Kyra Panagia Sailing Guide: Anchorage & Regulations

Type: Uninhabited island with natural harbors
Best for: Secure overnight stops, wild nature, monastery visit

Kyra Panagia (Κυρά Παναγιά), also spelled Kira Panagia, meaning Lady Virgin Mary is the largest uninhabited island in the outer zone of the Sporades. Owned entirely by the Great Lavra Monastery of Mount Athos, the island offers dramatic deserted landscapes, wild goat herds, and two of the finest natural harbors in Sporades – Planitis and Agios Petros.

⚠️Cellular signal across the island is extremely poor or nonexistent.

Regulations & Zone A Rules

Kyra Panagia is designated as Zone A4 within the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades (NMPANS).

• Park Ticket: Visiting vessels and crew must hold a valid NECCA Zone A entry ticket. See our NMPANS Ticket Guide for pricing and online booking details.
• Speed Limit: A speed limit of 10 knots within 0.5 NM of the coast applies to all vessels throughout Zone A.
• Sailing Restrictions: Keep a minimum distance of 0.5 NM from the island’s northwestern shore between the bays of Planitis and Agios Petros.
• Permitted Anchorages: Anchoring and swimming are permitted only in the bays Planitis, Agios Petros, and Monastiri.
• Overnight Stays: Overnighting on board is permitted only in Planitis and Agios Petros bays. Monastiri bay is restricted to day stops between sunrise and sunset.
• Shore Access: Wandering inland is prohibited across the island, except along the designated stone path to the Monastery at Monastiri Bay. In Planitis and Agios Petros, disembarking is permitted solely for the purpose of securing stern lines to the rocks.
• Fishing: Amateur fishing and spearfishing are prohibited.

Where to Anchor in Kyra Panagia (Quick Guide)

If you’re looking for the best anchorage in Kyra Panagia, here is a quick overview:

• Best swimming anchorage: Agios Petros
• Most protected anchorage: Planitis
• Best anchorage for visiting the monastery: Monastiri

General Rules

• Use Planitis when strong weather is expected or maximum protection is required.
• Use Agios Petros for swimming, clear water, and scenic overnight stays.
• Use Monastiri primarily as a day stop for visiting the Monastery of Kyra Panagia.
• Expect katabatic gusts in Planitis despite its excellent protection from waves.
• Stern lines ashore are common and often beneficial in both Planitis and Agios Petros.
• Water clarity is generally best in Agios Petros and poorest in Planitis due to its enclosed lagoon-like nature.

Kyra Panagia Sailing Map: Anchorages and Restricted Area

Below is an interactive map of the major anchorages in Kyra Panagia island. Click any location to jump to the detailed guide below.

⚓ Planitis

Planitis (Πλανήτης) is a near-landlocked, lagoon-like fjord on the north coast of the island. The narrow entry channel opens into a massive natural basin surrounded by wild, goat-inhabited hills.

How to anchor

The anchorage lies inside a vast sheltered basin. Choose either of the two inside coves to anchor.

• Entry: Exercise care when navigating the narrow entry channel, keeping to the center.
• Wind Gusts: Despite complete wave protection, fierce katabatic gusts can blow off the surrounding high hills during strong winds. Ensure your anchor is well dug in.
• Water Clarity: Because of the enclosed nature of the lagoon and limited water exchange, the water is warmer and murky compared to other Sporades anchorages, offering limited snorkeling visibility.
• Shore Lines: Long lines to the rocks are recommended, especially during busy periods.

⚓ Agios Petros

Located on the southwest coast, Agios Petros (Άγιος Πέτρος) is a long, fjord-like bay with crystal-clear turquoise waters, named after the small islet sitting in its entrance. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful anchorages in the Sporades.

How to anchor

The bay offers plenty of room to anchor in the center or tie stern lines to the rocks.

• Metal Hazard: Exercise caution on the northwest side of the bay (between the small islet and the shore), where a large metal object rests on the seabed and poses an anchor foul risk.
• Locating Sand: Aim for the bright turquoise water patches for immediate and secure holding in clean sand.
• Shore Lines: Tying two stern lines to the rocks on the eastern or northern shores is common, especially in peak summer when multiple boats are present.
• Alternative Spot: If the coves in the aforementioned coordinates are full, the cove at 39°18.833′ N, 24°03.942′ E offers a good secondary option. Note that it is exposed to the NW and the water color is less attractive than in the coves closer to the islet.

⚓ Monastiri

Situated on the east coast, Monastiri (Μοναστήρι) is the primary landing cove for visiting the historic, newly renovated Monastery of Kyra Panagia perched high on the cliffs.

How to anchor

This is primarily a day stop for visiting the monastery due to persistent swell.

• Shallow Reef: Beware of the shallow rocky headland on the northern entrance of the bay, where depths drop below 3 meters.
• Locating Sand: Identify clear white sand patches in 4–6 meters to drop anchor and avoid rock ledges.
• Monastery Visit: Take your tender to the small jetty and follow the newly constructed stone path up to the monastery. Visiting hours are 08:00–15:00 and 18:00–20:00 (closed 15:00–18:00). Modest dress is required (wraps are provided at the entrance).
• Swell: Rolling is common even in light winds.