Astris Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

A secluded bay on the SE coast of Thasos, off the tourist track. Anchor in 4–8m on clean sand with good holding. The bay is well sheltered from N and NW — the prevailing NE meltemi wraps slightly around the SE corner but the bay remains tenable in most summer conditions. Beautiful beach at the head of the bay with minimal facilities. Exposed to the open Aegean from E, SE, and S — monitor weather for any southerly development.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Astris 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 4–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m for a free-swinging anchorage in 4–8m on sand. Holding is reliable in the clean sandy bottom. Exposed to the open Aegean from E, SE, and S — increase to 80m and set a watch if any southerly swell develops. This is a fair-weather anchorage; depart if forecasts show S or SE development.

Best June–September in settled weather only. Avoid in any south or east wind forecast. May and October are too early/late for confident anchoring here given the SE exposure.

Navigation Hazards

• Exposed to E, SE, and the open Aegean — only suitable in settled weather; a developing southerly or easterly makes this bay untenable
• Relatively remote for SE Thasos — check provisioning before anchoring here; nearest fuel and water are in Limenaria (6nm)
• Swell can enter from the SE overnight — set a GPS alarm before sleeping; check conditions in the evening

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Check for Posidonia near the shore. SE exposure means this is a fair-weather anchorage only — monitor forecasts carefully.

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: Potos (south coast) (4nm)
• Restaurant: Small seasonal beach bar. Very basic. Nearest proper provisions in Potos (4nm) or Limenaria (6nm).
• Provisions: None on site — Potos (south coast) (4nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Best in settled July–August when the NE meltemi is well established and southerlies are absent — the bay is calm and beautiful on those days
2. Combine with an Alyki visit (3nm NW) — anchor Astris for the night, Alyki for snorkelling in the daytime
3. Snorkelling off the beach is excellent — clear SE Thasos water with minimal boat traffic