Lakki Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Deep, soft mud throughout the bay — excellent holding. Anchor east of the main ferry quay in the Koulouki anchorage area. Heavy ferry traffic uses the south quay; position well clear. SW/W winds enter through the narrow entrance and create swell — use the marina (Evros Marina) in SW/W gale conditions.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Lakki is primarily mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–10m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m depth).
2. 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.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. 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: Rocna, Delta, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Lakki are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below for the night.80m in the open bay; the excellent mud bottom allows confident anchoring with this radius. SW/W winds enter through the entrance and can cause swell — increase to 100m or relocate to the marina in strong SW/W conditions. In NE/N/E conditions the bay is completely calm.

An all-season port of refuge. April–October for comfortable anchoring; the enclosed bay offers usable shelter year-round. Consistently one of the most Meltemi-proof large harbours in the Aegean.

Navigation Hazards

• Very heavy ferry traffic — up to 87 ferry sailings per week; Blue Star Ferries create significant wash; anchor well clear of the south ferry quay
• SW/W gales make the open bay anchorage untenable — use the marina (Evros Marina) in these conditions
• Italian-era quay edges have submerged masonry in places — do not anchor too close to the quay walls
• WWII naval base history — unexploded ordnance has been found historically; stick to charted anchoring areas

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Yes — DEKPA (Transit Log) can be obtained here — Lakki is an official port of entry for the Dodecanese
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Marina berths available at approximately €25–50/night depending on vessel size. Heavy ferry traffic — keep clear of ferry lanes and south quay approach.

For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Several tavernas and cafes in Lakki village; the marina complex has a restaurant
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Lakki is an official port of entry — obtain your DEKPA here if arriving from Turkey or another non-EU country
2. Evros Marina (145 berths) is the main marina; book ahead in July–August
3. The open-bay Koulouki anchorage (E of the ferry quay) is comfortable in all but SW/W winds
4. The Italian Art Deco town is worth a walk ashore — one of the most atmospheric port towns in the Aegean
5. Fuel dock at the marina; full provisions in the village