Why go there?
Escape civilizational noise to drop anchor in vast, fjord-like natural havens such as Planitis Bay on Kyra Panagia, one of the most protected natural harbors in the entire Mediterranean. Hike up to the restored 10th-century Monastery of Kyra Panagia to meet the resident monk and take in panoramic Aegean views. Swim off the sun-bleached beaches of Peristera, snorkel above ancient shipwrecks, and gaze at night skies completely free from light pollution. Exploring these outer islets delivers an authentic, wilderness-sailing experience centered on raw nature and deep tranquility.
Your Charter may coincide with these events:
-
Feast of the Assumption at Kyra Panagia Monastery (August 15th): The solitary monk and visiting pilgrims celebrate a historic annual liturgy, welcoming respectful yacht crews to join in traditional bread-breaking and hospitality.
-
Perseid Meteor Showers (Mid-August): With zero light pollution across the outer marine park, these uninhabited islets provide a world-class front-row seat for observing summer shooting stars from the deck of your yacht.
-
Marine Conservation & Wildlife Observation Days: Seasonal research initiatives conducted by Marine Park rangers monitoring local dolphin pods and Mediterranean monk seal habitats.
How to get there?
The outer islets are completely uninhabited and accessible exclusively by boat:
-
By Yacht Charter: Sail northeast from Alonnisos (Patitiri or Steni Vala), which serves as the final staging port before entering the outer island zones.
-
Permits & Regulations: Accessing Zone A of the Marine Park (around Kyra Panagia, Gioura, and Psathoura) requires purchasing an eco-permit online via the Greek Marine Park authority portal.
Note: Piperi Island is strictly off-limits to all boats to protect the primary breeding grounds of the Mediterranean monk seal.
Approaching by yacht
Approaching the outer islets requires self-reliance, careful navigation, and strict adherence to environmental rules. Anchoring is strictly limited to sandy bottoms to protect endangered Posidonia seagrass beds.
-
Winds: While Planitis Bay (Kyra Panagia) offers 360-degree protection from all winds, entry can be narrow and requires daytime navigation.
-
Mooring Line Strategy: Taking long stern lines to shore (tied to rocks or tree trunks) is standard practice in bays like Steni Vala on Peristera or Southwest Kyra Panagia.
Marina & Port Facilities
There are no marinas, fuel quays, or formal port facilities on any of these islets. Cruising here is 100% off-grid anchoring:
-
Planitis Bay (Kyra Panagia)
-
Services: Zero onshore facilities; complete wild anchorage. Excellent mud and sand holding.
-
Capacity: VAST natural enclosure capable of holding numerous yachts safely in all weather conditions.
-
Vasiliko & Peristera Bays (Peristera Island):
-
Services: Uninhabited bay with crystal-clear waters. Near the ancient underwater shipwreck museum site.
-
Capacity: Ample room for anchoring with stern lines to shore.
-
Skantzoura & Psathoura Anchorages:
-
Services: Wild, open anchorages suitable only in calm weather or light south winds. Psathoura features a distinctive 19th-century black volcanic stone lighthouse.
-
Capacity: Small, remote bays best suited for short day-stops or quiet overnight stays in stable conditions.
What food to expect?
There are no tavernas or restaurants on the outer islets. Your dining experience will be entirely onboard, prepared from your yacht's galley under the stars:
-
Galley Cooking: Enjoy meals cooked using provisions brought from Alonnisos or Skopelos.
-
Local Delicacies: Enjoy meals paired with preserved Alonnisos tuna, local olives, Greek cheeses, and fresh bread stocked prior to departure.
-
Monastery Hospitality: Visitors to the Kyra Panagia Monastery are often treated to traditional cold water, Turkish delight (loukoumi), or local tsipouro by the monastery keeper.
Provisioning advice
-
100% Pre-Departure Stocking Required: You must complete all provisioning—including ample drinking water, fresh food, cooking gas, and fuel reserves—in Patitiri or Steni Vala (Alonnisos) before setting sail for the outer islets.
-
Waste Management: There are no waste disposal facilities on the outer islets. Yachts must hold all garbage onboard in sealed bags until returning to an inhabited island port.
Language and currency
-
Main Language: Uninhabited. The monk at Kyra Panagia Monastery and Marine Park patrol rangers speak Greek and functional basic English.
-
Widely Accepted Currency: Not applicable onboard or on anchorages. However, keep cash on hand if you wish to leave a donation or purchase olive oil/icons at the Kyra Panagia Monastery.
Visa requirements
As part of Greece and the Schengen Area, standard European entry rules apply:
-
US, Canadian, UK Passport Holders: No visa required for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism. Passports must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure.
-
EU Passport Holders: No visa required; national identity card or valid passport is sufficient.
