Explore: Naxos
General Info
This is the largest and greenest of the Cyclades islands and both its harbors are a safe place to leave a yacht to explore the rest of the island. Although much visited, it remains largely unspoilt.
Position: 37° 06.30’N, 25° 22.13’E (Naxos port)
Clearance
Port Police and Customs are based here.
Docking
Naxos Port
This is the main port of the island on the west coast, directly opposite Paros. The harbor entrance can easily be seen by the conspicuous breakwater and ferries coming and going. The town is charming, good for provisions and eating out.
There is a marina here (VHF Channel 69). However it is very crowded with local boats so it’s recommended to arrive early in order to ensure finding a space or call ahead and reserve a space (see details below).
The entrance into the busy marina looks tight, but there is a good depth of water close to shore. Normally the marina is full by 18:00. Piers are concrete with water and electricity. Although there are some tailed moorings, the majority are now missing so use of your own anchor is essential. Holding can be patchy. Don’t be tempted to come alongside as the swell from ferry wash can be quite severe. It’s much safer to come stern-to and pull yourself well off the quay.
Take care: There is a chain on the bottom approximately 30 meters (100 ft) from the southern pontoon. Bear this in mind when dropping your anchor to try and avoid fouling.
It is also possible to anchor in the harbor just south of the rock with the conspicuous ancient “Portal” monument, under the breakwater. Again, take care to keep clear of the cable running parallel to the mole (marked on charts). Anchor close to the beach in three to five meters as further out exposes you to the uncomfortable wash from the ferries. The holding is good and the anchorage well protected.
Alternatively, anchor on the NE side of the isthmus joining Nisis Vakkhos to Naxos. You will need to take a long line ashore. Good holding here and while it is open to the Meltemi, it is sheltered from southerlies.
There is a Harbour Master here during the summer months, but out of season fees should be paid at the Port Police office.
Kalantos (Ormos Kalando)
This small, remote port is on the southeast coast, approximately 2.4 kms ( 1.5 miles) NE of Ak Katomeri. It provides very good shelter in all winds (although there may be gusts into the bay) and there is good holding in sand. The fishing harbour on the eastern side of the bay may have room for one or two yachts berthed alongside, suitable in calm weather. There are water and electricity on the pier, but no other services and a small bar is open only in high season. Fishermen can provide fresh fish at a good price.
Last updated: May 2018.
