Anchorage· Pano Koufonisi· Greece — Cyclades
Pori Bay (Pano Koufonisi)
36° 56.7′ N · 25° 37.3′ E
A sickle-shaped bay on Koufonisi's north-east coast with a dazzling sand beach. It is the archetypal Small Cyclades anchorage, ringed by sea caves (the Devil's Eye, Gala, Xylompatis) on both headlands.
Practical
Surprisingly suitable in stronger northerlies, though a meltemi sends in a swell (sailingissues; George Yachts). The local site says the beach is sheltered from S and W and the water may be rough in strong north winds (koufonisia.gr). Grecosailor lists sand and seagrass and flags exposure to the NE. Avoid anchoring on the seagrass. Two café-tavernas open in the main season. Sailingissues prefers the smaller one (the Mai Tais are 'fabulous and strong'); OSM maps Kalofeggo and Cafe Pori. On foot the village is 3.5 km by the coastal path or the inland road. Beach caiques and swimmers: approach slowly. Approach hazards: OpenStreetMap seamark data show submerged rocks off the tip of the eastern headland (about 36.9467-36.9490N 25.6267-25.6284E), one off the western side towards Xylompatis (36.9498N 25.6188E) and two close in along the shore south of the bay (36.9415N 25.6254E and 36.9382N 25.6253E). Enter on the bay's centreline from the east-south-east in good light and give both headlands a wide berth (see the Pori Bay Approach passage). Grecosailor: Pori/NE is exposed; watch shoals and swimmers.
Best for
Postcard swim-and-anchor bay with sea caves to explore
Season
Jun-Sep; rolly in a full meltemi, good in moderate northerlies
Nearby
- Gala Beach & Devil's Eye (Koufonisi)0.2 NM away
- Xylompatis Caves (Koufonisi)0.2 NM away
- Fanos Beach (Koufonisi)0.6 NM away
- Italida & Platia Pounta Beaches (Koufonisi)0.6 NM away
- Fanos Seaside Beach Bar (Koufonisi)0.7 NM away
- Finikas Taverna (Koufonisi)0.8 NM away
- Hondros Kavos Taverna (Koufonisi)0.9 NM away
- Koufonisi Fuel Station0.9 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).