One of the great privileges of sailing a catamaran in Greece is access to anchorages inaccessible to ferries and crowds. These secret coves, these unspoilt bays, these magical anchorages - this is where the real Greece is experienced. Here are our 5 favourite anchorages, selected after years of sailing the Greek islands.
1. Dokos - Saronic Gulf
Dokos is an almost deserted island in the Saronic Gulf, just a few miles from Hydra. Its anchorage is one of the most beautiful in the Saronic Islands - a well-protected bay, clear waters and, above all, breathtaking sunsets. As the sun descends behind the hills of the Peloponnese, the colours change from pink to gold in a matter of minutes. It's the kind of moment that will remain engraved in the memory of a cruise. Uncrowded, quiet and authentic - Dokos is our favourite anchorage in the Saronic Islands.
2. Afales - Ithaca, Ionian Islands
To the north of Ulysses' mythical island, the Bay of Afales is a revelation. Vertiginous white cliffs plunge into deep turquoise water - a striking contrast that few anchorages in the Mediterranean can match. The bay is well protected from the prevailing winds and offers an ideal sandy bottom for anchoring. No harbour, no tavernas, no noise - just sea, cliffs and silence. This is wild Greece in all its splendour.
3. Roda - Paxos, Ionian Islands
Paxos is one of the smallest of the Ionian islands, and Roda is one of its hidden gems. This cove offers waters of an extraordinary turquoise, dotted with submerged rocks that create an exceptional snorkelling area. The light coming through the water and playing on the rocks creates reflections that are impossible to forget. This is our family anchorage par excellence - ideal for a day of swimming, snorkelling and relaxing on the deck of the catamaran.
4. Kleftiko - Milos, Cyclades
Kleftiko is without doubt the most spectacular anchorage in the Cyclades. Accessible only by sea, this bay is surrounded by volcanic rock formations sculpted into arches, caves and tunnels. Legend has it that pirates used these caves as hiding places - hence the name "Kleftiko", which means "thieves". Today it is a paradise for swimmers and snorkellers. The waters are crystal clear and the rock formations create a unique play of light beneath the surface. An anchorage that alone justifies a cruise in the Cyclades.
5. Panormitis - Symi, Dodecanese
To the south of the island of Symi, the monastery of Panormitis watches over one of the most beautiful bays in the Dodecanese. Anchoring opposite the 18th-century Byzantine monastery is a unique experience - a blend of spirituality and natural beauty. The waters are calm, deep and intensely blue. In the evening, when the day boats have left, the bay is once again absolutely serene. A rare stopover between the East and the Mediterranean, perfectly illustrating the uniqueness of the Dodecanese.
How do I get to these anchorages?
These five anchorages have one thing in common: they are all accessible by catamaran thanks to their shallow draught. Our Lagoon 52, with a draught of just 1.30 metres, can get as close as possible to these coves where other boats have to stay offshore.
Want to find out more? Check our availability and choose your sailing area.