsa

General guidelines

• Use Porto Heli for provisioning, repairs, marina facilities, and strong-weather shelter.
• Use Ermioni as a convenient base for visiting Hydra and access to water-front restaurants.
• Use Kounoupi, Agios Emilianos, Hinitsa, the Porto Heli Coves and Korakas for swimming stops and short overnight stays.
• Expect increased boat traffic in the strait between Spetses and the mainland.

Ermionida Sailing Map: Anchorages and Harbours

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

Locations

Ermioni

Type: Coastal town, harbour & anchorage
Best for: Provisioning, dining, ferry connections to Hydra, overnight stops

Ermioni (Ερμιόνη) is a pleasant seaside town on the Ermionida Peninsula, built on a narrow headland that divides two natural harbours. The northern side is the commercial harbour, while the southern side, known as Mandrakia, is lined with tavernas and visiting yachts.

The town is known for its relaxed atmosphere, excellent provisioning, regular ferry connections to Hydra, and the pine-covered Bisti Peninsula, which offers pleasant walking trails and views towards Hydra and Dokos.

For sailors, Ermioni is primarily a practical stop rather than a destination in itself. It provides excellent shopping, numerous tavernas, marine services, and one of the easiest ways to visit Hydra without dealing with the island’s notoriously crowded harbour.

The two sides of town offer distinctly different experiences. The northern harbour is closer to supermarkets and services, while the southern waterfront is generally considered the more attractive and comfortable option for visiting yachts.

Restaurants

The waterfront and backstreets of Ermioni are packed with dining options. For the best experience, seek out these local favorites:

• Spirandreas – Fresh seafood and pasta right on the northern harbor waterfront.
• Cavos – Traditional Greek dishes and fresh seafood right on the water on the Mandrakia side.
• Maria’s – Traditional Greek meze and home-cooked dishes in a casual waterfront spot.

⚓ Docking

Ermioni offers two docking options:

1. The Mandrakia quay, south of the town.
2. The Harbour in Ermioni Bay, north of the town.

The Mandrakia quay is the preferred option, as the harbour can be affected by gusts, swell and ferry wash.

Mandrakia (Recommended)

• Approx. Pos.: 37°23.028′ N, 23°14.793′ E
• Protection: Excellent except E
• Holding: Excellent in mud

How to Moor

• Mooring: Stern-to using your anchor. Long anchor scope is required.
• Depths: Anchors are typically dropped in 15–20 metres. The seabed shelves rapidly near the quay.
• Distance: Keep sufficient distance from the quay, as rocks and shallow areas exist close to some parts of the wall.
• Space: Arrive early during summer, as flotillas and charter fleets fill the quay quickly.
• Traffic: Ferries, water taxis, and fast motorboats create wake during the day.
• Water & Electricity: Available.

Harbour

The harbour provides the easiest access to supermarkets, hardware stores, and the ferry terminal.

• Approx. Entrance Pos.: 37°23.190′ N, 23°14.993′ E
• Protection: Moderate
• Holding: Excellent in mud

How to Moor

• Mooring: Stern-to using your anchor.
• Space: Limited for visiting yachts.
• Swell: Often affected by swell and ferry wash.
• Gusts: Strong northerlies can accelerate through the surrounding hills and create uncomfortable conditions.
• Development: Ongoing marina construction can affect the north part of the harbour.
• Protection: If available, use the inner (western) side of the pier, as the outer side is more exposed.
• Water & Electricity: Available.

Facilities and Costs

Since both the Harbour and the Mandrakia Quay are public, mooring fees are charged at the standard municipal rate, typically around €12 per day for a 12-metre monohull.

Fees are usually collected during the afternoon by a friendly Port Fund employee named Maria (+30 698 222 3353).

Fuel

Fuel can be delivered to both docks by a tanker truck. Contact +30 2754029583 until 18:00.

Water and electricity

Water and electricity are available from pillars at both docks through a prepaid card. Contact Kostas on +30 697 998 6001.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.:
  • North side: 37°23.305′ N, 23°15.039′ E
  • South side (preferred): 37°23.117′ N, 23°15.222′ E
• Protection: Good except E; gusts possible in strong northerlies
• Holding: Excellent in mud
• Depths: 4–6 metres

How to Anchor

Free anchoring is possible on either side of the harbour entrance, although the southern side is preferred because it avoids the complications currently caused by marina construction works in the north harbour area.

• Wake: Occasional ferry wash.
• Visibility: Often reduced because of the muddy bottom.
• Shoals: Several shoals and remnants of old structures lie close to shore.

The southern anchorage is generally quieter and avoids most of the disturbance associated with the north harbour and ongoing marina works.

Kapari Bay

Type: Large natural anchorage
Best for: Long stays at anchor, visiting Ermioni, shelter from strong winds

Kapari Bay (Καπάρι) lies immediately southwest of Ermioni and is one of the largest and most reliable anchorages in the Argolic Gulf. While it lacks the crystal-clear water and beaches found elsewhere in the region, it compensates with excellent protection, abundant space, and a peaceful atmosphere.

The bay is particularly popular with sailors who prefer anchoring to harbour life. It provides easy access to Ermioni by dinghy while avoiding the congestion, swell, and charter flotillas often encountered on the town quays. Even during the busiest periods, there is usually ample room to anchor.

A taverna, Politis, operates near the beach in the central part of the bay.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°22.479′ N, 23°13.789′ E
• Protection: Excellent from all winds except easterlies
• Holding: Excellent in mud and sand
• Depths: 3–5 metres

How to Anchor

Free anchoring is straightforward throughout the bay.

• Space: Plenty of room even in peak season.
• Best Area: The southern half of the bay, around 37°22.065′ N, 23°13.944′ E, offers slightly better protection from easterly swell.
• Visibility: Water is often murky, making seabed visibility poor.
• Shoreline Hazards: Large flat rock slabs and rocky patches are present close to shore.
• Dinghy Landing: Possible at several points along the shoreline.
• Access to Ermioni: Approximately 25 minutes on foot, or a short dinghy ride.

Kounoupi Beach

Type: Beach anchorage
Best for: Swimming, lunch stops, overnight stays in settled weather

Kounoupi Beach (Κουνούπι, meaning “mosquito”) is a small and attractive anchorage west of Kounoupi Islet, known for its crystal-clear water, sandy seabed, and pleasant beach. The islet provides additional shelter and gives the anchorage a more intimate feel than the surrounding coastline.

Although primarily used as a daytime stop for swimming and relaxation, it can also provide a comfortable overnight anchorage in settled weather. The area is generally quiet and uncrowded, with excellent swimming, snorkelling, and opportunities to explore nearby coves by dinghy or SUP. Several villas overlook the bay, although they remain largely hidden among the vegetation.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°18.575′ N, 23°11.786′ E
• Protection: Good from S and W, moderate from N, exposed from E
• Seabed: Sand with occasional patches of weed.
• Holding: Good in sand
• Depths: 4–7 metres

How to Anchor

Free anchoring is straightforward in the sandy areas off the beach.

• Reef Hazard: A reef extends from the northern end of the beach to 37°18.611′ N, 23°11.793′ E.
• Underwater Obstacles: Two heavy chains lie on the seabed northeast of the small pier, near 37°18.530′ N, 23°11.874′ E.
• Approach: When arriving from the south, give Kounoupi Islet a wide berth.

Agios Emilianos

Type: Cove anchorage
Best for: Overnight stays, lunch stops, visiting Spetses

Located opposite Spetses, Agios Emilianos (Άγιος Αιμιλιανός) is a small and attractive anchorage popular with yachts waiting to cross to the island or seeking shelter from the prevailing northerlies. The bay offers clear water, sandy patches, and attractive views towards Spetses.

Its proximity to Spetses makes it a convenient stopping point for crews wishing to visit the island without entering one of its often busy harbours.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°17.603′ N, 23°11.447′ E
• Protection: Good from N, exposed to S
• Holding: Good in sand
• Depths: 4–8 metres

How to Anchor

Anchoring is straightforward in the sandy areas of the bay.

• Seabed: Sand with scattered rocks.
• Holding: Very good in sand.
• Rocks: Several rocks are present, particularly towards the western side of the bay. Anchors can become fouled on rocks during recovery.
• Stern Lines: Can be run to the rocks on the eastern side of the bay.
• Access to Spetses: Sea taxis can be used to visit nearby Spetses.

Metochi Bay

Type: Bay anchorage
Best for: Swimming, lunch stops, overnight stays in settled weather

Metochi Bay is a popular anchorage on the mainland coast opposite Spetses. Its wide sandy bottom, crystal-clear water, and spacious anchoring area make it a favourite stop for swimmers, charter yachts, and crews waiting for favourable conditions before crossing to Spetses or continuing north towards Ermioni.

Although busy during summer afternoons, the bay usually becomes much quieter in the evening. The excellent visibility, sandy seabed, and good snorkelling along the edges of the bay make it particularly attractive for swimming stops.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°17.616′ N, 23°10.984′ E
• Protection: Good from N and W, exposed to S
• Holding: Excellent in sand
• Depths: 3–7 metres

How to Anchor

The best anchoring area is generally found in the central part of the bay, where the seabed consists almost entirely of sand.

• Anchor Set: The sandy bottom can be hard in places, so ensure the anchor is properly set.
• Space: Large anchoring area with plenty of room.
• Traffic: The bay can become busy with day boats and charter yachts during summer afternoons.
• Ashore: Two beaches provide access:
  • Limanaki (Λιμανάκι): Pebbly, unorganised, and quieter.
  • Chrisi Akti (Χρυσή Ακτή, meaning “Golden Coast”): Sandy, organised, and more popular.
• Restaurant: The Epavlis Resort restaurant above Chrisi Akti is open to non-residents.

Hinitsa

Type: Islet anchorage
Best for: Swimming, overnight stays, access to Porto Heli and Spetses

Hinitsa (Χηνίτσα, meaning small goose), also spelled Chinitsa, is one of the most popular anchorages in the Porto Heli area. Located between the mainland and a small private islet, it offers crystal-clear water, sandy seabeds, several protected anchoring areas, and easy access to both Porto Heli and Spetses.

Despite increasing development along the shoreline, it remains an attractive stop for swimming and overnight stays. The name Hinitsa refers both to the islet itself and to the surrounding mainland area to its north and east. Several small beaches can be explored by dinghy or SUP.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°18.125′ N, 23°08.568′ E
• Protection: Good except S
• Holding: Good in sand
• Depths: 3–5 metres

Most yachts anchor in the channel between Hinitsa Islet and the mainland. Alternative anchoring spots can be found in the two coves of Hinitsa Islet:

• North Cove: 37°18.155′ N, 23°08.357′ E (the most popular option).
• South Cove: 37°18.070′ N, 23°08.257′ E.

How to Anchor

• Rocky Areas: Rocky slabs in some areas can foul anchors or chains.
• Shallows: The southeastern side of the anchorage becomes very shallow.
• Protection: Good from all directions except S. In southerlies, the north cove of Hinitsa Islet offers better shelter.
• Private Islet: Landing on Hinitsa Islet is prohibited.
• Traffic: Taxi boats and hotel shuttle boats pass frequently and generate wake throughout the day and often into the evening.
• Restaurant: Taverna tis Giagias (Ταβέρνα της Γιαγιάς) has a small dinghy dock and operates during the season.
• Access to Porto Heli: Easy by dinghy.

Porto Heli

Type: Town, marina, harbour, and anchorage
Best for: Provisioning, technical services, long-term weather refuge

Porto Heli (Πόρτο Χέλι), also spelled Porto Cheli, is one of the principal yachting centres of the Argolic Gulf. Built around a large natural harbour, it offers excellent shelter, extensive services, a modern marina, and the safest anchorage in the region.

The town itself is modern rather than picturesque, but it is highly practical. Sailors will find supermarkets, chandleries, fuel suppliers, pharmacies, repair services, restaurants, and ferry connections. Porto Heli also serves as a convenient base for visiting nearby destinations such as Spetses, Ermioni, Kilada, Nafplio, and Epidaurus.

When strong weather is expected, many yachts make for Porto Heli due to the excellent protection provided by its large enclosed bay.

Restaurants

The waterfront and backstreets of Porto Heli are packed with dining options. Here are a few places worth visiting:

• Alexandra – Traditional Greek taverna on the waterfront serving fresh seafood and home-cooked dishes.
• Ostria – Fresh fish and seafood right on the main harbor waterfront.
• Salt & Pepper – Popular spot for traditional Greek dishes and grilled meats just off the main bay.
• Ippokampos – Classic seafood taverna on the waterfront overlooking the harbor.

⚓Docking

There are two docking options in Porto Heli:

• Porto Heli Marina in the northwestern corner of the bay.
• The Town Quay along the waterfront in the eastern side of the bay.

Both options provide good access to shops, supermarkets and restaurants in the town.

Porto Heli Marina

Entrance. Pos.: 37°19.503′ N, 23°08.751′ E
Depths: 2–4 metres
Seabed: mud and sand
Holding: excellent
Protection: excellent from all directions

The recently developed Porto Heli Marina is a modern, well-equipped facility offering high-quality berthing and excellent protection.

• Water and electricity on the pontoons.
• Modern shower and toilet facilities.
• 24-hour security.
• Assistance from marina staff during docking.
• Helpful and polite staff.
• Advance reservations are recommended during summer.
• Berthing fees are typically around €80 per day for a 12–metre monohull, although rates should be confirmed with the marina.

Contact the marina:

• by phone on +30 210 8092 770 or +30 210 8092 773
• by email:
  • for general enquiries on info@marinaportoheli.gr
  • for berthing requests on booking@marinaportoheli.gr
• via VHF before arrival on Channel 88

Town Quay

Approx. Pos.: 37°19.531′ N, 23°08.666′ E
Depths: 2–5 metres
Seabed: mud and sand
Holding: excellent
Protection: excellent – exposed only to the (rare during summer) SW.

The public town quay is a practical and inexpensive option for yachts needing provisions, fuel, or access to shore services.

• Mooring is stern-to the quay using your anchor.
• No mooring assistance is available.
• Municipal mooring fees are typically around €10 per day for a 12-metre monohull.
• Water and electricity are not available on the quay.
• Fuel and water can be delivered by tanker truck. Contact +30 6942 522 520 or +30 6981 494 949.
• Space for visiting yachts is becoming increasingly limited, as many berths are occupied by local and long-term boats.
• Avoid berths in front of the yellow bollards, as they are reserved for ferries.

⚓Anchoring

Approx. Pos.: 37°19.388′ N, 23°09.057′ E
Depths: 2–5 metres
Seabed: mud and sand
Holding: excellent
Protection: excellent from all directions but the SW

Porto Heli Bay is one of the largest and best-protected anchorages in the Argolic Gulf.

⚠️ Notes on anchoring:

• Shallows: Shallow patches exist within parts of the bay.
• Wake: Ferry and taxi-boat wash is occasionally noticeable.
• Crowding: The bay can become crowded during periods of strong weather, although there is usually sufficient room for visiting yachts.
• Dinghy Landing: Several convenient landing points exist along the beach north of the bay, including free-to-use piers.
• Swimming: The water is clean enough for swimming, although not particularly clear due to the muddy seabed.

Porto Heli Coves

Type: Coves anchorages
Best for: Swimming, lunch stops, peaceful overnight stays

A series of small coves west of Porto Heli share many of the same characteristics and are often used interchangeably by cruising yachts. These anchorages are known for their crystal-clear turquoise water, sandy bottoms, small beaches, and secluded atmosphere. They are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, and quiet overnight stays away from the busier anchorages of Porto Heli.

During summer afternoons, local boats, charter yachts, and occasional superyachts often visit these bays, but most depart before sunset, leaving the anchorages remarkably peaceful. The coves also offer walking opportunities ashore, while they are within easy walking distance of Porto Heli.

My personal favorite is Germanos Cove around 37°19.390′ N, 23°07.158′ E, although all of these coves offer similarly welcoming conditions.

⚓ Anchoring

• Protection: Good from N, exposed to southerlies.
• Seabed: Predominantly sand, with occasional weed patches, rock slabs, and isolated rocks.
• Holding: Good in sand.
• Depths: Typically 4–10 metres.

How to Anchor

In most coves, free anchoring is possible in the central sandy areas. Stern lines ashore are commonly used where additional security or reduced swinging is desired.

• Anchor Set: Ensure the anchor is properly set, as some sandy patches can be firm and rocky areas may appear sandy in clear water.
• Wake: Ferry traffic, taxi boats, and fast motor yachts occasionally create rolling wake, particularly during the morning and afternoon.
• Crowding: Popular during summer days but usually much quieter in the evening and overnight.
• Swimming: Exceptional water clarity, excellent swimming, and very good snorkelling throughout the area.

Korakas Islet

Type: Islet anchorage
Best for: Swimming, snorkelling, secluded overnight stays

Korakas islet is an attractive anchorage towards the west end of Ermionida peninsula, offering crystal-clear turquoise water, a wild natural setting, and surprisingly good shelter considering its exposed location. The islet is uninhabited and home to goats, gulls, and other seabirds, giving the anchorage a distinctly remote character despite its popularity with yachts.

The anchorage is particularly appealing for swimming, snorkelling, and peaceful overnight stays. During summer days, large motor yachts, charter boats, and local craft often visit, but many leave before sunset, leaving a much quieter atmosphere overnight.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°21.611′ N, 23°03.976′ E
• Protection: Good from N–NW, exposed to SW
• Seabed: Sand with patches of seagrass.
• Holding: Good in sand
• Depths: 4–6 metres

How to Anchor

Most yachts anchor in the bay between Korakia Islet and the mainland. Both free anchoring and stern lines ashore are common. The clearest and most protected positions are found close to the islet, where many yachts anchor in 5–6 metres over sand and secure stern lines ashore. Stern lines can also be run to the opposite Peloponnese shore.

• Crowding: Large yachts can occupy substantial parts of the bay during summer afternoons.
• Wildlife: Goats, gulls, sea turtles, seals, and abundant fish life are encountered.

Korakia Beach

Type: Beach anchorage
Best for: Swimming, overnight stays, seclusion

Korakia Beach is a beautiful anchorage on the mainland opposite Korakia islets, offering crystal-clear water, sandy seabed, and a peaceful setting beneath a handful of luxury villas. The bay is often used as an alternative to the anchorage behind Korakas Islet and can be particularly attractive when space there is limited.

The anchorage offers excellent swimming, clear turquoise water, and occasional sightings of sea turtles. A beach club operates in the neighbouring bay to the north.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°21.704′ N, 23°04.375′ E
• Protection: Good from E to S, less comfortable in N and NW winds
• Holding: Good in sand
• Seabed: Sand with patches of weed, rock slabs, and isolated rocks
• Depths: 4–9 metres

How to Anchor

Anchor freele in the sandy areas off the seabed, usually in 4–6 metres. It is possible to run stern lines on the northeastern or southwestern shore.

• Anchor Set: Sandy patches can be difficult to identify in certain light conditions. Moving further into the bay often improves the chances of finding clean sand.
• Rocks: A large rock lies near the buoyed area in front of the villa and should be avoided.
• Underwater Obstacles: A large anchor and chain lie near the buoys in front of the house overlooking the bay.
• Swell: Northerlies, northwesterlies, and passing motor yachts can introduce uncomfortable swell, particularly overnight and in the early morning.
• Crowding: Popular with large yachts during summer, although it is often quiet overnight.
• Ashore: Access beyond parts of the beach may be restricted by private property.

Doroufi Beach

Type: Beach anchorage
Best for: Dining ashore, overnight stays in southerlies, swimming

Doroufi Beach is a pleasant anchorage on the eastern side of the Ermionida Peninsula, best known for its excellent waterfront restaurant and reliable shelter in southerly conditions. The bay combines a wide sandy anchorage, a shallow beach, and easy access ashore, making it a popular stop for both lunch breaks and overnight stays.

The anchorage has a more settled and developed feel than many of the nearby coves. While the water is not always as clear as at some neighbouring anchorages, it remains suitable for swimming and is often calm and comfortable. The standout attraction is Doroufi Restaurant, regarded by many visiting sailors as one of the best dining options in the area. A complimentary tender service is often available for restaurant guests.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°23.927′ N, 23°06.551′ E
• Protection: Good from S, exposed to northerlies
• Holding: Good in sand
• Seabed: Sand with weed patches, old moorings, scattered debris, and isolated concrete blocks
• Depths: 3–10 metres

How to Anchor

Free anchoring in the bay is the most common option.

• Anchor Set: Straightforward in sandy areas, although water visibility can be poor, making seabed inspection difficult. Use a trip line to facilitate retrieval in case the anchor becomes fouled.
• Space: Plenty of room for visiting yachts.
• Dinghy Landing: Easy on the beach.
• Ashore: Doroufi Restaurant offers excellent food, a dinghy shuttle service, and occasionally visitor buoys for restaurant guests.

The bay is often remarkably quiet despite its excellent restaurant and good protection. Beautiful sunsets, shallow swimming areas, and easy anchoring make it a popular stop for both cruising yachts and motor yachts.

Kilada

Type: Fishing village, harbour & anchorage
Best for: Boat repairs, provisioning, long-term anchoring, winter storage

Kilada (Κοιλάδα) is a traditional fishing village at the head of a large, sheltered bay on the eastern side of the Argolic Gulf. Although not a major tourist destination, it is an important service centre for sailors thanks to its boatyard and harbour.

The village is particularly well known for Basimakopoulos Shipyard, one of the largest haul-out facilities in the area, making Kilada a popular location for winter storage, repairs, and refit work. Regular sightings of sea turtles are another memorable feature of the bay.

A visit to the nearby Frachthi Cave, one of Greece’s most important prehistoric sites, is highly recommended. The cave can be reached by dinghy followed by a short walk.

⚓ Docking

Kilada offers limited space for visiting yachts along the public quay.

• Pos: 37°25.014′ N, 23°07.633′ E
• Protection: Good, although exposed to swell and chop in strong W and N winds.
• Seabed: Mud
• Holding: Excellent
• Depths: 2–3 metres at the quay; anchor usually dropped in 4–6 metres.

How to Moor

Visiting yachts can only dock in the north pier and the north part of the quay (see the map for the exact mooring location).

• Mooring: Stern-to using your anchor.
• Water and Electricity: Available but unreliable. Some pillars may be out of service.
• Facilities: Supermarkets, tavernas, cafés, laundries, chandlers, fuel services, car rental, and marine trades are all within walking distance.
• Fees: Municipal harbour fees of approximately €10 for a 12-metre monohull apply, although they are not always collected.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°25.001′ N, 23°07.888′ E
• Protection: Good from most directions, less comfortable in strong N and NW winds
• Seabed: Mud with isolated weed patches and numerous private moorings
• Holding: Excellent
• Depths: 2–6 metres

How to Anchor

Kilada Bay provides a large and sheltered anchorage with plenty of space for visiting yachts.

• Moorings: Numerous private buoys and laid moorings occupy parts of the bay.
• Katabatics: Strong northerlies can generate gusts and occasional rolling within the bay.
• Visibility: Very poor due to the muddy bottom.
• Dinghy Landing: Possible along the town quay.
• Swimming: The water is generally clean but visibility is poor and the bay is not considered a prime swimming destination.

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