Anchorage· Polyaigos· Greece — Cyclades
Polyaigos Anchorages
36° 46.0′ N · 24° 36.8′ E
The largest uninhabited island in the Aegean, with turquoise sand anchorages along its west and south coasts. The favourite is Mersini on the west side, where a reef running out to Manolonisi islet gives shelter even in the meltemi.
Practical
Sailing Issues (Manolonisi/Mersini, pin): open to westerlies, but the reef connecting the islet to Polyaigos gives shelter even in the meltemi; solid sand holding; excellent snorkelling; in strong S–SW winds shelter north of the islet. Other anchorages: Kato Mersini (larger, less sheltered, directly south), Ammoura on the north-east, and the south-coast bays (Blue Bay, South Cape Bay, South-East Bay), which Sailing Issues says are not meltemi-proof. The north beaches have no shelter. There are no facilities at all; the nearest supplies are at Psathi (Kimolos), about 2 nm west. Polyaigos is a Natura 2000 site and monk seal pupping area: keep well clear of sea caves and take all rubbish away. Day-trip boats from Milos visit in summer (Greeka lists Milos–Polyaigos sailboat tours).
Best for
Wild, protected anchorages with no one ashore
Season
May–Oct; Mersini best in the meltemi
Nearby
- Kato Mersini Bay (Polyaigos)0.4 NM away
- Panagia Beach (Polyaigos)1.1 NM away
- Blue Bay (Polyaigos South)1.3 NM away
- Polyaigos Natura 2000 Area & Monk Seals1.5 NM away
- Polyaigos Sea Caves1.5 NM away
- South Cape Bay (Polyaigos)1.7 NM away
- Psathi Harbour (Kimolos)1.9 NM away
- Goupa-Rema Fishing Village (Kimolos)2 NM away