Mourtos (Sivota Epirus) Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Mourtos (Sivota Epirus) 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.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Mourtos (Sivota Epirus) is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–6m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m 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: CQR, Delta, Rocna, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Mourtos (Sivota Epirus) are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m in Monastery Bay in 5–6m sand/mud — the quietest and most secure overnight spot. For the town quay zone, 45m but be very aware: NW swell and ferry wash can make the quay uncomfortable and at times dangerous. A strong NW blow at the town quay warrants moving to Monastery Bay even at night. September–October thunderstorm risk on the Epirus coast is higher than the islands — set anchor alarm conservatively at 100m during storm watches.

Best May–June and September–October. Day-trip crowds from Corfu arrive in the Blue Lagoon 09:00–17:00 in July–August — the anchorage is busiest at midday. After 18:00 the day-trippers leave and the bay becomes genuinely tranquil. September has some of the warmest water temperatures and far fewer boats.

Navigation Hazards

• Ferry swell from Igoumenitsa–Corfu–Brindisi route passes close to the town quay — surge can push yachts against the quay in NW conditions
• Strong NW wind at the town quay is dangerous — yachts have been damaged; relocate to Monastery Bay in any NW forecast above F4
• Mainland thunderstorms — September–October sees higher electrical storm frequency on the Epirus coast than the islands; monitor VHF wx channels and have a storm plan
• Day-tripper boats from Corfu pack the Blue Lagoon channel in July–August mornings — be cautious transiting during peak day-trip hours
• Igoumenitsa is the entry port for arriving from Albania/Italy — do not bypass it if entering Greece

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free for anchoring
• Restrictions: Town quay has berth fees in recent seasons (~€20 reported). Check locally. N third of quay is for fishing boats. Customs clearance at Igoumenitsa (6 nm N) if entering from abroad.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Mourtos/Sivota village (quayside shops) (0nm)
• Restaurant: Multiple tavernas along the town quay; tourist restaurants geared to day-trippers
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Choose Monastery Bay over the town quay for overnight. It is quieter, better-sheltered from NW surge and ferry wash, and genuinely peaceful once the day-trip boats leave at sunset.
2. The 'Blue Lagoon' channel between the Sivota islands is spectacular for an afternoon swim — anchor there in settled conditions, but return to Monastery Bay before dark.
3. This is an excellent first-night stop when arriving from Brindisi via Corfu — Igoumenitsa for customs clearance, then the 15-minute sail to Mourtos for dinner and a peaceful night before heading south to Paxos.