Anchorages in the north and east of the island of Kea

An alternative to the large bay of Ag. Nikolaos is Otzias Bay, slightly further north. The long bay is always a little rough when there is a north wind, and there is an obvious swell in the bay. When there are NE winds, the bay is untenable and visitors need to look for another option as soon as possible.

The crescent-shaped bay can accommodate a whole range of yachts, which anchor here on a sandy seabed in front of the cordoned-off swimming area. If visitors do not feel like cooking, they will find two taverns on shore. The “Annas” tavern is open all year round and has a glorious view of the bay from its upper terrace.

In the north-east, Ormos Kalydonychi cuts into the steep rocky shore of Kea. The bay is also known as Spathi, as that is the name of the nearby cape. The bay provides shelter from the Meltemi even though there is a slight swell and gusts may blow through the river valley. Yachts anchor swinging freely on the hook without a shore line at a water depth of 3-8 m above a sandy seabed with good holding. On shore, a lovely sandy beach stretches out and it is often empty, behind that a few scattered holiday homes and fields. A small tavern is open in the summer. The bay is isolated and can only be reached by boat. There is a footpath into the valley but it is extremely winding and a struggle to walk on.

There are a number of small bays with crystal-clear water, some with lovely sandy beaches, along the steep coast towards the south. But the bays are all quite deep and do not provide enough protection. Visitors hoping to enjoy some peace and quiet should certainly explore the small bays when the weather is calm.

Ormos Polais lies in the south-east of Kea. The landscape of the bay is very beautiful, but it does not provide enough protection when there is a north wind, therefore it is only suitable for a stopover when the weather is calm. There is a visible rock in the middle of the bay. The shallow reef between the rock and the beach divides the bay more or less into two sections. There is a beach, roughly 200 m long, at the waterfront as well as two chapels.

The bay is well-known for the ruins of a temple dedicated to Apollo and Athena. The ruins have been recently restored and rebuilt.

Anchorages on the west coast of Kea

There are more sheltered anchorages on the west coast of Kea. The most well-known is Ormos Kavia near Koundouros.  The swimming bay, surrounded by a barren rocky landscape, provides protection from the north winds in summer. When entering the bay, it is necessary to pay attention to the shoal, which is marked on the map and lies far out at sea (and therefore unexpected). In the bay, yachts need to keep enough distance to the waterfront as rock ledges run far into the water from the headland. The calmest anchorages are on the western side if the land lines are run out towards the north. These spots, however, are usually always taken first.

St. George´s tavern has been closed since 2011, but the bungalow resort is still operating.

There are lovely holiday apartments around the bay, which mainly belong to affluent Athenians. However, the culinary offer is limited. During the day the club-like complex, Porto Koundouros, serves good food, snacks and cocktails.

It borders on Pisses Bay to the north. This green bay is surrounded by an impressive mountain backdrop and lies in the largest valley in Kea where fruit and vegetables are cultivated. The sandy beach, some 400 m long, skirts the waterfront. Although the bay is completely open towards the west and there is often a slight swell, yachts can still moor here overnight. The most secure places are on the northern side with a line towards the shore.  Two taverns on land are on hand should visitors decide not to want to cook themselves.

Vroskopos is extremely popular, even though mostly unknown. Well-hidden, if coming from inland it can only be reached by a winding beaten path but it is a struggle to get through. This sheltered bay faces north. There is a glorious white beach at the vertex of the bay. The water is crystal clear and is ideal for swimming. If staying overnight, shore lines should be run out towards the north and a lot of chain let out as the bay is quite deep. Many Athenians come to this idyll in the high season and at weekends in their power RIBs and motor yachts.

Ormos Ag. Nikolaos is a large bay in the north-west of the island and is made up of the two smaller bays of Ormos Leivadi in the south-west and Ormos Vourkari in the east.

In Vourkari the harbour of the same name is very popular with sailors as it protects from the prevailing winds and there is less swell there compared to the ferry port in Korrisia. (Sailing)Yachts normally moor here bow-to as the rock-fill directly at the quay could damage (deep) rudder blades. To make the descent over the pulpit easier, some taverns and a small furniture dealer have built wooden steps.There is water and electricity at the jetty. The required pre-paid cards can be obtained at the supermarket where they also sell fresh bread in the mornings.

Vourkari is a typical Greek harbour with flair. The narrow thoroughfare runs directly past the harbour basin. The narrowness of the street seems to encourage most car and scooter drivers to adopt a moderate driving style, which is appropriate as the yachties tend to use the narrow pavements and half the street for spontaneous “meetings”. The later the evening (and with it alcohol consumption), the more the street becomes a wide pier.

There are a few restaurants and bars right on the street. The Aristos tavern is especially favoured for its excellent fish dishes. Kostas, the proprietor, very modestly refers to his restaurant as “world famous”. Each guest will have to decide for themselves in how far this is true. But it does not affect its popularity, especially among water sports enthusiasts. Many Greeks come to Vourkari at the weekend just to eat the fresh fish dishes at “Aristos”.

Whoever likes fish but prefers to cook on board should wait for the fishing cutters, which come in at about 9-10 am. The fishermen sell their catch straight from their boats if the catch was large enough.

The culinary offers in the harbour of Vourkari are not only limited to one fish tavern. Visitors who prefer meat should visit the “Vourkarion”. The meat comes from animals bred and slaughtered on the island. Most of them live wild in the mountains and valleys, which obviously benefits the taste.

Should any visitors not have been able to get one of the popular berths at the quay, then they can anchor in the bay. In the off-peak season it is possible to moor with the bow anchor swinging freely on the hook without a shore line when there are only a few yachts in the bay. However, the water is deep and the seabed does not provide a good hold everywhere. It is better to moor stern-to opposite the harbour. There are a number of fixing points  in the rock for the land lines. If mooring here, then it is worth visiting Istrofi tou Mimi. Guests sit right on the beach with their feet in the sand and can observe the incoming yachts as they manoeuvre, very romantic.

The harbour in Korissia ia a good alternative to Vourkari. South of the ferry dock, there are berths for approx. 20 yachts. There is also water and electricity here for a small contribution. The cards can be obtained at the kiosk right next to the “Magazes” restaurant. Christos, the proprietor and heart and soul of “Magazes”, will gladly assist guests if they have problems with their yacht and need help.

The harbour town consists of a long quay and two rows of houses in the background, towered over by the pastel-coloured church with the blue dome. There is a wide road in between, which is closed to traffic every evening between 8 pm and 6 am in the season. And so the area around the harbour basin suddenly becomes a pedestrian area. A true blessing, not only for a peaceful night.

The harbour protects well but the north wind causes a slight swell in the harbour, which is why it is recommended to moor with the own mast offset from the neighbour’s. Incoming and outgoing ferries also generate a slight swell, but it has no large effect on the anchored yachts. The northern part of the dock is reserved for ferries. A small elevation on the pier marks where the berths for yachts start. Water and electricity is available for a fee.

There are a number of bars, cafés and restaurants along the waterfront. Popular with locals and tourists alike are “Magazes” and “To steki Stroggili”. The fresh fish dishes at “Magazes” are highly recommended. “To steki Stroggili”, which is located slightly up the mountain, is also known for its good meat and cooked dishes. There are also a few simple restaurants and a fast-food restaurant. The many cafés are ideal for observing the going-ons in the harbour.