Lakka 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 Maistro as the bay opens NW but the sides wrap tightly around, breaking up any swell. The afternoon Maistro generates light chop in the entrance channel but the bay head remains calm. Holding in the northern sector is reliable sand; the southern sector is weedier. The anchorage is invariably very busy in July–August — arrive by 13:00 at the latest for a good spot. Several tavernas, a few shops, and a bakery serve the village. Water taxis connect to Gaios and Loggos. Despite the crowds, it remains the benchmark Paxos anchorage.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
39°14.25'N 20°07.94'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 is appropriate for free-swinging in 3–5m on sand/weed in the northern sector. Strong N winds send swell directly into the inlet — if NW gusts are forecast above F4, take a long line ashore to the NW shore rocks and reduce to 50m radius with the boat held against the rocks. NE wind (rare but possible) blows straight in and makes the anchorage untenable — evacuate south to Gaios if NE is forecast.
Northern sandy anchorage (free swinging): 70m recommended — Anchor in the northern sandy part of the inlet in 3–4m.
Southern sector (deeper, weedier): 80m recommended — Southern half of inlet in 5–6m.
Town quay (stern/bows-to): 40m recommended — ~12 yachts on the main quay stretch, 2–3 yachts on the smaller E quay.
Anchoring Zones
Lakka has 3 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. Holding is good once the anchor is set through any weed. Preferred spot for reliable ground. Depths shoal toward the beach at the head. Busy — late arrivals must thread carefully between laid anchors.
Zone 2: Southern sector (deeper, weedier)
- Depth: 4–6m
- Bottom: weed, sand
- Holding: Fair holding
- Protected from: S, SE, E, SW, W
- Exposed to: N, NE
- Recommended alarm radius: 80m
Southern half of inlet in 5–6m. Bottom is denser weed — may take two or three attempts to set properly. Advantage is more depth for larger yachts and distance from the quay. Take a long line to the NW shore rocks if staying overnight in fresh NW conditions.
Zone 3: 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 stretch, 2–3 yachts on the smaller E quay. Anchor off and 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 likely find the quay full.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Lakka 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 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 is appropriate for free-swinging in 3–5m on sand/weed in the northern sector. Strong N winds send swell directly into the inlet — if NW gusts are forecast above F4, take a long line ashore to the NW shore rocks and reduce to 50m radius with the boat held against the rocks. NE wind (rare but possible) blows straight in and makes the anchorage untenable — evacuate south to Gaios if NE is forecast.
May–June and September–October are ideal: warm, uncrowded, settled. July–August is extremely busy — the bay approaches capacity on most evenings. Avoid October onwards for overnight stays as the Maistro weakens and frontal NE/SW systems become more common.
Navigation Hazards
- Vrak Marmaro — rocky islet and reef immediately NW of the inlet entrance; give a wide berth when approaching from the north
- Ifalos Paxoi reef — ~0.5 nm off Longos, 2 miles SW of Lakka; relevant when approaching from the south
- Very crowded anchorage in peak season — late arrivals may foul others' anchors
- N/NE winds (rare) blow directly into the inlet and can make it untenable — monitor forecasts
- Ferry and tripper boat wash inside the inlet — ensure anchor is properly set before leaving the boat
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Restrictions: No specific restrictions. Avoid blocking the passenger ferry/tripper-boat route through the inlet.
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 to secure a spot. By 16:00 the bay is full and newcomers must anchor on top of existing boats.
- If taking a quay berth, use a trip line on your anchor — the bottom is crossed with other chains. A CQR or Delta set firmly in the northern sandy patch is the most reliable setup.
- The Maistro eases at sunset and the evening in Lakka is genuinely magical. Stay for dinner — the village effectively closes October–April so the summer atmosphere is the attraction.
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
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 Ionian anchorage.
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