Monemvasia - Docking
Docking in Monemvasia
For important arrival information see entrance notes and cautions.
See recommendations for when visiting Monemvasia by yacht.
Mooring South of Monemvasia island
The marina lies to the south of Monemvasia Island and the causeway. The breakwater can be difficult to identify on approach, especially in poor visibility. It is advisable to arrive during daylight hours, as vessels often anchor close to the entrance, potentially obstructing the fairway.
Once around the breakwater, yachts can berth side-to the outer mole extending eastwards. Note that this area is shallow (approximately 1.8 metres), exposed to northerlies, and has poor holding due to an irregular and rocky seabed. Exercise caution: boulders extend from the harbour side of the mole into about half of the entrance. It is safer to approach from the center-left side of the entrance, as yachts frequently go aground here.
There may be berthing space further inside the harbour, particularly along the southern quay. The most secure mooring option is to lie alongside the inside of the breakwater, which offers the best protection within the harbour.
While the harbour generally provides adequate shelter, a strong northerly or north-easterly can create a significant surge, making conditions uncomfortable. Water and electricity are available at certain sections of the quay.
Mooring North of Monemvasia island
An alternative mooring option can sometimes be found just north of the causeway, inside the ferry quay. This area is primarily used by larger vessels and offers good protection from westerly and easterly winds, but is completely exposed to northerlies and southerlies. It is not suitable in unsettled conditions and should only be used in calm weather.
Anchoring in Monemvasia
Anchoring in the immediate vicinity of the old Kastro of Monemvasia is generally not recommended, for a number of reasons:
- The seabed here is rocky, with numerous outcrops, making it easy for your anchor to get snagged.
- Additionally, there is an underwater cliff, which creates an unsafe environment for anchoring.
- Sea and wind conditions in this area can change rapidly. The anchorage is frequently exposed to swells and gusty winds, which can result in an uncomfortable, hazardous and rolly anchorage, particularly if weather worsens unexpectedly.
- Local customs and community sentiment are against anchoring in this area as it disrupts the historic view of the Byzantine cityscape and detracts from the experience for both residents and visitors.
If necessary, small vessels may attempt to anchor just south of the causeway, near the fishing harbour. The seabed here consists of mud, rock, and weed, with patchy holding and variable depths. The anchorage is tight, offers little protection, and is only suitable for small vessels in settled conditions.
Alternatively, for improved shelter, yachts may consider anchoring in the bays approximately 3 nautical miles north of Monemvasia. These bays can offer better protection depending on the wind direction. However, be aware that the Kastraki Beach area, located in this region, can act as a wind funnel during easterlies or westerlies, resulting in stronger local wind speeds than forecasted.
Getting Ashore
It is not recommended that dinghies approach the Portello entrance in the old city. The only safe location for a quick drop-off is directly in front of the metal stairs. Both sides of the entrance have rocky column outcrops that can damage dinghies, so please do not leave them unattended. A drop-off can be made by a skilled operator if there is no one swimming and during high tide, but leaving the dinghy tied here is not advisable.
All visitors are kindly asked to respect the local marine environment. Please pick up any floating debris you may encounter and take care to ensure the safety of swimmers, divers, and fellow sailors.
Last updated: August 2025
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Related to following destinations: Greece, Monemvasia, Peloponnese
Port Navigation
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When arriving in the city, it’s common for visitors to swim outside the city wall, often venturing farther out, as the water near the wall is shallow. However, this area can be hazardous. Every year, there are accidents involving swimmers who go too far from the wall, so please be cautious. If you’re coming by boat, make sure to navigate carefully around the buoys (if they are still in place, as they are typically removed by the end of September). Always pass them on the outside side or as far away as possible to avoid any risk.
We strongly encourage visitors not to anchor in front of the old city. The seabed here is rocky, with numerous outcrops, making it easy for your anchor to get snagged. Additionally, there is an underwater cliff, which creates an unsafe environment for anchoring. Sea and wind conditions can change quickly, so this area is not a secure place to stop.
Local traditions also discourage modern boats from anchoring near the old city, as it disrupts the unspoiled view of the Byzantine architecture and surroundings.
For dinghies: Do not approach the Portello entrance. Only dock in front of the metal stairs, where there is sufficient draft. Venturing into the Portello area can damage your dinghy due to the rocky outcrops.
We ask that you respect the local environment pickup floating trash if you see it and take care to ensure everyone’s safety.
Thankyou for this really useful guidance. There is more information for yachts visiting Monemvasia provided by the Monemvasia Residents and Owners Association – many of whom are active sailors and boat owners – on the port page for Monemvasia.
Major construction works going ón in the marina. Few berths available due to the works. Works expected to be finished for summer 2023??
The Moorings on the North side are still up and running, but really only suitable in calm weather, not good in North winds, too múch swell.
Visited twice in 2018. First time was a total nightmare; the second OK. First thing to know is that Monemvassia is fundamentally dangerous unless you are moored alongside in the “marina”.
The outer wall is exposed to the north (not a good idea) and you are dropping your anchor in 1.8m (not a good idea either). In the inner harbour your anchor won’t hold if it blows even a little bit.
The mooring area on the north side of the causeway is lethal in anything of a northerly. Do what Heikell says and head for the bays some 3Nm to the north, even if that begs the question of how to visit the wonderful old town.
SV FLY THE COOP. We stayed here for two nights and were met by Mateo, a Greek Australian who runs a taverna of the same name in the town.
He mentioned there is no charge for marina fees and not to pay anyone who asked for them. Indeed, no-one did during our stay.
Water is available at no charge (bring a long hose or double up with a fellow cruiser), there is power on the main dock (again, no charge) and free wifi in the port. Does it get any better?
Reported by SY Funny Girl – September 2016:
There is now a harbormaster in charge to collect money. The standard Greek tarif. 8,16€ for a 14-metre yacht.
Drinking water available at some parts of the quay, good quality, so some boats need long hoses. We were not charged for the water. Some places there is also Electricity at a fixed price of 4€.
We stayed at the “marina”. 50 cent per meter per day.
More from Tony Olin:
Yerekas, two hours north of Monemvasia, is a really nice anchorage and little village, with good shelter and good holding.
There is some space on the old ferry quay for several yachts, also space for a couple of yachts just to the west of the first taverna, going stern to, keeping a few meters off the quay.
There is also possible alongside mooring for very shallow draft boats here. Several good tavernas, water on the quay.
Reported by Tony Olin:
There is good docking in the harbour with good depth, but beware of rocks extending out 10 meters on the harbour side of the new mole at the entrance to the harbour.
Yachts regularly go aground at this point, very deceiving. Water available on the quay, good shopping in the town with plenty of tavernas, good supermarket twenty minutes walk outside the town, they will deliver to cruisers for free.
Docking on the quay and good anchoring off the beach to the north of the road that links the town with the walled city of Monemvasia. Don’t miss a visit to the old city, twenty minutes walk.