Limenaria Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Limenaria is the largest settlement on the south coast of Thasos and the main port for southern Thasos. Anchor in 3–5m on sand and mud with good holding, or take a stern-to berth on the quay. The town faces SW and is protected from the prevailing NE meltemi by the bulk of the island. Exposed to S and SW — prevailing summer sea breeze direction on the south coast can create afternoon chop. Arrival by mid-morning recommended. An old German-era mining building (Palataki) overlooks the harbour — an unusual industrial heritage site.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Limenaria is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–5m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m 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 Limenaria are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m for the outer anchorage in 3–5m on sand and mud with good holding. Exposed to S and SW — afternoon sea breeze from the south is common on the south coast of Thasos in summer. Use 65m and monitor if S wind develops. The quay berths provide more protection; radio ahead in peak season.

May–October. South-coast anchorage means better NE meltemi shelter than north Thasos in summer. S and SW wind exposure means monitoring forecasts is important. July–August brings road tourists but the harbour remains manageable.

Navigation Hazards

• S and SW afternoon sea breeze common on the south coast — anchorage can become choppy in the afternoon; be prepared to shift berth
• Exposed to the SW — in any southerly blow the anchorage becomes uncomfortable; monitor forecasts and have plan to move
• Busy with road tourists in July–August — the harbour waterfront can be noisy at night

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free anchoring. Quay berths: ~€10–20/night.
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Commercial harbour — follow port authority instructions. Day-trip ferry from Kavala sometimes calls here; keep approach clear.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Several restaurants and cafes. Good fresh fish. Full supermarket. Fuel available by hose from the quay or jerry can.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Best alternative port to Limenas on Thasos when NE is strong — Limenaria is beautifully sheltered from NE by the island
2. The Palataki is open to visitors — a rare piece of early 20th century industrial architecture in the Greek islands, worth an hour's exploration
3. Alyki bay (6nm east) is an easy day trip by sail or motor — combine with a morning snorkel at the marble peninsula