Andros - Docking

Gavrion

This is the Island's ferry port. Consequently, it is noisy and busy with ferries coming and going regularly in the summer (and at high speed). It does, however, offer the safest anchorage on Andros when tucked into the northern corner of the bay, out of the way of the ferries maneuvering to get on the quay.

The bay gives good protection from the Meltemi and is tenable in southerlies too. The bottom is weed over mud, so holding is good, but it would be wise to lay a second anchor if leaving your boat to explore inland.

A nighttime approach should be avoided as there are numerous unlit reefs and off-lying islands.

There may be room to moor to the quay between the ferry piers, although take care in a strong Meltemi when strong gusts can make berthing here tricky. There are water and electricity on the quay and fuel can be obtained nearby or a mini-tanker delivers. The town offers good provisioning and services.

Batsi

This small harbor lies a couple of miles SE of Gavrion and is very popular with tourists in the summer and is considered the most attractive of the ports on Andros.

The mole here has been extended and there is now room for 10-12 yachts.

It is also possible to anchor in the north or western sides of the bay but the holding is suspect. There is good shelter (particularly in southerlies), however, with the Meltemi this bay suffers from gusts off the land to the east, making conditions rather uncomfortable and maybe so in strong northerlies. Alongside the west mole is the best place to be in a north wind but beware in a strong southwesterly as waves will come up over the mole and onto your boat.

It has all the same services as Gavrion.

Kastro

This is the capital of the Island with the harbor in the north of the bay and the beautiful town to the south. Approach can be difficult in a strong Meltemi, which blows down the coast directly into this harbor.

While more exposed to the Meltemi, it is reasonably sheltered once inside the harbor. The inner harbor offers the best protection, however, this is normally full of local boats. There is room for quite a few yachts behind the mole, or on the new western mole to the west. Holding is poor in the rock and weed, but there are some laid lines available.

Water and electricity are available and the town has a fuel station, bank, and numerous food shops, tavernas etc.

Last updated:  October 2020