Kalymnos Island Anchorages:
Sail Away to Your Kalymnos Adventure

Sailing the Aegean: Navigate through the
crystal-clear waters & breathtaking landscapes of Kalymnos Island.

Kalymnos Anchorages: A Sailor's Paradise of Hidden Coves & Tranquil Bays

Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting beauty of the Dodecanese, with Kalymnos’s anchorages standing out as true gems. Here, crystal-clear waters, rugged coastlines, and secluded beaches await your discovery. These hidden treasures offer a serene escape from the bustling world, inviting you to immerse yourself in the island’s natural wonders. Whether you seek a peaceful cove for an overnight stay or a sheltered bay for a refreshing swim, the anchorages of Kalymnos within the Dodecanese promise an unforgettable experience.

This page will guide you through a selection of the island’s most captivating anchorages, each with its unique charm and allure. From the turquoise waters of Emporios to the dramatic cliffs of Panormos, prepare to be amazed by the diverse beauty of Kalymnos’s coastline within the Dodecanese. Let us embark on a journey to uncover the hidden gems that make this island a true sailor’s paradise.

Kalymnos Anchorages Overview

Google Earth View

Masouri Beach

  • 36°59'49.3"N 26°56'03.0"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Rocks / Seagrass
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This is a lovely spot when the winds and waves are calm, offering clear water and a sandy bottom. However, you’ll need to anchor quite close to shore to avoid the seagrass. We found a good spot in 3m of depth.

Arginonta Beach

  • 37°00'59.7"N 26°57'51.1"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Seagrass
Anchorage

This is what sailors experienced:
This is a pleasant bay with a sandy bottom, though covered with seagrass. Despite the seagrass, you’ll find good holding with 50m of chain in 7.5m of depth. It’s best suited for moderate winds up to 3-4 Beaufort. However, be aware of a venturi effect that occurs when the wind rushes through the bay’s axis.

Pirates Of Kalymnos Bay

  • 37°02'36.8"N 26°56'12.6"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Seagrass
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This anchorage offers excellent protection from northwest winds, with no gusting or venturi effects. However, be prepared for significant swell. The small white buoy offers a secure mooring option. I anchored at the white buoy, but be aware of the abundant seagrass in the area.

Emporios Beach

  • 37°02'42.0"N 26°55'46.2"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Seagrass
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This is a cozy bay with the added bonus of free buoys. The buoys themselves are sturdy and easy to catch. However, be aware that when the wind dies down, swell can enter the bay, causing the buoys to bump against your boat. While it’s not damaging, it can be a bit annoying.

Maiks Beach

  • 37°02'35.1"N 26°55'19.4"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Seagrass
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: It’s easy to spot sandy patches for anchoring here. We experienced strong Meltemi winds but found good holding with 30m of chain in 5m of water. Despite the strong winds, there was no swell.

Alexis Beach

  • 37°02'43.8"N 26°55'06.3"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Seagrass / Rocks
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This is a good spot for a quick swim on a day with little wind, but the holding is poor.

Sykáti Beach

  • 37°03'40.0"N 26°56'27.6"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Rocks
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This is a truly gorgeous spot, offering excellent protection from the Meltemi winds. The holding is good with a sand-over-rock bottom, but you might need to try a few times to find the perfect spot. We had to try twice before we found solid holding.

Saint George Sikati Bay

  • 37°03'32.7"N 26°57'05.9"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Seagrass
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This is a beautiful bay, but be prepared for some stress. While it offers protection from southern swells, the valley funnels south winds, creating strong gusts. It can be challenging to find sandy spots among the seagrass, and it’s highly recommended to anchor only in daylight.

Palionisos Bay

  • 37°02'28.2"N 26°58'22.8"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This bay offers free buoys for anchoring. While it appears tight, all the boats on buoys have ample space to swing. It’s a very safe anchorage with winds from the east to north-northwest.

Pezonta Beach

  • 37°00'13.6"N 27°00'26.9"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Rocks
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This is a beautiful bay, particularly sheltered from southerly winds. However, be aware that in many areas, there’s only a thin layer of sand over rocky plates, making it a bit tricky to find good anchoring. It took us a few attempts before our anchor held securely.

Vathy's NE Bay

  • 36°58'44.7"N 27°02'22.6"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Seagrass
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This is a picturesque anchorage, with a beautiful shoreline. We anchored at 17m depth, using 55m of chain, backing our boat towards the beach and attaching the chain to the shoreline. With our boat size, it was difficult to anchor any other way.

Port of Vathy

Port
This is what sailors experienced: This is a lovely, charming port, especially calm in westerly winds. Manolis provides a warm welcome and offers great advice – be sure to listen to him! I highly recommend this spot.

Akti Beach

  • 36°57'30.3"N 27°01'53.7"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Seagrass
Anchorage

This is what sailors experienced:
This is a beautiful, wild anchorage, tucked away between tall mountains. The anchor held well in 9m of sand with 40m of chain. While the wind was gusty overnight, causing our boat to turn frequently, the gusts were brief and not strong enough to pull against the anchor.

Kalymnos Anchorages – FAQ

What are the anchoring highlights on Kalymnos?

Vathy fjord (deep, sheltered), Palionisou (sand/lines ashore), Emborios (lee), and Telendos channel moorings.

How do I reach the anchorages?

Fly to KGS then ferry to Kalymnos (or limited JKL flights); sailors hop via the Kos–Kalymnos–Leros channels in settled forecasts.

Any skipper tips about winds and shelter?

Meltemi N–NW accelerates between islands; pick north-lee bays, expect katabatics, test sand/weed holding, avoid posidonia.

Where to stay ashore?

Pothia for services, Masouri for beaches/Telendos views, or Vathy for quiet rooms near the quay.

Practical docking or anchoring note?

Med-moor on town quays with long stern lines; keep clear of ferry berths, use lines ashore in Palionisou, confirm fuel/water hours.

Any extra travel or culture tip?

Visit the Sponge Museum, try seafood in Vathy, and plan a sunset dinghy run toward Telendos.

Click Here to Explore Kalymnos Island

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