Lakka, Paxos Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Port Lakka, Λάκκα Παξών
Lakka is the prettiest and most sheltered anchorage on Paxos — tucked into a long NW-facing inlet fringed by olive groves and a small whitewashed village. The inlet is well-protected from the prevailing NW Maestro as the sides wrap tightly around the bay, breaking up swell. Holding in the northern sector is reliable sand; the southern sector is weedier. The anchorage is invariably very busy in July–August. Several tavernas, shops, and a bakery serve the village. Despite the crowds, Lakka remains the benchmark Paxos anchorage.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
39°14.2'N 20°07.9'E
Depth
3–5m
Bottom
sand, weed
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
S, SE, E, SW, W
Exposed To
N, NE
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m for free-swinging in 3–5m on sand/weed in the northern sector. N winds send swell directly into the inlet — if NW gusts are forecast above F4, take a long line ashore and reduce radius. NE wind (rare) blows straight in and makes the anchorage untenable — evacuate south to Gaios.
Northern sandy anchorage (free-swinging): 70m recommended — Anchor in the northern sandy part of the inlet in 3–4m.
Town quay (stern/bows-to): 40m recommended — ~12 yachts on the main quay, 2–3 yachts on smaller E quay.
Anchoring Zones
Lakka, Paxos has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics. Choose the zone that matches your boat size and the expected overnight conditions.
Zone 1: Northern sandy anchorage (free-swinging)
- Depth: 3–5m
- Bottom: sand, weed
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: S, SE, E, SW, W
- Exposed to: N, NE
- Recommended alarm radius: 70m
Anchor in the northern sandy part of the inlet in 3–4m. Good holding in sand once set through weed. Preferred area for reliable ground. Depths shoal toward the beach head. Busy — late arrivals must thread carefully between laid anchors.
Zone 2: Town quay (stern/bows-to)
- Depth: 2–4m
- Bottom: sand, weed
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: S, SE, E, SW, W
- Exposed to: N, NE
- Recommended alarm radius: 40m
~12 yachts on the main quay, 2–3 yachts on smaller E quay. Anchor off, take a stern line. 3.5–4m at the outer end, shallowing to 2m near the inner quay. Arrivals after 16:00 in July–August will find the quay full.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Lakka, Paxos is primarily sand and weed with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–5m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m 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: CQR, Delta, Rocna. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Lakka, Paxos are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to N and NE winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m for free-swinging in 3–5m on sand/weed in the northern sector. N winds send swell directly into the inlet — if NW gusts are forecast above F4, take a long line ashore and reduce radius. NE wind (rare) blows straight in and makes the anchorage untenable — evacuate south to Gaios.
May–June and September–October are ideal: warm, uncrowded, settled. July–August is extremely busy.
Navigation Hazards
- Vrak Marmaro — rocky islet NW of inlet entrance; give a wide berth when approaching from the north
- Very crowded in peak season — late arrivals may foul others' anchors
- N/NE winds blow directly into the inlet — untenable in strong NE; evacuate to Gaios
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Restrictions: Avoid blocking the passenger ferry and tripper-boat route through the inlet. No Posidonia in the main bay but snorkel to verify if in doubt.
For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Lakka village (on quay) (0nm)
- Restaurant: 3–4 tavernas and cafes on the quay and village square
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Arrive before 13:00 in July–August. By 16:00 the bay is full.
- Use a trip line on your anchor — the bottom is crossed with other chains.
- The Maestro eases at sunset and Lakka is magical in the evening. Stay for dinner.
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 Lakka, Paxos
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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