Krya Panagia: Yachts anchored in the pretty and unspoilt bay of this island nature reserve
Krya Panagia was settled in ancient times but the only remaining inhabitants are a few people who maintain the churches and monastery. They share the island with several herds of goats, cows and the odd horse.
However, the island is better known as home to one of the few remaining Monk Seal colonies and is now designated as a nature reserve. As part of the park rules you must keep well clear of the north west side of the island.
There are a number of bays and inlets around the island and indeed it seems that in ancient times the place was something of a pirates paradise. As well as the remains of a settlement ashore, a number of wrecks of Byzantine ships have been found around the island, some of which have yielded cargo in an excellent state of preservation.
Kyra Panagia
This bay on the south west side, also called Aghios Petros, provides a number of anchorage. There are two at the north end and two to the south east. In all cases I’d recommend a line ashore to avoid other charter yachts. In the case of the north most of the southern pair, I’d take the line to the north shore as gusts can come over the hill.
Planitis Bay
This bay is on the north east side has a couple of coves. The narrow bay entrance can make for a fast entry in strong northerlies and once in, you may have trouble getting out until the wind subsides. So unless it’s calm, I’d stick to Kyra Panagia – definitely a high spot of any Sporades barecharter