Skala Prinos Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Skala Prinos is the second ferry terminal on Thasos, receiving ferries from Kavala. The bay faces NW and is exposed to westerly winds but well sheltered from the prevailing NE meltemi — making it often more comfortable than Limenas in strong NE conditions. Anchor in 2–4m on very soft mud with excellent holding. Mud is thick and deep — hold a fouled anchor by motoring up to it slowly. The village has basic provisions, fuel by jerry can, and several tavernas. Quieter than Limenas with a more local feel.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Skala Prinos is primarily mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 2–4m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (28m chain at 4m 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, Mantus, CQR, Bruce. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Skala Prinos are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to W and NW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 45m radius before going below for the night.45m for the anchorage area in 2–4m on soft mud with excellent holding. Mud grip is exceptional — the anchor buries deeply and instantly. Can tighten to 35m once set and confirmed. Exposed to W and NW — westerly nights are uncommon June–August but watch the forecast. In NE meltemi this anchorage is very comfortable.

Good year-round anchorage thanks to ferry link. June–September is primary season. May and October offer excellent conditions with no crowds — one of the best shoulder-season anchorages on Thasos.

Navigation Hazards

• Ferry traffic on the N side — Kavala ferries use this port twice daily in summer; keep approach clear
• Exposed to W and NW: rare in summer but an arriving westerly makes the anchorage uncomfortable; depart to Limenas (8nm) or Ormos Prinos (1nm south) if conditions deteriorate
• Very soft mud — retrieving a heavily bedded anchor requires patience; motor slowly up to the anchor chain before attempting to break out

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free anchoring. Ferry quay area for ferry vessels only.
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Keep ferry approach lane clear — Kavala ferries arrive twice daily in summer. Do not anchor in the main ferry berth area.

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: Skala Prinos village (0nm)
• Restaurant: Three or four tavernas on the waterfront. Fresh fish and local North Aegean dishes. Basic mini-market for provisions. Fuel by jerry can from the petrol station 500m inland.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Best NE meltemi shelter on the west coast — when Limenas is choppy in NE wind, Skala Prinos is calm and comfortable
2. The mud holding is exceptional — one of the best-holding bottoms on Thasos; set firmly and you can sleep soundly in most conditions
3. Ferry timetable from Kavala: check ahead — Skala Prinos receives fewer ferries than Limenas but is often less busy on arrival
4. Scooter hire available in the village for exploring the interior and the south coast marble beaches