Psathoura Sailing Guide: Anchorages, Harbours and Tips

Updated: September 2026

Psathoura (Ψαθούρα) is the northernmost island of the Sporades group and one of the most remote landfalls in the Aegean. Unlike its high, pine-covered neighbors, Psathoura is a low-lying, flat volcanic islet dominated by its imposing 28-meter stone lighthouse (built in 1895). Surrounded by striking turquoise waters and dark basalt formations, it is a rewarding day stop during calm weather when sailing through the outer marine park.

⚠️Cellular Signal: Signal across the island is extremely poor or nonexistent.

Anchored boats in Psathoura islet
Psathoura islet panorama – view facing north with Mandraki Beach in the foreground.

Regulations & Zone A Rules

Psathoura is designated as Zone A2 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.
  • Permitted Times: Anchoring, swimming, and tender landings are permitted from sunrise to sunset only. Night stays are prohibited.
  • Designated Area: Access is restricted exclusively to Mandraki Beach on the southwest coast.
  • Shore Access: Visitors may disembark on Mandraki Beach up to 50 meters inland. Wandering across the rest of the islet is restricted to protect nesting seabirds and local flora.
  • Fishing: Amateur fishing and spearfishing are prohibited.

⚓ Anchoring

Mandraki is the only authorized anchorage on Psathoura. It is ideal for short lunch stops and swimming in translucent, swimming-pool-like waters over white sand and dark volcanic stone.

N: ProtectedNNE: ProtectedNEE: ExposedESE: ExposedSES: ExposedSSW: ExposedSWW: ExposedWNW: ExposedNW
The vivid turquoise water over sand at Mandraki Beach in Psathoura
The vivid turquoise water over sand at Mandraki Beach in Psathoura. Photo by Annapapth, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

How to anchor:

The anchorage lies off the beach on the southwest side of the island. Anchor freely on the northeast sandy area.

  • Rocks: The coastline is surrounded by submerged basalt ledges and dark volcanic boulders. Keep a close eye on your depth sounder and proceed at slow speed when approaching the beach.
  • Locating Sand: Look for bright turquoise water patches to drop anchor. Dark blue/grey patches indicate rocky ledges where chains can easily foul.
  • Best Area: The best sandy holding is found toward the western (left) side of the bay when facing the beach.
  • Swell: Due to the low elevation of the island and open exposure, rolling is common even in light winds.
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