Makronissos Beach Anchorage Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Sandy bay west of Agia Napa in 3–7m over sand with good holding. Protected from N, NE, and E; exposed to S, SW, and W. Named for the ancient rock-cut tombs of Makronissos ashore — the beach is adjacent to an important archaeological site (Hellenistic–Roman period). Clear water and sandy bottom. The bay is slightly more sheltered from the afternoon westerly than the open coast bays to the east, making it useful in westerly-dominated settled weather. No facilities at the beach. Tidal range <30cm. 90m alarm radius allows swinging room in the wide bay.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Makronissos Beach Anchorage is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Verify Cape Greco MPA boundaries before anchoring — if within the Natura 2000 core zone, use the yellow mooring buoys provided. Anchoring is strictly prohibited in the MPA core area (€500+ fines).
2. Check for Posidonia seagrass — snorkel to verify a sand patch before dropping anchor. EU-protected; fines apply for damage.
3. Anchor in 3–7m. Cyprus tidal range is negligible (<30cm). Deploy 35m chain at 7m depth (5:1 scope).
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Makronissos Beach Anchorage are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds. The primary overnight hazard on the southeast coast is easterly swell from the open Levantine Basin (Lebanon/Israel direction) — develops rapidly in E/NE winds. The Limassol–Beirut ferry route passes SE of Cape Greco — maintain a watch on VHF Ch 16 and keep clear of commercial traffic at night.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below. 90m radius in 4–6m sand. Good holding. S/SW/W exposure — westerly afternoon sea breeze directly into bay. Sheltered from easterly swell, making this a good alternative when east coast bays are exposed.

April–October. Best in settled E/NE conditions when east coast bays are exposed — Makronissos becomes the preferred shelter. Not suitable in strong westerly. Generally uncrowded compared to Agia Napa's main beaches.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SW/W exposure — afternoon westerly sea breeze blows directly into bay; uncomfortable in stronger westerly conditions
• When easterly bays are sheltered, westerly conditions here can be the better option — monitor wind direction
• Archaeological site ashore — Makronissos Tombs are protected; respect all heritage zone signs

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen): Cyprus is an EU member state but NOT part of the Schengen Area. Passport controls apply to all nationalities. Non-EU boats must clear customs at Larnaca Marina (24/7) or Agia Napa Marina before anchoring in Cyprus waters.
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Anchor clear of beach swim zones. Respect the Makronissos Tombs archaeological site ashore — no disturbance of the protected heritage area.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Agia Napa (2nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Agia Napa (2nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Agia Napa (2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Good alternative anchorage when east coast bays face easterly swell — this bay is sheltered from the E
2. Visit the Makronissos Tombs ashore — a fascinating rock-cut cemetery dating to Hellenistic–Roman period
3. Calmer mornings before the westerly builds are the best time for snorkelling
4. Agia Napa Marina (1.5nm E) is a convenient overnight fallback if conditions deteriorate