Vathi Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Vathy Ithaca, Vathy Ithaki, Βαθύ Ιθάκης
Vathi is the main harbour of Ithaka, set at the head of a magnificent 3-mile deep fjord-like inlet on the island's E coast. The town has a distinctly unspoilt Ionian character — good tavernas, a small market, a museum, and a charming waterfront. The inlet provides almost complete shelter from all directions; the only discomfort is the afternoon Maistro chop which builds on the quay but is rarely dangerous. The bottom is soft mud and weed, requiring patience to set, but once anchored the holding is reliable. A port of entry for Greece. Fuel available by jerry can (ask at the quay). Vathi has a quiet charm that makes it worth an overnight even if the bottom isn't the easiest to deal with.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
38°21.9'N 20°43.0'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
mud, weed
Holding
Fair holdingProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, NW
Exposed To
W
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m for free-swing in 5–8m in soft mud and weed. The holding is fair — once through the weed and set in the mud it is reliable, but dense weed patches can cause dragging before the anchor buries. Use a trip line. In strong afternoon Maistro (NW), the chop can build inside the bay — a 60m radius ensures clearance from the quay in any surge. Note: the deep inlet provides almost all-round shelter in practice.
Main yacht quay (anchor and stern-to): 50m recommended — ~20 yachts stern-to the main quay in 3.
Free-swing anchorage off town: 75m recommended — Anchor off in 5–12m anywhere along the SE shore of the bay.
Anchoring Zones
Vathi 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: Main yacht quay (anchor and stern-to)
- Depth: 3–5m
- Bottom: mud, weed
- Holding: Fair holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, NW
- Exposed to: W
- Recommended alarm radius: 50m
~20 yachts stern-to the main quay in 3.5–4m at the N end, shallowing to 3.5m at the S. Holding is reasonable in soft mud and weed but may take 2–3 attempts to set firmly. Once set it holds well. Afternoon NW Maistro creates a chop on the quay that can be uncomfortable. Customs and harbourmaster office 200m SE at the root of the customs quay.
Zone 2: Free-swing anchorage off town
- Depth: 5–12m
- Bottom: mud, weed
- Holding: Fair holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, NW
- Exposed to: W
- Recommended alarm radius: 75m
Anchor off in 5–12m anywhere along the SE shore of the bay. Mud and weed bottom — set the anchor carefully. The deep inlet provides good shelter but the afternoon Maistro sends in a chop from the NW. Open W at the outer bay mouth — unusual for this to be a problem but note the exposure.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Vathi is primarily mud and weed with variable holding that requires extra attention. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–8m, 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.
- Snorkel to verify. Given the fair holding here, it is strongly recommended to snorkel down and visually confirm the anchor is buried in mud, not resting on weed.
Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Bruce, Delta, Rocna. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Vathi are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to W winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below for the night.60m for free-swing in 5–8m in soft mud and weed. The holding is fair — once through the weed and set in the mud it is reliable, but dense weed patches can cause dragging before the anchor buries. Use a trip line. In strong afternoon Maistro (NW), the chop can build inside the bay — a 60m radius ensures clearance from the quay in any surge. Note: the deep inlet provides almost all-round shelter in practice.
Good from May–September. The inlet provides all-season shelter. Not heavily crowded — a refreshing contrast to Fiskardo and Lakka. Visit mid-week in August for the quietest experience.
Navigation Hazards
- Soft mud and weed bottom — anchor may drag before properly set; always back down firmly and check holding
- Afternoon NW Maistro generates a chop inside the bay that can be uncomfortable on the quay; ensure mooring lines are not too tight
- The long narrow inlet creates a funnelling effect — gusts can be stronger at the bay head than forecast
- Limited fuel availability — carry sufficient for the passage to Fiskardo (Kefalonia) or Sami
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Restrictions: Customs quay 200m SE of main quay — do not berth on it. Harbourmaster office here for check-in if entering Greece.
For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Vathi town (waterfront shops and minimarket) (0nm)
- Restaurant: Good selection of waterfront tavernas serving local seafood
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Use a trip line on your anchor — the bay bottom has some weed patches and the trip line makes retrieval easier after a night on mud.
- Check in with the harbourmaster if arriving from abroad — the customs quay is clearly marked 200m SE of the main quay.
- The ferry from Sami (Kefalonia) arrives regularly in season. Its wash can disturb boats on the quay — ensure your lines have some slack and fenders are deployed.
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 Vathi
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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