Astypalaia Island Anchorages:
A Haven for Sailors & Dreamers

Find your perfect anchorage in Astypalaia Island!
Explore sheltered bays with calm waters & beautiful beaches.

Beyond the Marinas: Exploring Astypalaia's Best Anchorages

Astypalaia, the butterfly-shaped island of the Dodecanese, is a sailor’s paradise. With its rugged coastline, turquoise waters, and a constellation of hidden coves, this “Little Venice” of the Aegean offers a plethora of anchorages for every taste. Whether you seek a secluded retreat, a bustling haven near a charming village, or a spot to witness breathtaking sunsets, Astypalaia has an anchorage waiting to be discovered.

This guide will take you on a journey through the island’s most beautiful and safe anchorages, providing insights on their accessibility, amenities, and the unique experiences they offer. So, raise your sails, set your course, and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of Astypalaia’s hidden coves.

Astypalia Anchorages Overview

Google Earth View

Agrilidi Beach

  • 36°35'06.3"N 26°25'25.3"E
  • Seabed Type: Seagrass / Sand
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This peaceful bay offers excellent holding in the sandy bottom. We spent three nights here, even during strong Meltemi winds, and experienced no issues with the anchorage. We dropped anchor in 4m of water, letting out 30m of chain. While the beach at the end of the bay is mostly pebbled, you can find some patches of sand.

SE Bay

  • 36°34'34.8"N 26°24'25.2"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: The sandy bottom provided excellent holding, even with winds gusting up to 26 knots. We anchored in 5m of water and remained securely in place throughout the strong winds.

Paralia Schinonta

  • 36°34'33.2"N 26°23'30.5"E
  • Seabed Type: Seagrass / Mud / Sand
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This small bay offers good protection from northerly winds. While the bottom is uneven, you can find a good sandy patch by anchoring closer to the beach. If you don’t, you’ll likely encounter a fairly hard seagrass bed that may not provide reliable holding. Aim for 4-5m of depth.

Maltezana Quay

Quay
This is what sailors experienced: Free moorings are available on the west side of the quay. The east side is occupied by local fishing boats with their own moorings. The anchorage offers excellent protection from northerly winds, and the islands off the bay of Maltezana provide surprisingly effective shelter from swell, even with winds from other directions.

Plakes Beach

  • 36°34'24.7"N 26°22'35.0"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: I dropped anchor in the center of the bay, at a depth of 9m. While I haven’t tested the holding in strong winds, the bottom is definitely sand.

Paralia Steno

  • 36°34'37.0"N 26°21'59.7"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Seagrass
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This picturesque anchorage boasts a sandy bottom with excellent holding, offering a tranquil haven for boats seeking shelter from strong northerly winds.

Marble Beach

  • 36°33'54.6"N 26°21'16.2"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This anchorage is a haven for boats seeking shelter from strong winds. The wide, sandy bottom provides excellent holding, and we found that even strong Meltemi gusts were easily sustained throughout the night.

Kounoupi Island

  • 36°31'52.7"N 26°28'13.0"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Rocks
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This anchorage is a great option, offering clear water and a bottom composed of sand, seaweed patches, and scattered rocks. Anchorages in depths less than 7m are limited due to the rocks, but the overall location is excellent.

Koutsomiti Beach

  • 36°32'57.7"N 26°26'57.5"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Seagrass
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This anchorage is a true gem, offering crystal-clear waters and a tranquil setting, tucked away between depths of 4-8m. We enjoyed the solitude of being alone and were well-protected from the wind.

Pontikousa Island

  • 36°33'34.4"N 26°13'21.1"E
  • Seabed Type: Rocks / Sand / Seagrass
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This is a beautiful spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch and a refreshing swim. In calm weather, it’s also a tranquil spot to spend the night.

Ofidoussa Island

  • 36°32'53.6"N 26°08'33.5"E
  • Seabed Type: Rocks / Sand / Seagrass
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This anchorage offers good protection from northerly winds and waves, but a significant southern swell rolled in throughout the night. I dropped anchor in about 10m of water, finding a mix of cobble rock and sand. Despite the swell, the anchor held well.

Astypalaia Anchorages – FAQ

What are the anchoring highlights on Astypalaia?

Livadi (sand, services), Maltezana/Analipsi (lee, moorings), Vatses & Kaminakia (clear water), and Kounoupa/Koutsomytis day trips.

How do I reach the anchorages?

Fly JTY or ferry from Piraeus/nearby islands; sailors route via central–SE Aegean in a settled forecast window.

Any skipper tips about winds and shelter?

Meltemi (N–NW) accelerates across the isthmus; pick north-lee coves, expect night katabatics, test sand/weed holding, avoid posidonia.

Where to stay ashore?

Chora for views; Livadi or Maltezana for dinghy-friendly rooms, easy supplies, and calmer nights.

Practical docking or anchoring note?

Med-moor as directed at Skala/Agios Andreas; carry long stern lines, keep clear of ferry berths, confirm water/fuel hours.

Any extra travel or culture tip?

Sunset at the castle and windmills; plan calm-day runs to Kounoupa/Koutsomytis; try chlori cheese and thyme honey.

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