CC BY-SA 3.0, Wicki2009, Wikimedia CommonsAnchorage· Despotiko· Greece — Cyclades
Despotiko Anchorage (Despotiko–Tsimintiri)
36° 58.2′ N · 25° 1.6′ E
The clear, sheltered channel between Antiparos, the islet of Tsimintiri and uninhabited Despotiko is one of the classic Cyclades anchorages: turquoise water over sand, an excavated temple of Apollo a short dinghy ride west, and the tavernas of Agios Georgios behind you.
Practical
Sailingissues: historically a safe haven. Anchor in 4-9 m on sand and weed; the sanctuary is a short dinghy trip west. Caution: a sudden shallow area in the NW corner under Tsimintiri islet, shown on Eagleray, C-Map and Garmin charts. mySea logs 4-5 m over sand and weed with good holding closer to Despotiko (36.97056 N, 25.02355 E). The strait between Despotiko/Tsimintiri and Antiparos is at most about 1 m deep (Wikipedia), so enter and leave from the south. Barbaros calls Despotiko bay large, safe and lake-like. Protected from all directions except southerlies. The area (Despotiko, Strongyli, south Antiparos and the surrounding sea) is a Natura 2000 site with resident Mediterranean monk seals and Posidonia meadows (Wikipedia), so anchor in sand, not on seagrass. No facilities on Despotiko. Position from the Sailingissues marker.
Best for
Overnight in the most beautiful anchorage around Paros
Season
Apr-Oct; open to southerlies
Nearby
- Monk Seals & Posidonia Meadows (Despotiko Natura 2000)Right here
- Panagia Beach (Despotiko)0.2 NM away
- Agios Georgios Anchorage (Antiparos)0.3 NM away
- Captain Pipinos (Agios Georgios, Antiparos)0.3 NM away
- Mpakas Fish Tavern (Agios Georgios, Antiparos)0.3 NM away
- Zombos Taverna (Agios Georgios, Antiparos)0.4 NM away
- Sanctuary of Apollo (Despotiko)0.6 NM away
- Tsimintiri Islet (Despotiko channel)0.6 NM away