Poros Sailing Guide: Anchorages, Harbours and Tips

Poros is one of the most practical and sailor-friendly destinations in the Saronic Gulf, offering a unique combination of a lively harbour town, numerous sheltered bays, and short sailing distances.

Its central location, excellent protection, and variety of anchoring options make it ideal for both relaxed cruising and technical stopovers.

Overview

Poros (Πόρος) is a narrow, elongated island separated from the Peloponnese coast by a shallow and busy channel. Known for its pine-covered hills, sheltered waters, and vibrant waterfront, it is one of the most visited sailing destinations in the Saronic Gulf.

The island blends convenience and natural beauty. Poros Town, built amphitheatrically along the channel, serves as the main hub, offering full marine services, provisioning, and one of the safest harbours in the region.

Unlike more remote destinations, Poros is highly accessible and well-developed. However, this comes with increased traffic. During the summer, the harbour and nearby anchorages become crowded, with strong competition for berths and popular spots.

Despite this, the island offers many alternatives: spacious bays, quiet coves, and well-protected anchorages within short distance of the town.

Navigation Hazards

⚠️ When approaching from the north, keep clear of the small islets:

• Petrokaravo – 37°36.817′ N, 23°28.667′ E
• Platia – 37°34.576′ N, 23°30.443′ E

Sailing Conditions in Poros

Poros lies in the Saronic Gulf, an area known for milder and more predictable sailing conditions compared to the Cyclades.

Prevailing wind: N–NW (Meltemi influence, weaker than Cyclades)
Mornings: usually calm
Afternoons: moderate breeze builds
Evenings: winds ease significantly

Local conditions:

• The Poros Channel can experience strong currents and heavy traffic.
• Funnel effects may appear near narrow passages and headlands.
• Some bays experience wind shifts, especially in westerly anchorages.

Overall, Poros is a reliable destination for easy sailing, though care is required in the channel and during busy periods.

Poros Coast Overview for Sailors

Poros offers a compact but diverse sailing area, with clearly distinguishable zones.

South Coast (main anchorage area)

• Includes Poros Harbour, the main sailing hub.
• Includes safe anchorages near Poros Harbour such as Kiani Akti and Megalo Neorio.
• Sheltered from the prevailing northerlies.
• Best access to services and provisioning.
• Ideal for overnighting and shelter in stronger winds

North & Remote Coves

• Includes Vagionia Bay and Karol’s Bay
• More exposed depending on conditions
• Less developed and more secluded
• Suitable for calm-weather stays and nature-focused stops

Overall, Poros combines a busy central harbour with several high-quality alternative anchorages, all within short sailing distance.

Poros Sailing Itinerary Ideas

Popular sailing routes from and around Poros include:

• Athens → Agistri → Poros → Hydra → Spetses → Aegina → Athens – classic Argolic & Saronic island route
• Poros → Ermionida → Monemvasia – scenic Peloponnese circuit
• Poros Town → Vagionia → Russian Bay – Poros exploration loop

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

All Anchorages & Harbours in Poros

This guide covers all main anchorages and harbours in Poros.

Main Harbour

• Poros Town – major harbour, full services, busy but essential stop

South Coast Anchorages

• Megalo Neorio – large, practical anchorage close to town
• Russian Dockyard Bay – historic bay with good protection
• Vidi Bay – safest heavy-weather shelter, very spacious
• Kiani Akti – convenient anchorage near town and beach

North & Remote Bays

Vagionia Bay – quiet, natural cove for secluded stays
Karol’s Bay – small, protected anchorage for calm conditions

Where to Anchor in Poros (Quick Guide)

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

Only Harbour: Poros Town Harbour
Best heavy-weather anchorage: Vidi Bay
Best harbour alternative: Megalo Neorio
Most scenic anchorage: Russian Dockyard Bay
Best quiet/nature option: Vagionia Bay

General rules:

• Use Poros Town for services and prolonged stays.
• Use south coast bays for overnight comfort and shelter.
• Use north remote coves only in settled conditions.

Poros Sailing Map: Anchorages and Harbours

Below is an interactive map of all major anchorages and harbours in Poros including the safe anchorages in Vidi Bay. Click any location to jump to the detailed guide below.

Locations

Poros Town

Type: Town harbour & anchorages
Best for: Provisioning, restaurants, repairs, crew changes, sheltered stop
Protection: Excellent
Holding: Excellent

Poros Town Harbour (Πόρος) is one of the most important sailing stops in the Saronic Gulf and a favourite among both cruising sailors and charter fleets. Built amphitheatrically around the narrow Poros channel, the town combines a lively waterfront with neoclassical architecture, narrow alleys, excellent marine services, and one of the safest natural harbours in the region.

The town offers:

• Excellent protection from strong weather.
• Excellent provisioning.
• Chandlers and technical services.
• Laundry and showers.
• Fuel delivery.
• Cafés, tavernas, cocktail bars, and bakeries.
• Frequent ferries and water taxis.

Visiting Poros Town

The Clock Tower above the town is the main landmark and offers spectacular views over the channel and nearby coastline. Popular things to do ashore include:

• Walking through the old alleys.
• Visiting the Archaeological Museum.
• Taking ferries to Hydra, Spetses or the Peloponnese coast.
• Renting scooters or bicycles to explore the island. If you do, you can visit the nearby Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi.
• Renting scooters or cars from the village of Galatas on the opposite Peloponnese coast. From there, you can visit Devil’s Bridge, a beautiful natural setting.

Passing the channel

⚠️The Poros Channel, between Poros Island and Galatas on the Peloponnese coast, is narrow and shallow.

• Keep close to Poros coast, always remaining north of the red buoys.
• Ferries and hydrofoils transit the channel frequently. They have the right of way even if you are under sail.
• Maximum speed is 4 knots.

Chandleries

The following chandleries are very well stocked and highly regarded by sailors. Contact them also for repairs and technical support.

• Pavlou Bros – Contact: +30 6955 870050
• Vikos Marine – Contact: +30 22980 22020

⚓Docking in Poros Harbour

• During summer, arrive before midday to secure a berth.
• Mooring is stern-to the town quay with anchor.
• Refer to the Poros Port Map, for the exact mooring locations.
• Alongside mooring is prohibited, except in Area 10 of Sector A and Area 6 of Sector B, as described in the Poros Port Map.

There are two main docking areas:

• The west part of the quay.
• The south part of the quay.

During strong northwesterly winds, the south quay is more comfortable than the west quay. However, ferry wash can occasionally create surge near the restaurants during peak summer traffic.

West part of the quay

Approx. Pos.: 37°30.081′ N, 23°27.230′ E

The west part of the quay lies along the northern side of the harbour and includes a floating pontoon. As of August 2026, the pontoon has been enlarged with the addition of a T-section.

• Higher chance of tangling anchors.
• More exposed to the prevailing northwesterlies than the south quay. Use plenty of chain.
• Quieter environment.
• Less swell from ferries.
• Convenient location for provisioning and facilities (showers and laundry).

South part of the quay

Approx. Pos.: 37°29.891′ N, 23°27.338′ E

The south quay is the livelier and more social side of Poros harbour, lined with tavernas, cafés, cocktail bars, and shops.

• Excellent protection from the prevailing northerlies.
• Drop anchor well out into the channel. An old chain around 15 metres from the quay frequently traps anchors.
• Immediate access to restaurants.
• Exposed to swell from ferries and hydrofoils.
• More exposed to harbour noise and nightlife.

Facilities

• Water and electricity are available through pillars using prepaid cards.
• Mooring assistance is not provided.
• WC and showers are not available.
• Visit Bath and Go for showers and laundry.

Costs

• Mooring fees are collected during the afternoon and morning by municipal port fund employees who also sell cards for water and electricity.
• Mooring costs €0.58 per metre per day for monohulls and double that amount for catamarans. So, it is approximately €7 per day for a 12-metre monohull.
• Pre-paid cards for water and electricity of 7€, 15€, 25€, 35€ and 50€ are available.
• Water is charged €1 per 100 litres and electricity €1.5 per Kw/h.
• For the full price list check out the Municipal Port Organization of Poros website.

Fuel

Fuel delivery is possible in the quay through a tanker truck. Contact Saron Oil on +30 22980 22570 or +30 6944 751825.

Contact

The Municipal Port Organization of Poros can be contacted:

• By phone at +30 22980 29120
• By email at: info@portofporos.gr
• Via VHF on Channel 9

Below is a list of authorised mooring assistants.

• Anagnostopoulos Dimitris: +30 698 799 1270
• Anagnostopoulos Giannis: +30 694 698 5695
• Mitsopoulos Sakis: +30 694 437 3109
• Roussos Lakis: +30 697 269 1030
• Staikos Spyros: +30 697 216 9963

⚓Anchoring

Anchoring off Poros Town is a popular option since the quay fills up quickly and the anchorages provide a much quieter environment.

There are two main anchorages on either side of the town.

• Both anchorages provide excellent shelter.
• Both anchorages are suitable for longer stays.
• The town is accessible by dinghy from both anchorages.
• You can pass the very low bridge at 37°30.371′ N, 23°27.489′ E with a dinghy. You will have to duck to do so.
• Holding is slightly better in the west anchorage.
• The east anchorage has more available space.

West Anchorage

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 37°30.339′ N, 23°27.029′ E

The west anchorage lies opposite Poros Town, mainly in front of the naval base.

• Depths: typically 6–16 metres.
• Holding: excellent in mud.
• According to a Coast Guard decision from 17 April 2026, the anchoring area is limited from 17 April to 31 October for 2026 to facilitate ferry passage. Refer to the Anchoring Prohibition Map for the precise area. The five points that define the anchoring prohibition area are:
  • Α: 37°30.276′ N, 23°27.207′ E
  • Β: 37°30.288′ N, 23°27.083′ E
  • Γ: 37°30.084′ N, 23°26.724′ E
  • Δ: 37°29.981′ N, 23°26.850′ E
  • Ε: 37°30.160′ N, 23°27.220′ E
• Permanent buoy fields reduce anchoring space.
• Use the pontoons west of the bridge around 37°30.391′ N, 23°27.436′ E for your dinghy.
• Water is a bit murky for swimming.

This is the most popular anchorage in Poros, combining excellent shelter with great views of the town.

East Anchorage

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 37°30.366′ N, 23°27.682′ E

The east anchorage is located behind the narrow canal and bridge east of Poros Town.

• Depths: typically 4–8 metres.
• Seabed: sand mixed with seagrass.
• Holding: good in clean sand patches.
• Leave your dinghy at the small pier by the beach, right before the bridge at 37°30.356′ N, 23°27.546′ E.
• Water is good for swimming.
• Immediate access to Kanali Beach.
• The Kanali Beach Bar & Restaurant is highly recommended.

This is the quietest anchorage near Poros Town and a favourite alternative to the crowded harbour.

Overall

Poros Town is one of the most complete and sailor-friendly destinations in the Saronic Gulf.

Pros:

• Excellent shelter.
• Full marine services and repairs.
• Excellent provisioning.
• Beautiful town atmosphere.
• Multiple docking and anchoring options.

Cons:

• Very crowded in summer.
• Noise in harbour areas.

Poros is an essential Saronic stop, whether for a quick overnight, technical stop, provisioning break, or several relaxed days exploring the town and surrounding waters.

Megalo Neorio Bay

Type: Open bay anchorage
Best for: Shelter from northerlies, longer stays, proximity to Poros Town

Megalo Neorio Bay is one of the main anchorages west of Poros Town, offering a spacious and well-sheltered alternative to the busy harbour. It is widely used by cruising yachts thanks to its reliable holding, good protection, and convenient access to Poros.

The bay is moderately developed, with a few tavernas along the shore (notably O Petros and Vassilis) and several small jetties. Although quieter than Poros harbour, it remains fairly busy during the summer months. Water clarity is generally lower than in some of the more remote bays around Poros.

Access to Poros Town is easy by dinghy (approximately 10–15 minutes), water taxi, or on foot via a walk of around 3–4 km. Calm and quiet nights make the bay a popular choice for longer stays, waiting for weather, or avoiding the crowded berths in Poros harbour.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°30.715′ N, 23°26.508′ E
• Protection: Very good from any direction except W
• Holding: Good in sand
• Depths: 6–16 metres

How to Anchor

Free swinging is the most common setup, although stern lines ashore can be used near the edges of the bay.

• Seabed: Sand, occasionally mixed with harder patches.
• Space: Plenty of room throughout most of the bay.
• Depths: The seabed deepens quickly in some areas, particularly further offshore.
• Old Moorings: Watch for abandoned moorings on the seabed.
• Wind Shifts: Allow sufficient room for boats to swing, as wind direction can shift unexpectedly within the bay.
• Traffic: Ferries, water taxis, and fast boats can create wake during the day.
• Dinghy Landing: Tavern jetties and small concrete piers along the shore.

Russian Dockyard Bay

Type: Bay anchorage
Best for: Shelter from northerlies, scenic anchorage, historic interest

Russian Dockyard Bay, also known as Russian Bay, is one of the most distinctive anchorages on Poros, combining historical interest with good shelter and a natural setting. The bay is easily recognised by the small Daskalio Islet and its chapel at the entrance, the remains of old stone structures along the shore, and the surrounding pine-covered hills.

The bay takes its name from the Russian naval base established here in the late 18th century following the Orlov Revolt (1770). At that time, Poros served as a strategic base for Russian operations against the Ottoman Empire, and the bay was used as a repair and supply dockyard for the Russian fleet. Ruins of dockyard installations, warehouses, and defensive structures can still be seen today, giving the area a unique character compared to other anchorages around Poros.

The bay attracts a mix of cruising yachts, charter boats, and larger motor yachts. Although it can be busy during the day, it is usually calm and quiet at night. While water clarity is not among the best around Poros, the combination of reliable shelter, historical significance, and scenic surroundings makes Russian Bay one of the island’s most atmospheric anchorages.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°31.093′ N, 23°25.721′ E or 37°31.087′ N, 23°25.999′ E
• Protection: Very good from any direction
• Holding: Good in sand
• Depths: 4–8 metres

How to Anchor

Free anchoring is possible throughout the central part of the bay, while stern lines ashore are commonly used near the edges.

• Seabed: Sand with some weed.
• Traffic: Large yachts frequently use the bay during summer.
• Daskalio Islet: Creates additional shelter and reduces swell in parts of the bay.
• Swell: Wake from ferries and fast boats can occasionally affect the anchorage during the day.
• Dinghy Landing: Small beaches around the bay or the jetty near the beach bar at 37°31.113′ N, 23°26.130′ E.

Vidi Bay

Type: Large bay anchorage
Best for: Shelter in strong winds, space, quiet stays

Vidi Bay is a large and well-protected anchorage west of Poros, offering one of the safest refuges in the area during strong winds. Spacious, practical, and reliable, it is a popular choice when conditions become uncomfortable elsewhere.

Although less scenic than the anchorages around Poros, the bay provides plenty of room, excellent shelter, and very little congestion. A notable feature is a partially submerged wreck, which adds interest to the bay but requires caution when anchoring nearby. Water clarity is moderate and not ideal for snorkelling, although seals and other marine life are occasionally spotted in the area.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°30.913′ N, 23°24.123′ E
• Protection: Excellent from any direction
• Holding: Excellent in mud and sand
• Depths: 5–15 metres

For additional protection, particularly in stronger weather, many yachts choose one of the smaller coves around the bay and secure stern lines ashore:

• Elies west – 37°31.159′ N, 23°24.164′ E
• Elies east – 37°31.155′ N, 23°24.354′ E
• Kapsali – 37°31.274′ N, 23°24.678′ E

How to Anchor

Free anchoring is straightforward throughout the main bay, with ample space available even during busy periods.

• Wreck Hazard: Avoid the wreck area around 37°30.912′ N, 23°23.884′ E, where chains, debris, and submerged objects can foul anchors.
• Wind: Wind strength is often noticeably reduced within the bay.
• Traffic: Water-ski activity, motorboats, and occasional Sunday flotilla gatherings can create disturbance during the day.
• Ashore: Small settlements and walking paths can be found inland, but there are no significant services or places to visit around the anchorage.

Askeli Beach – Kiani Akti

Type: Open anchorage
Best for: Quiet overnight, easy access to Poros, beach stay

Askeli Beach – Kiani Akti (Κυανή Ακτή) is a wide bay on the east side of Poros, offering a simple and reliable anchorage within easy reach of Poros Town. It is a popular alternative to the busy harbour, combining good shelter, straightforward anchoring, and convenient access ashore with a more relaxed atmosphere.

The shoreline is developed, with tavernas, cafés, beach bars, supermarkets, bakeries, and water sports facilities. Poros Town can be reached in about 15–20 minutes on foot, by dinghy through the canal, or by water taxi. The bay is generally calm and quiet at night, making it a convenient choice for overnight stays and for visiting Poros without using the crowded harbour.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°30.427′ N, 23°28.197′ E
• Protection: Good from any direction except SE
• Holding: Good in sand with patches of weed
• Depths: 5–8 metres

How to Anchor

Anchoring is straightforward throughout most of the bay.

• Best Holding: Found in clear sandy patches. Avoid the visible weed patches.
• Space: Plenty of room for multiple yachts.
• Swell: Light swell enters from the east, particularly from passing ferries and motorboats.
• Traffic: Water sports activity near the beach can create daytime disturbance.
• Dinghy Landing: Easy anywhere along the beach.
• Access to Poros: By dinghy through the narrow canal at 37°30.356′ N, 23°27.539′ E (duck required under the bridge), or on foot (15–20 minutes) along the coastal road.

Vagionia Bay

Type: Cove anchorage
Best for: Secluded overnight stays, nature, hiking

Vagionia Bay (Βαγιωνιά) is a small and quiet cove on the north side of Poros, offering a more rugged and unspoilt alternative to the island’s busier anchorages. Surrounded by pine-covered slopes and rocky terrain, it has a distinctly wild and secluded atmosphere and remains relatively uncrowded even during summer.

The bay is particularly popular with sailors looking for peaceful overnight stays and a closer connection to nature. Walking trails lead inland to viewpoints, the Temple of Poseidon, and other hiking routes across the island. Goats are often seen on the surrounding hillsides, adding to the bay’s remote character.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°31.916′ N, 23°29.060′ E
• Protection: Good from S–W–E, limited from N
• Holding: Good in sand with weed patches
• Depths: 5–15 metres

How to Anchor

Free anchoring is possible throughout the bay. Stern lines to the windward shore provide additional security and are recommended when the anchorage becomes busy.

• Seabed: Sand with patches of weed. The best sandy patches are found closer to the beach in 5–8 metres.
• Holding: Generally good in sand, but avoid weed-covered areas.
• Depths: The bay deepens quickly away from the beach.
• Space: Can become limited if boats anchor without stern lines.
• Swell: Northerlies introduce swell into the bay.
• Dinghy Landing: Possible on the beach.

Karol’s Bay

Type: Small cove anchorage
Best for: Secluded overnight stays, shelter, scenery

Karol’s Bay is a small and narrow cove offering a quiet and picturesque anchorage, quite different from the more open bays around Poros. Its enclosed shape, rocky shores, and clear water create a private and sheltered atmosphere that is particularly attractive for calm-weather overnight stays.

The bay is remote, with no facilities ashore, a small beach at its head, and a wild natural setting. It is best visited in settled weather or when shelter from southerly winds is required.

Wasps are common, especially around meals. Occasional debris may also be found along the shoreline.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°32.779′ N, 23°28.970′ E
• Protection: Good from W–S, exposed to N–NE
• Holding: Good in sand
• Depths: 3–8 metres near the head, deeper towards the centre

How to Anchor

Stern lines ashore are effectively essential due to the limited swinging room.

• Depths: Increase rapidly away from the head of the bay.
• Swell: Northerlies and northeasterlies can introduce swell into the bay, sometimes affecting comfort even when local winds are light.
• Dinghy Landing: Possible on the small beach.

From Poros, you can easily sail to Aegina, Agistri, Hydra and Spetses. Discover them in the full Argo-Saronic sailing guide.