Skantzoura Sailing Guide: Anchorage & Regulations

Type: Uninhabited island anchorage
Best for: Lunch stops, swimming

Skantzoura (Σκάντζουρα) is a low, uninhabited island located southeast of Alonissos in the outer zone of the Sporades. Dominated by low Mediterranean scrub, rocky inlets, and an abandoned monastery at its center, the island offers absolute tranquility, crystal-clear waters, and complete isolation from commercial tourism.

Regulations & Zone A Rules

Skantzoura is designated as Zone A5 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.
• Permitted Anchorages: Anchoring is permitted only at Limani Bay (Southwest Coast).
• Overnight Stays: Not permitted (day-use only from sunrise to sunset; overnighting on board is prohibited).
• Shore Access: Wandering inland across the island is prohibited to protect local wildlife, seabird nesting sites, and reptile habitats. Disembarking is permitted only to secure stern lines to the shore.
• Speed Limit: A speed limit of 10 knots within 0.5 NM of the coast applies to all vessels throughout Zone A.
• Fishing: Amateur fishing and spearfishing are prohibited.

⚓ Limani Bay

Limani Bay (Λιμάνι) is a sweeping, multi-headed fjord on the southwest coast of Skantzoura and the island’s only authorized anchorage. It offers pristine, swimming-pool-like waters and a wild setting.

How to anchor

The anchorage consists of a broader outer bay and two narrower inner coves extending to the northeast and southeast.

• Free anchoring: Drop anchor in 6–8 meters over clean sand in the outer/central area of the bay.
• Stern lines: To anchor over the shallow turquoise waters inside the coves, move closer to the head of the inlet and take stern lines ashore. Space is tight here, so you will not have room for a long chain scope. If you are the only boat in the cove, the most secure setup is to drop anchor in the center and run stern lines to opposite shores.
• Positioning Caution: Do not push too far into the narrow heads of the inlets. The seabed there transitions into flat rock ledges and pebbles, offering poor holding.
• Locating Sand: Use the clear water to visually identify bright white sand patches. Darker patches indicate seagrass or rock slabs where anchor chains can slide.