Spetses Sailing Guide: Anchorages, Harbours and Tips

For sailors cruising the Saronic Gulf, Spetses offers a unique combination of elegant town life, beautiful natural anchorages, crystal-clear water, and rich maritime history. Whether you are looking for a lively evening ashore, a quiet bay for the night, or a base from which to explore the island, Spetses provides some of the most varied cruising options in the region.

Overview

Spetses (Σπέτσες) is one of the most distinctive islands in the Saronic Gulf. Known for its wealthy maritime past, neoclassical architecture, and important role in the Greek War of Independence, it remains one of the most attractive sailing destinations near Athens.

Unlike most Greek islands, private cars are largely absent from the historic town, creating a relaxed atmosphere where horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, scooters, and waterfront strolls remain part of daily life.

The island’s coastline offers a mixture of organised beaches, secluded coves, and large natural bays. Although many sailors visit primarily for Spetses Town and its vibrant social scene, some of the island’s finest experiences are found away from the harbour, in anchorages such as Zogeria, Agioi Anargyroi, and Xilokeriza.

Sailing Conditions in Spetses

Spetses lies at the entrance of the Argolic Gulf and experiences typical Argolic summer conditions.

• Prevailing wind: N to NW
• Mornings: Usually calm.
• Afternoons: Northerly sea breezes strengthen.
• Evenings: Winds often decrease, although residual swell may remain.

The island’s anchorages are generally protected from the prevailing northerlies, particularly those on the south coast. However, several bays are surprisingly susceptible to swell, even when local winds are light.

When choosing an anchorage, pay attention not only to the wind forecast but also to the expected sea state.

Spetses Coast Overview for Sailors

Spetses offers a clear distinction between its protected southern anchorages and the more developed northern coast.

North Coast

• Includes Spetses Town and Zogeria.
• Main area for provisioning, restaurants, and nightlife.
• More exposed to passing vessel traffic.
• Convenient for crew changes and exploring the island.
• Offers the island’s main docking facilities.

South Coast

• Home to most of Spetses’ natural anchorages.
• Generally sheltered from the prevailing N and NW summer winds.
• Crystal-clear water and excellent swimming.
• Several bays are affected by swell despite good wind protection.
• Ideal for overnight stays away from towns and harbour traffic.

Overall

• North coast = infrastructure, town life, and harbour facilities.
• South coast = natural anchorages, swimming, and quieter overnight stops.

Spetses Sailing Itinerary Ideas

Popular sailing routes around Spetses include:

• Athens → Agistri → Poros → Hydra → Spetses → Aegina → Athens – classic Argo-Saronic island route.
• Spetses → Hydra → Dokos → Ermioni → Agios Emilianos → Hinitsa → Porto Heli – exploration of the Argolic Gulf.
• Spetses Town → Xylokeriza → Agioi Anargyroi → Zogeria – circumnavigation of Spetses
• Spetses → Monemvasia – continuation towards the southern Peloponnese.

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

All Anchorages & Harbours in Spetses

This guide covers all main anchorages and docking options in Spetses.

Harbour Area

• Spetses Town – historic harbour, island’s main destination, and centre of nightlife and provisioning.

Anchorages Near Spetses Town

• Garifallos – convenient anchorage within walking distance of Spetses Town.

South Coast

• Helen’s Bay – picturesque anchorage beneath an impressive waterfront villa.
• Xylokeriza – beautiful bay with beach bar and excellent swimming.
• Agia Paraskevi – attractive bay with a small chapel and organised beach.
• Southeastern Coast Cove – secluded cove with a small beach and crystal-clear water.
• Agioi Anargyroi – popular anchorage with taverna and access to Bekiri Cave.
• Southwestern Coast Cove – peaceful and undeveloped anchorage with excellent snorkelling.

Northwest Coast

• Zogeria – large natural bay surrounded by pine forests and one of the island’s finest anchorages.

Where to Anchor in Spetses (Quick Guide)

Choosing the right anchorage in Spetses depends largely on wind direction and whether you are looking for access to town or a quieter natural setting.

• Visiting Spetses Town: Outer section of the Old Port
• Best natural anchorage: Zogeria
• Visiting Bekiri Cave: Agioi Anargyroi
• Complete seclusion: Southwest Cove or Southeast Cove
• Crystal-clear water and swimming: Xylokeriza, Zogeria

Wind Guide

• Wind from N: All south-coast anchorages are suitable. Zogeria and Spetses Town are exposed, although the nearby Peloponnese coast limits wave development.
• Wind from E: All anchorages except Garifallos are comfortable. Passing stern lines to the eastern shore of the coves can improve comfort.
• Wind from S: Zogeria and Spetses Town are the best options.
• Wind from W: Spetses Town, Xylokeriza and Agia Paraskevi are well protected.

The short distances between the island’s anchorages make it easy to change plans if conditions deteriorate. Many sailors combine a night in Spetses Town with one or two nights in Zogeria or one of the quieter south-coast coves for the perfect balance between civilisation and nature.

Spetses Sailing Map: Anchorages and Harbours

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

Location

Spetses Town

Type: Historic island town
Best for: Restaurants, nightlife, sightseeing, exploring the island
Protection: Moderate to good, depending on mooring location
Holding: Good

Spetses Town (Σπέτσες) is one of the most elegant destinations in the Saronic Gulf and a favourite stop for both private yachts and charter fleets. Stretching along a beautiful waterfront lined with captain’s mansions, cafés, boutique hotels, and waterfront restaurants, it combines a rich maritime heritage with a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere. The island played a major role during the Greek War of Independence and remains closely associated with the heroine Laskarina Bouboulina.

Unlike most Greek islands, private cars are heavily restricted, giving the town a relaxed character where walking, bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, and scooters dominate local transport.

The town offers:

• Excellent restaurants and cafés.
• Boutique shopping.
• Supermarkets and provisioning.
• Water taxis and frequent ferry connections.
• Beautiful waterfront promenades.
• A lively nightlife scene centred around the Old Port.
• Easy access to the rest of the island by scooter, bicycle, carriage, or bus.

Visiting Spetses Town

Spetses offers far more than a simple overnight stop. Popular things to do ashore include:

• Walking from Dapia to the Old Port (Mpaltizas), one of the most pleasant waterfront strolls in the Saronic Gulf.
• Admiring the historic Poseidonion Grand Hotel, which has dominated the waterfront since 1914.
• Exploring the traditional shipyards of the Old Port, where wooden boats are still built and repaired.
• Visiting the Spetses Museum and the historic captain’s mansions of the island.
• Visiting the Bouboulina Museum and learning about the life of Greece’s famous revolutionary heroine.
• Visiting the Saint Nikolaos Church, one of the island’s most important historic landmarks.
• Hiring a scooter or bicycle and exploring the island’s beaches and pine forests. A complete circuit of the island is approximately 25 kilometres.
• Taking a water taxi to some of the island’s more secluded beaches.

Spetses offers countless dining options, ranging from traditional tavernas to more upscale waterfront restaurants. My personal recommendations are Mourayo in the Old Port and Patralis on the opposite side of town. For cocktails and nightlife, Bikini is the place to be.

Useful Contacts

• Municipal Port Fund of Spetses:
  • by phone at +30 22980 75025
  • by email at dltspetson@gmail.com
  • the office is located within the Spetses Town Hall
• Port Fees Collector (Tasos): +30 6987 060917
• Local who unofficially assists boats to moor (Yannis): +30 6977 140819

⚓Docking

For visiting yachts, there are two docking options in Spetses Town. The first is by far the most popular and, in practice, the only realistic option for most yachts.

1) Outer Section of the Old Port

Approx. Pos.: 37°15.717′ N, 23°09.852′ E

This is where the vast majority of visiting yachts stay. Holding is good in sand.

According to the Municipal Port Fund regulations which you can examine below, areas B1, B3, B4, and B5 of the official port plan are available for visiting yachts. Area B6 is reserved for yachts between 25 and 50 metres in length. The inner section of the Old Port, known as Mpaltizas, is represented by the Γ zones on the port plan and is intended primarily for local vessels and transfer boats.

Mooring is coordinated by Yannis (+30 6977 140819). Contact him upon arrival and he will guide you by boat to a suitable berth and assist with stern lines. Tipping is not mandatory but is commonly offered as a gesture of appreciation.

B1 Area

The B1 area is by far the safest and most comfortable location to moor.

• Direct access to the quay.
• Mooring is stern-to with anchor.
• Holding is good in sand.
• Protected from all wind directions.
• Space is very limited, with room for only 2–3 boats.
• Berths can sometimes be reserved through Yannis.
• Reservation assistance generally comes at an additional cost.
• Early arrival is usually necessary.

B3–B5 Areas

Most visiting yachts are berthed in these areas.

• Mooring is stern-to with anchor.
• Holding is good in sand.
• Exposed to northerlies.
• The first yachts to arrive secure stern lines ashore to rings on the shoreline.
• Additional rows of yachts are then moored outside them, securing stern lines to the bow cleats of the boats in front.
• The system effectively operates on a first in, last out basis.

These berths do not provide direct access ashore, so water and electricity are not available. If you require water, Yannis may be able to arrange a temporary berth in the Old Port, allowing a tanker truck to refill your tanks.

Use your dinghy to reach:

• The small pier at 37°15.741′ N, 23°09.758′ E or
• The small beach at 37°15.661′ N, 23°09.813′ E

From here, Spetses Town centre is approximately a 20-minute walk away. However, some of the island’s best waterfront restaurants are located immediately around the Old Port.

Zone Descriptions in Section B according to the Municipal Port Fund of Spetses

2) Poseidonion Pier (West of Dapia Port)

Approx. Pos.: 37°16.192′ N, 23°09.261′ E

After examining the Municipal Port Fund regulations below, you will discover that the only section available to visiting yachts is the A2 zone of the Poseidonion Pier.

If your yacht is under 20 metres in length, mooring is permitted only between 20:00 and 10:00, and only with permission from the Municipal Port Fund.

⚠️ Important: Do not use the inner (eastern) side of the pier under any circumstances. Swell generated by passing vessels and especially by sea taxis can be severe. Even in calm weather, the loads can be significant; I have seen a sailboat break a cleat there with no wind present.

Moor stern-to on the western side of the pier using your anchor.

• Holding is good in sand.
• Exposed to N and NW winds.
• Some swell is still present.
• Considerably more comfortable than the eastern side.
• Water and electricity available from pillars on the dock.

Zone Descriptions in Section A according to the Municipal Port Fund of Spetses

Garifallos

Type: Small cove anchorage
Best for: Visiting Spetses Town, swimming, overnight stays in settled weather

Garifallos Cove (Γαρύφαλλος) is a small anchorage on the eastern side of Spetses, popular with sailors looking for a quieter alternative to the crowded harbour areas. Despite being within walking distance of both Dapia and the Old Port, it retains a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere and offers crystal-clear water with excellent visibility for swimming and snorkelling. Monk seals and other marine wildlife are occasionally spotted in the area. The anchorage is particularly useful when berths in Spetses Town are unavailable.

⚓ Anchoring

• Protection: Good from N and NW; exposed to S and SE swell
• Holding: Good in sand
• Approx. Pos.: 37°15.234′ N, 23°10.004′ E
• Depths: 5–10 metres

How to Anchor

Free anchoring is possible throughout the bay over a seabed consisting mainly of sand with scattered rocks. Stern lines ashore can increase capacity and are commonly used by yachts. Several mooring rings can also be found ashore.

• Seabed: Several rocks are present within the anchorage and care should be taken when selecting a spot.
• Traffic: Large yachts occasionally occupy significant areas of the anchorage during summer.
• Swimming Area: The nearby Agia Marina Beach (Αγία Μαρίνα) at 37°15.135′ N, 23°09.820′ E is a swimming area and should not be used for anchoring.
• Swell: Although well protected from the prevailing summer northerlies, the bay is exposed to southerly swell. Wake from water taxis and other passing vessels can occasionally affect comfort.

Going Ashore

Garifallos Beach at 37°15.331′ N, 23°09.977′ E provides convenient dinghy landing.

From the anchorage:

• Spetses Old Port is around a 10–15 minute walk.
• Spetses Town centre can be reached on foot in approximately 20–25 minutes.

The beach bar at Agia Marina Beach is highly recommended for cocktails. You can also visit the quaint Agia Marina Chapel (Saint Marina), perched on the hill separating Garifallos Cove from Agia Marina Cove.

SE Unnamed Cove

Type: Small cove anchorage
Best for: Swimming, snorkelling, secluded overnight stays

This small unnamed cove on the south coast of Spetses offers crystal-clear water, excellent snorkelling, and a peaceful atmosphere away from the island’s busier anchorages. Its compact size and attractive natural setting make it a popular choice for both swimming stops and quiet overnight stays. There are no facilities ashore.

⚓ Anchoring

• Protection: Good, except from S
• Holding: Moderate to good in sand
• Approx. Pos.: 37°14.237′ N, 23°09.111′ E
• Depths: 5–10 metres

How to Anchor

You can either free anchor or drop your anchor and run stern lines ashore, which is the recommended option. The seabed consists of sand mixed with rock.

• Sand Patches: The best holding is found in the eastern part of the cove.
• Seabed: Much of the western side consists of rock with little or no holding.
• Space: Space is limited. Stern lines ashore considerably increase the number of boats that can comfortably fit.
• Anchor Set: Check carefully that your anchor is properly set in sand.
• Swell: While well protected from N, NW, and NE winds, the cove is exposed to S swell. A residual swell is often present even in otherwise calm conditions, and passing boats occasionally create additional motion within the cove.

Xylokeriza

• Type: Bay anchorage
• Best for: Overnight stays, swimming, and beach time

Xylokeriza (Ξυλοκέριζα) is an attractive and peaceful natural anchorages on the south coast of Spetses. Surrounded by pine-covered hills and crystal-clear waters with excellent visibility, it offers a tranquil setting that feels far removed from the busy atmosphere of Spetses Town. It is an idyllic spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing away from the crowds.

The bay splits into a larger outer anchorage and a smaller cove on its eastern side, both of which provide reliable anchoring opportunities.

⚓ Anchoring

• Protection: Good protection from prevailing summer northerlies; open to the S
• Holding: Good in sand and mud
• Approx. Pos.: 37°14.278′ N, 23°07.913′ E (main bay), 37°14.303′ N, 23°08.005′ E (eastern cove)
• Depths: 7–15 metres

Approach & Anchoring

You can free anchor in the main bay over a seabed of sand, mud, and occasional large rocks. For a more comfortable and private setup, head into the smaller eastern cove. This cove is highly recommended for its seclusion and is ideal for dropping anchor and taking stern lines ashore to the rocks.

• Seabed Obstructions: Large rocks are present in parts of the bay and can easily interfere with anchor placement or foul your chain.
• Traffic: During the summer months, large yachts occasionally occupy significant areas of the anchorage.
• Swell: Even when winds are light swell can enter the bay.

Going Ashore

The main beach provides easy dinghy access. During the summer, a beach bar operates here, serving drinks, snacks, ice cream, and light meals. The beach is partly organized with sunbeds, though the smaller beach tucked into the eastern cove remains much quieter and considerably more secluded.

Helen’s Bay

Type: Small bay anchorage
Best for: Overnight stays, swimming, seclusion

Helen’s Bay is one of the most picturesque anchorages in Spetses. Dominated by an impressive waterfront villa and surrounded by pine-covered slopes, it offers crystal-clear water and a peaceful atmosphere. Despite its proximity to some of the island’s more popular beaches, the bay remains relatively quiet and is mainly visited by yachts seeking a scenic overnight stop or a sheltered lunch anchorage.

⚓ Anchoring

• Protection: Good from N winds
• Holding: Good in sand
• Approx. Pos.: 37°14.771′ N, 23°07.316′ E
• Depths: 5–10 metres

How to Anchor

Free anchoring is possible throughout most of the bay. Some yachts also run stern lines ashore, mainly on the western side.

• Bathing Platforms: Bathing platforms may be laid near the villa during the season.
• Swinging Room: Check your swinging room carefully if other yachts are present.
• Swell: The bay is open to S winds and swell. Some swell may enter even in settled weather, while passing boats occasionally generate additional wash.
• Weather: Conditions are generally most comfortable during northerly weather.

Going Ashore

Small beaches around the bay provide convenient dinghy access. There are no public facilities ashore. The restaurant and facilities associated with the large waterfront villa are private and not available to visiting sailors.

Agioi Anargyroi

Type: Large bay anchorage
Best for: Visiting Bekiri Cave, swimming, overnight stays, dining ashore

Agioi Anargyroi (Άγιοι Ανάργυροι, pronounced Agii Anargyri as “οι” is pronounced as “i” in Greek) is one of the most popular anchorages in Spetses. The large bay combines good anchoring conditions, a pleasant beach, a taverna, and easy access to the famous Bekiri Cave, one of the island’s best-known natural attractions.

The bay attracts both yachts and day boats, yet remains appealing thanks to its crystal-clear water, excellent swimming, and beautiful scenery. Many crews arrive for a daytime stop and end up spending the night.

⚓ Anchoring

• Protection: Good from N winds, exposed to swell from S
• Holding: Good in sand
• Approx. Pos.: 37°15.240′ N, 23°06.830′ E
• Depths: 5–12 metres

How to Anchor

Free anchoring is possible throughout most of the bay over a seabed of sand with patches of rock and weed. Stern lines ashore can also be used near the edges of the bay.

• Swimming Area: The beach swimming area is marked by buoys and should be kept clear.
• Watersports: The watersports centre maintains a marked channel for its vessels which should not be obstructed.
• Seabed: Rocky patches become more common closer to shore. Select a sandy patch carefully before dropping anchor.
• Swell: Swell frequently enters the bay, even when winds are light.
• Traffic: Watersports activities create additional wake during the day, although conditions usually become much quieter after the beach facilities close.

Going Ashore

A small jetty at 37°15.264′ N, 23°06.935′ E and the beach provide convenient dinghy landing.

Ashore you will find:

• Manolis Taverna, with showers and WC available.
• A beach bar and café.
• Watersports facilities.
• Agii Anargyri Church, with excellent views over the bay.

The main attraction is nearby Bekiri Cave. It can be reached either by swimming or via a footpath that starts at the northwestern end of the beach. At the end of the path, a small opening provides access to the cave. Inside you will find a sandy beach and an impressive chamber illuminated by light entering through the sea entrance.

Agia Paraskevi

Type: Bay anchorage
Best for: Swimming, beach time, overnight stays in northerly weather

Agia Paraskevi (Αγία Παρασκευή) is one of the most attractive bays in Spetses, combining turquoise water, a picturesque chapel, and a pleasant beach backed by pine trees. Although popular with day boats during summer, the bay usually becomes much quieter in the evening and can provide a peaceful overnight stop. During the season, a small beach bar operates ashore, making the bay a popular destination for lunch stops and relaxed afternoons at anchor.

⚓ Anchoring

• Protection: Good from N winds, exposed to S swell
• Holding: Good in sand
• Approx. Pos.: 37°15.619′ N, 23°06.480′ E
• Depths: 5–10 metres

How to Anchor

Free anchoring is possible throughout the bay. Stern lines ashore can also be used near the edges of the bay, particularly along the northeastern shore, which offers the best protection from the prevailing northerly winds.

• Seabed: Large rock slabs are present beneath the water, particularly near the swimming area. Carefully select a sandy patch before dropping anchor.
• Swimming Area: Avoid anchoring inside the buoyed swimming zone, which extends a considerable distance from the beach.
• Swell: Southerly swell can make the anchorage uncomfortable, even when winds are light.
• Weather: Conditions are generally calmer during northerly weather patterns.

Going Ashore

A small dock on the southeastern end of the beach at 37°15.605′ N, 23°06.620′ E provides convenient dinghy access. Do not leave your dinghy there, as it is used by boats transferring visitors to and from the beach. Instead, use the non-organised northwestern end of the beach around 37°15.672′ N, 23°06.564′ E for dinghy landing.

Ashore you will find:

• A beach bar serving drinks and light meals.
• Sunbeds and umbrellas.
• The small chapel of Agia Paraskevi at 37°15.626′ N, 23°06.648′ E.

SW Unnamed Cove

Type: Small cove anchorage
Best for: Swimming, snorkelling, peaceful overnight stays

This small unnamed cove lies approximately half a mile northwest of Agia Paraskevi. With crystal-clear water, excellent visibility, and a small beach, it offers a quieter alternative to the more popular south-coast anchorages of Spetses. The rocky edges of the bay provide good snorkelling and diving opportunities, while the absence of facilities helps preserve its peaceful character.

⚓ Anchoring

• Protection: Good from N winds, exposed to S swell
• Holding: Good in sand
• Approx. Pos.: 37°15.973′ N, 23°06.266′ E
• Depths: 6–8 metres

How to Anchor

Free anchoring is possible in the centre of the bay but running stern lines ashore is the preferable option since the cove is narrow.

• Seabed: White rock slabs are present in parts of the bay and can foul anchors.
• Anchoring Area: The best holding is found in the sandy centre of the bay.
• Swell: Southerly swell can make the anchorage uncomfortable overnight.
• Weather: In settled northerly conditions, the bay is generally calm.

Going Ashore

A small pebbly beach provides easy dinghy access. There are no facilities ashore. No roads or organised beach facilities reach the cove, helping preserve its secluded and peaceful atmosphere.

Zogeria

Type: Large bay anchorage
Best for: Overnight stays, swimming, hiking, seclusion

Zogeria (Ζωγεριά) is one of the largest and most beautiful anchorages in Spetses. Surrounded by pine forest and unspoilt countryside, it feels far removed from the busy atmosphere of Spetses Town despite being only a short sail away. The bay is particularly popular with yachts seeking a peaceful overnight stop, although its size also attracts larger vessels and superyachts during the summer months. Peacocks are frequently seen and heard in the area, while goats and other animals are commonly encountered ashore.

⚓ Anchoring

• Protection: Good from S, W and E, exposed to N
• Holding: Good in sand and mud
• Approx. Pos.: 37°16.636′ N, 23°06.460′ E
• Depths: 6–12 metres

How to Anchor

Free anchoring is possible throughout the bay. Stern lines ashore are commonly used along the shoreline.

• Seabed: Rocks are present close to shore, while the southeastern part of the bay is less suitable for anchoring due to rocky areas.
• Fishing Nets: Fishing nets are occasionally laid in the bay.
• Stern Lines: When using stern lines, secure them to rocks rather than trees.
• Protected Area: The adjacent cove to the west, home to the main Zogeria Beach at 37°16.715′ N, 23°06.061′ E, is protected and should not be used for anchoring from May to October.

Going Ashore

A small pier at 37°16.573′ N, 23°06.256′ E provides convenient dinghy access.

Several walking trails begin near the shoreline and pass through the surrounding pine forest. A pleasant walk of approximately 400 metres westwards leads to the organised sandy beach of Zogeria, where a restaurant operates during the summer months.

The area offers excellent swimming, snorkelling, and beautiful views over the surrounding coastline. Despite the popularity of the anchorage, the scenery remains remarkably natural.

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