Plati Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Plati is a small village on the south coast of Limnos with a sandy bay offering 3–6m on clean sand with good holding. Sheltered from N, NW, and NE. Exposed to S and SE — common sea breeze direction on the south coast can build in the afternoon. The village is one of Limnos's most traditional — low, whitewashed buildings and a working agricultural character. A long sandy beach extends to the east.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Plati Bay is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–6m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on the anchor.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator to confirm you have adequate chain for the depth.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Delta, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Plati Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE and E winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below for the night.60m for the village bay in 3–6m on sand with good holding. Exposed to S, SE, and E — afternoon sea breeze from S is possible; use 70m and monitor conditions. The anchorage is manageable in moderate S but uncomfortable in strong S — move to Myrina (6nm NW) if conditions deteriorate.

June–September. Best in settled NE meltemi when the south coast is calm. Avoid in any S or SE wind forecast. May and October are marginal for this anchorage.

Navigation Hazards

• S and SE sea breeze develops in the afternoon — can create short chop; monitor and move to Myrina if uncomfortable
• Shallow beach approach — do not anchor inside the 3m line near the beach; swimmers use the shallows

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Monitor S and SE forecasts — afternoon sea breeze is possible. No anchoring in designated swimming areas close to the beach.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Myrina (6nm)
• Restaurant: Two or three tavernas in the village, open June–September. Fresh local produce. Basic mini-market in the village.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Local Muscat wine is often available direct from village producers — ask at the taverna
2. The beach is one of the best on Limnos for a quiet day ashore — very few tourists visit the south coast villages