Kithnos - Docking

The island offers several anchorages, mostly on the eastern side and several others clustered near the small off-shore island of Loukas on the western side.

Merikha

A mile south of Loukas is the ferry port of Merikha which has a small town quay. (see photo above courtesy of Chris Thorne). Yachts can berth between the two piers. The Harbour Master will probably run up and down the quay with a whistle to indicate where you should moor. There are water and electricity on the quay (although electricity is reported to be expensive).

Take care with surge caused by the ferry (who still use the inner ferry berth) and the effects of strong gusts from the Meltemi, which tends to blow consistently here. Put out as much anchor as you can and use strong lines, although be aware of the common Greek problem of crossed anchor lines and other yachts dragging your anchor. Westerly winds cause quite a swell in the harbor and if strong from the SW, this harbour may become untenable.

It is possible to anchor on the west side of the bar, but there are laid moorings south of the inner fishing boat quay.

This is the biggest town with services on Kithnos, although provisioning is basic (a few mini-markets and bakeries). There are however plenty of tavernas.

Last updated:  May 2018.

Loutra

The small port of Loutra is on the NE coast. Arrive well prepared for mooring as there is very little room to maneuver once inside the bay and harbor. If a strong Meltemi is blowing this will push you straight into the bay as well, which makes mooring very difficult.

Moor to the NE mole or alongside (to avoid crossed anchors) either side of the outer quay. There is good shelter inside the basin, but outside can be subject to strong gusts with the Meltemi. In settled weather it is possible to go bows/stern to the quay north of the small harbor. Marineros are in attendance during daylight hours and there is water and electricity on the quay.

The bay of Ay Irini to the SE of the harbor is a good place to anchor with lines ashore to the NE side. There are rings in the rocks. A swell can make mooring here uncomfortable.

Loutra is a pleasant little port with some nice tavernas and a mini market and bakery. A local fisherman keeps a few old cars that he rents to cruisers for €30 a day, so one can visit the whole island easily in a day. The Chora, high up on a hill, is a good walk for those who are reasonably fit and definitely worth a visit with nice tavernas and tourist shops etc.

Last updated:  April 2017