Milos is the southwesternmost of the Cyclades. A large bay, Ormos Milou, was scooped out when an ancient volcano erupted and hot sulphur springs still exist today. Adhamas is the island’s port Go bow or stern to the E side of the ferry pier or bow to the smaller pier to the E. It’s also possible to anchor off to the SE of the short pier. The bottom is mud rocks and weed and poor holding in places.
There’s good shelter from the Meltemi but winds from the south can produce dangerous conditions. There’s water on the ferry pier and fuel can be delivered. Most provisions can be obtained in the village and there are some tavernas. Climb the hill to the Chora at Milos for breathtaking views across the bay. There are several other anchorages in the bay that are exposed to the north. There are no facilities at any of them.
Kimilos lies to the NE of Milos. There are two anchorages in Ormos Sikia in the SW of the island. They’re exposed to the N – NW and unsuitable when the Meltemi is blowing. Pirgonisi is a long sandy beach on the south coast and yachts can anchor almost anywhere along it in attractive surroundings. Good holding on sand and weed. Psathi lies further along the coast to the east. Go bows to the quay or anchor off. There’s little shelter from the Meltemi and yachts are advised to use this anchorage only in calm weather. There are a couple of tavernas ashore and limited provisions can be obtained in the village. Just to the north is Semina Creek and yachts can anchor in the bay. Like Psathi, there’s little shelter from the Meltemi and Psathi should be used only in calm weather.
Then in the NW of island of Poliagos there’s a lovely secluded anchorage just to the south of the tiny island of Moanolsi. There’s shelter from the Meltemi and good holding on the sandy bottom. On the south side of the island there are several coves that yachts can anchor in when conditions are calm.
Sikinos lies to the E of Folegandros. Ormos Skala is the only harbour on the island. Yachts can go alongside the quay or anchor off. There are tavernas ashore and some provisions can be obtained. The setting is appealing and popular with Greek tourists.
3.5 miles to the east of Sikinos lies Ios. It’s claimed Homer is buried here. He died aboard a ship on passage from Samos to Athens and his body was thrown overboard and later washed up on Ios. Go bow or stern to in the harbour of Port Ios. There’s excellent holding in mud. A mini tanker can deliver fuel and water is available from a public fountain in the square. There are tavernas all around the harbour and most provisions can be obtained. The resort is popular with the young and most of the bars play loud music in the evenings/night. Ormos Milopotamou lies to the S of Port Ios. In the north of the bay there are 4 coves where yachts can anchor, the easterly two provide the best shelter. Holding is good on sand. There are tavernas and hotels on the beach. Ormos Manganari is a large bay on the south coast of Ios, it’s possible to anchor throughout the bay with good holding on sand. There are tavernas ashore.
Finikia lies in the N of Thira. Anchor to the W of the mole in 10 –20m with a trip line as the bottom is rocky. Limited shelter from the Meltemi and completely open to the S. Skala Thira is the harbour of the island’s capital on the steep slopes above. Go bow or stern to the quay with a line to the large mooring buoy. Departing is difficult with the confusion of the several lines attached to the buoy and it’s recommended that yachts are not left unattended. There’s water on the quay and many tavernas in the harbour.
On the coast south of Ak Akrotiri there are a number of anchorages that provide good shelter from the Meltemi. The bottom is good holding in sand but there’s often some ground swell that causes yachts to roll badly. Monolithos is a small harbour on the E coast. Go bows to the breakwater near its extremity with a long line. There is a taverna and showers ashore.
Nea Kammeni has a number of small inlets where a yacht can anchor. A trip line should be used as the bottom is strewn with rocks that are likely to snag an anchor. Nea Kammeni is known for it’s issue with large rats and there are several reports of the getting aboard yachts.
Anafi is the southernmost of the Cyclades. It has one anchorage on the S coast that’s exposed. The island is barren and parched and you’ll not miss a lot if you choose not to visit.