Lukova Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Lukova Beach, Gjiri i Lukovës
Lukova Bay is a broad, open bay 12km south of Himarë with a long sandy beach that is less visited than the famous Dhërmi or Borsh beaches despite comparable sand quality. Depth 4–12m over consistently good holding sand. Protected from N and NE by the steep coastal range but exposed to the prevailing SW Ionian swell — the universal exposure pattern of this coast. The broad bay arc (approximately 1km) provides excellent swing room for multiple boats and the sand bottom allows confident anchoring without the mixed-bottom concerns of some Riviera anchorages. Several seasonal beach restaurants operate in summer and a campsite behind the beach makes Lukova a modest tourist destination, but on a scale that leaves the anchorage quiet compared to the Riviera's headline spots.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
40°02.5'N 19°46.9'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
N, NE
Exposed To
SW, W, S
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free to anchor.
Clearance Agent
Required — ~€100–150
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m alarm radius for the main Lukova Bay anchorage in 4–10m. Sand holding is reliable throughout the bay — good sand holding is Lukova's main advantage over some other Riviera anchorages with mixed sand/rock or sand/pebble bottoms. The 80m radius provides adequate scope in 8–10m while accounting for evening breeze-induced sheering. SW swell exposure is the primary overnight risk, as with all Riviera anchorages. The S end position at 65m can be used with higher confidence given its shallower depth and additional S-sector headland protection.
Main bay 4–10m sand: 80m — The main Lukova Bay anchorage in 4–10m on good holding sand.
S end near headland 3–7m sand: 65m — The S end of Lukova Bay near the S headland in 3–7m on sand.
Anchoring Zones
Lukova Bay has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics.
Zone 1: Main bay 4–10m sand
- Depth: 4–10m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE
- Exposed to: SW, W, S
- Recommended alarm radius: 80m
The main Lukova Bay anchorage in 4–10m on good holding sand. The coastal range rising steeply behind the bay provides excellent N and NE shelter, and the broad sandy beach gives consistent good holding ground across the bay. Fully exposed to SW and W from the Ionian — the same exposure profile as all Riviera anchorages. The broad bay (approximately 1km arc) provides good swing room for multiple boats. Less visited than Borsh or Dhërmi despite similar quality, making it an excellent quieter alternative in the middle section of the Riviera. Several seasonal beach restaurants operate from July–August and a campsite runs behind the beach in summer.
Zone 2: S end near headland 3–7m sand
- Depth: 3–7m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, S
- Exposed to: SW, W
- Recommended alarm radius: 65m
The S end of Lukova Bay near the S headland in 3–7m on sand. Good holding. The S headland provides a degree of S-sector shelter that reduces rolling in conditions with a southerly component to the swell. Shallower than the main bay — approach slowly on echosounder and anchor in 4–7m. Less beach activity than the central bay area where the campsite and restaurants cluster. Preferred position for boats wanting more separation from the seasonal beach facilities and motorised water activity.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Lukova Bay is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.
- Check the forecast for Llogara Pass gusts before anchoring — if cloud is streaming over the 1,027m summit, consider Porto Palermo or Sarandë instead. Watch for katabatic gusts throughout your stay.
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 4–10m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m depth).
- Drop into the wind and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
- Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Delta.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Lukova Bay are feasible in settled conditions but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to SW and W and S winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m alarm radius for the main Lukova Bay anchorage in 4–10m. Sand holding is reliable throughout the bay — good sand holding is Lukova's main advantage over some other Riviera anchorages with mixed sand/rock or sand/pebble bottoms. The 80m radius provides adequate scope in 8–10m while accounting for evening breeze-induced sheering. SW swell exposure is the primary overnight risk, as with all Riviera anchorages. The S end position at 65m can be used with higher confidence given its shallower depth and additional S-sector headland protection.
Good May–October. A genuinely quiet anchorage in May, June, and September when it is at its best. July–August: campsite and beach restaurants bring more activity but the anchorage itself remains quiet. October viable in settled weather. Not recommended November–April due to katabatic risk and SW swell.
Navigation Hazards
- SW and W Ionian swell: standard Riviera exposure to SW and W; F3+ SW generates uncomfortable rolling; F4+ untenable; monitor Ionian swell forecast before overnighting
- Llogara katabatic proximity: Lukova is 8km S of Llogara Pass — the katabatic gust risk from the pass is higher here than at Borsh or Qeparo; when clouds form over the pass, downslope gusts can reach Lukova Bay within minutes
- Jet skis from campsite: the summer campsite brings seasonal beach traffic including jet skis and motorised watersports; anchor at 100m+ from the beach if campsite is active
Rules & Regulations
- Albania entry — clearance agent mandatory: All foreign yachts must use a local clearance agent (~€100–150). Fly yellow Q flag. Himarë is a port of entry June–September only; outside summer season, clear at Sarandë or Vlorë.
- Anchoring fee: Free to anchor.
- Maximum stay: 5 days
- Restrictions: No specific restrictions at Lukova. Stay 50m+ from the beach swimming area. Monitor SW swell forecasts — depart for Himarë if sustained SW F3+ forecast overnight.
For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Himarë town (12km N) (6.5nm)
- Restaurant: Seasonal beach restaurants operating July–August along the central beach (cash, ALL/EUR). Campsite behind beach with basic facilities in summer. No dockside water or fuel. Full provisioning nearest at Himarë town (12km N by sea).
- Provisions: None on site — Himarë town (12km N) (6.5nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Lukova is the most underused quality anchorage on the southern Albanian Riviera — good sand, reasonable quiet, and a broad bay with room for multiple boats without crowding
- The S end position near the headland is the best overnight choice — furthest from the campsite and beach activity, with the slight additional S-sector protection from the headland
- Lukova to Qeparo (southbound) or Himarë (northbound) are both easy 1-hour passages under engine or sail in settled morning conditions — a natural waypoint in either direction
- The coastal mountains behind Lukova rise steeply to over 1,000m and create dramatic afternoon cloud formations — watch these carefully as they can be early indicators of Llogara katabatic development
A note on this guide: Data has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Conditions — depth, holding, regulations — can change. Always check forecasts and current official charts before visiting. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Lukova Bay
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts — essential on the Albanian Riviera where Llogara Pass gusts arrive without warning and SW swell builds overnight.
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