Lefkimmi Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Λευκίμμη, Lefkimmi South Harbour
Lefkimmi is the southernmost town on Corfu, and its small harbour sits in a canal at the island's southern tip. It is primarily used as a passage stop — yachts heading from the Ionian Islands northward toward Corfu, or outward-bound across to Paxos (8 nm S), stop here for fuel, water, and an overnight if the timing doesn't work for Corfu Town or Gouvia. The harbour is well-sheltered within the canal. A Corfu–Igoumenitsa car ferry operates nearby from the Lefkimmi ferry terminal (separate from the yacht harbour). The town has a few tavernas and basic provisions. It is a genuine local town rather than a tourist resort.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
39°25.2'N 20°03.2'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
mud, sand
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Exposed To
None (all-weather)
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free (small berth fee may apply at quay)
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
40m radius appropriate for canal berth with lines. Effectively all-weather once inside — the canal provides protection from all quadrants. The ferry from the nearby Lefkimmi ferry terminal creates some wash.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
The harbour sits in a short canal at the S tip of Corfu. Virtually all-round shelter once inside. Depth 2–3m in the canal, 3–4m near the outer entrance. Mud bottom. Bow or stern-to along the quay. Straightforward approach but canal is narrow — proceed slowly and be aware of the ferry route from the nearby ferry terminal.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Lefkimmi is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 2–4m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (28m chain at 4m depth).
- Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on the anchor.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
- Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator to confirm you have adequate chain for the depth.
Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Delta, Rocna, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Lefkimmi are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 40m radius before going below for the night.40m radius appropriate for canal berth with lines. Effectively all-weather once inside — the canal provides protection from all quadrants. The ferry from the nearby Lefkimmi ferry terminal creates some wash.
Open all year. Quiet anchorage with low crowds — primarily a passage stop rather than a destination. Good in any settled weather.
Navigation Hazards
- Narrow canal entrance — take it slowly; watch for oncoming traffic
- Ferry wash from the nearby Lefkimmi–Igoumenitsa ferry terminal
- Shoaling at canal entrance — check for latest depths before arrival
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free (small berth fee may apply at quay)
- Restrictions: Keep clear of the Lefkimmi ferry terminal (separate from the yacht quay). Canal is narrow — proceed at bare steerage.
For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Available
- Restaurant: A few local tavernas in the town
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- A useful staging point when heading from the Ionian Islands north to Corfu or east to Igoumenitsa.
- Fuel and water available — one of the few stops between Paxos and Gouvia with a diesel dock.
- Quieter and more authentic than Corfu Town — local prices, local feel.
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions — including depth, holding, and local regulations — can change. Before visiting, always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather bulletins, and consult your up-to-date charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Lefkimmi
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius — so you can relax and enjoy the Corfu & Paxos anchorage.
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