Vasiliki Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Vassiliki, Βασιλική Λευκάδας
Vasiliki is famous worldwide among windsurfers for the afternoon thermal wind locally known as 'Eric' — a reliable katabatic NW wind that funnels down the valley and across the bay every afternoon from approximately midday, reaching F4–5 (15–25 kn) and providing perfect windsurfing conditions. For cruising sailors, the bay is a fascinating stop: the morning is perfectly calm and the thermal is visible arriving across the water before hitting. The anchorage in the NE sector is on sand and weed with good holding. The unmanaged marina quay has electricity and water. Porto Katsiki, the spectacular beach on the W coast of the Lefkada peninsula, is 5 nm by sea to the NW. The bay opens SE and is exposed in those directions — the prevailing conditions (NW thermal) are fine, but a genuine SE blow would be uncomfortable.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
38°37.9'N 20°36.4'E
Depth
5–8m
Bottom
sand, weed
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
N, NE, NW, W, SW
Exposed To
SE, S, E
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m for the NE anchorage in 5–8m sand/weed. The thermal 'Eric' wind is the defining feature — it arrives reliably from ~12:00 and blows strongly across the bay. The bay does not develop a rough sea because it is sheltered on most sides, but the wind is strong enough to stress poorly-set anchors. Set firmly before noon. The 55m radius provides comfortable swing in the thermal. If mooring at the quay, 35m is adequate.
NE inner bay anchorage: 55m recommended — Anchor close inshore at the NE end of the bay in 5–8m.
Marina/port quay (stern-to): 35m recommended — The unfinished/unmanaged marina quay is usable.
Anchoring Zones
Vasiliki 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: NE inner bay anchorage
- Depth: 5–8m
- Bottom: sand, weed
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, W, SW
- Exposed to: SE, S, E
- Recommended alarm radius: 55m
Anchor close inshore at the NE end of the bay in 5–8m. Sand and weed bottom — holding good once set. The famous afternoon thermal 'Eric' (katabatic NW wind) blows strongly across the bay from ~12:00 to sunset. While the bay is sheltered and does not build a rough sea, the wind is real — typically F4–5 (15–25 kn), gusting higher. Anchor should be firmly set before the thermal arrives. Harbour prone to silting — take care with approach depths.
Zone 2: Marina/port quay (stern-to)
- Depth: 2–3m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW, W, SW
- Exposed to: SE, S, E
- Recommended alarm radius: 35m
The unfinished/unmanaged marina quay is usable. N quay pedestals operational for electricity and water (cards from Yacht Bar). Berths accommodate up to 15m vessels. Stern-to using anchor; no mooring lines typically provided. Shallow entrance — silting is a known issue; check depths before entry if drawing >2m.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Vasiliki 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 5–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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: Rocna, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Vasiliki are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to SE and S and E winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m for the NE anchorage in 5–8m sand/weed. The thermal 'Eric' wind is the defining feature — it arrives reliably from ~12:00 and blows strongly across the bay. The bay does not develop a rough sea because it is sheltered on most sides, but the wind is strong enough to stress poorly-set anchors. Set firmly before noon. The 55m radius provides comfortable swing in the thermal. If mooring at the quay, 35m is adequate.
Windsurfer season is June–September — the bay is at its most lively. Outside that window the thermal is less reliable and the facilities reduce. May and October are pleasant for cruisers: calm mornings, some afternoon wind, and much less boat traffic.
Navigation Hazards
- Afternoon thermal 'Eric' — strong katabatic NW wind F4–5 (gusting F6) from ~12:00 to sunset every day; anchor must be set firmly before noon
- Harbour silting — approach with caution if draft >2m; depths change seasonally
- Open SE and S — in southerly conditions the anchorage is exposed; evacuate to Sivota Lefkada (12 nm E) if S blow forecast
- Windsurfers in the bay during afternoons — keep clear of their right of way and launching area
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Restrictions: Harbour prone to silting — check depths before entering if draft >2m. Marina facilities are partly operational — check at the Yacht Bar for current status.
For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Vasiliki village (shops near the quay) (0nm)
- Restaurant: Several tavernas and the Yacht Bar near the quay root
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Arrive in the morning calm, anchor in the NE sector in 5–8m and set firmly before the thermal arrives at noon. If you arrive after noon, the swell of the thermal is entertaining to watch from a firmly-anchored boat.
- Porto Katsiki (White Cliffs beach) is reachable by sea in the morning — 5 nm NW. Land and anchor for a swim in spectacular conditions before returning to Vasiliki before the thermal builds.
- The Yacht Bar near the quay root is the social hub — good information about current marina conditions and local conditions.
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 Vasiliki
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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