Best Anchorages in the North Ionian
Lefkada, Meganisi, Kastos, Kalamos, Preveza, and the remarkable Amvrakikos Gulf. This is the beating heart of Greek charter sailing — Vlikho Bay (the finest hurricane hole in the Ionian), the unique Lefkada Canal drawbridge, and the unspoiled outer islands. These 9 anchorages have been verified for depth, holding, and anchor alarm radius.
About North Ionian Sailing
Lefkada — Charter Capital of Greece
Nydri on the east coast of Lefkada is the largest charter base in Greece. Hundreds of bare-boat and flotilla yachts operate from Nydri throughout the season. In July–August, the town quay is packed by early afternoon. Vlikho Bay (3 nm S) offers the perfect escape — a completely landlocked inner bay with excellent holding.
Vlikho Bay — Best Hurricane Hole in the Ionian
Vlikho Bay is widely regarded as one of the finest anchorages in the eastern Mediterranean — completely enclosed, deep mud bottom with excellent holding, all-round shelter from any wind direction. It is the ideal base for exploring the North Ionian and a refuge in any frontal system or NE Gregale.
Meganisi — Unspoiled Ionian
Meganisi is the most unspoiled inhabited island in the North Ionian. Walking trails, excellent octopus tavernas in Vathy, and the dramatic Papanikolis sea cave at Porto Spilia. Far less crowded than Lefkada despite being only 5 nm from Nydri. A highlight of any Ionian cruise.
Amvrakikos Gulf — A World Apart
The Amvrakikos Gulf is a landlocked inland sea accessible only through the narrow Preveza-Aktio strait. Flamingos (in winter), remarkable birdlife year-round, Byzantine Arta, and the ancient site of Nikopolis. Completely off the main cruising circuit — an expedition destination for experienced sailors with detailed charts.
Lefkada Canal Drawbridge — VHF Ch 12, Schedule Required
The swing bridge at the N entrance to the Lefkada Canal opens on a fixed schedule — approximately 0700–0900 and 1630 (times vary by season; verify locally before arrival). Call the bridge keeper on VHF Channel 12 well in advance. Do NOT attempt to transit when the bridge is closed. The canal minimum charted depth is 2.5m — proceed at bare steerage and sound continuously.
Nydri Charter Congestion — Arrive Before Noon in July–August
Nydri is the largest charter base in Greece and the busiest anchorage in the North Ionian in peak season. The town quay fills with flotilla yachts by early afternoon in July–August. Arrive before noon to secure a berth. For a peaceful night, sail 3 nm south to Vlikho Bay — one of the best anchorages in the Mediterranean.
Vlikho Bay — Ideal Hurricane Hole for the Ionian
Vlikho Bay is a completely enclosed inner lagoon 3 nm south of Nydri. Mud bottom, excellent holding, all-round shelter from every wind direction. It is the go-to refuge for any NE Gregale, autumn frontal system, or simply a preference for tranquillity over the Nydri charter circus. Many liveaboard sailors use it as their long-term base throughout the Ionian season.
9 Verified Anchorages
Lefkada Canal (Lefkada Town)
(Lefkas Canal)Excellent holdingNorth Ionian — LefkadaThe Lefkada Canal is a unique feature of the Ionian — a narrow, shallow waterway running along the NE coast of the island, connecting the open Ionian Sea (N entrance via the swingbridge) to the protected inner lagoon near Lefkada Town.
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
40m
Crowds
Moderate
Full anchoring guide →
Nydri
(Νύδρι)Excellent holdingNorth Ionian — LefkadaNydri is the largest charter base in Greece and the main hub for sailing in the Ionian Islands.
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
50m
Crowds
Very Busy
Full anchoring guide →
Vlikho Bay
(Βλυχό)Excellent holdingNorth Ionian — LefkadaVlikho Bay is widely regarded as one of the finest anchorages in the entire Ionian — a completely landlocked inner bay 3 nm south of Nydri, offering 360-degree protection in deep mud with excellent holding.
Depth
4–8m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
55m
Crowds
Moderate
Full anchoring guide →
Spartochori, Meganisi
(Σπαρτοχώρι)Good holdingNorth Ionian — MeganisiSpartochori is a picturesque hilltop village on Meganisi's NW coast, with a small bay below it offering a comfortable anchorage in the prevailing NW conditions.
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
65m
Crowds
Quiet
Full anchoring guide →
Porto Spilia, Meganisi
(Πόρτο Σπηλιά)Good holdingNorth Ionian — MeganisiPorto Spilia is the main ferry port on Meganisi, accessed from Nydri by a short car-ferry crossing.
Depth
3–5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
55m
Crowds
Moderate
Full anchoring guide →
Kastos Island
(Κάστος)Good holdingNorth Ionian — Outer IslandsKastos is a tiny, unspoiled island with a permanent population of less than 100, lying east of the main Lefkada group and south of Meganisi.
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
65m
Crowds
Quiet
Full anchoring guide →
Kalamos Village
(Κάλαμος)Good holdingNorth Ionian — Outer IslandsKalamos is a larger island than Kastos, lying further E and NE of the main Lefkada group.
Depth
3–5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
65m
Crowds
Quiet
Full anchoring guide →
Preveza Approach Anchorage
(Πρέβεζα)Good holdingNorth Ionian — MainlandThe Preveza approach anchorage — often called Preveza Roads — lies just N of the entrance to Preveza harbour and the Preveza-Aktio strait that leads into the Amvrakikos Gulf.
Depth
3–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Crowds
Quiet
Full anchoring guide →
Amvrakikos Gulf
(Αμβρακικός Κόλπος)Excellent holdingNorth Ionian — AmvrakikosThe Amvrakikos Gulf (also called the Gulf of Arta or Ambracian Gulf) is a unique sailing destination — a completely landlocked inland sea connected to the Ionian only through the narrow Preveza-Aktio strait.
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
60m
Crowds
Quiet
Full anchoring guide →
Greek Anchoring Rules — North Ionian
Anchoring in the North Ionian is generally free in most bays. Key requirements for visiting yachts:
- !DEKPA (Transit Log): Required for all foreign yachts over 7m. ~€30. Main North Ionian entry ports: Lefkada Town port police, Preveza.
- !TEPAI Cruising Tax: ~€8/m per month for yachts 7–12m. Pay online at e-tepai.gr before arrival. Keep the receipt on board.
- !Lefkada Canal Drawbridge: Call VHF Ch 12 before arrival. Opens approximately 0700–0900 and 1630 (verify locally). Do not transit when bridge is closed. Minimum charted depth 2.5m.
- !Preveza-Aktio Strait: Tidal current 2–3 kn in the narrows. Keep to the correct side of the channel. Ferry traffic — maintain watch.
- !Amvrakikos Gulf (SPA): EU Special Protected Area — respect wildlife nesting zones. Navigate the marked channels only; much of the gulf margins are under 2m.
- !Skorpios (Onassis Island): Private island off Nydri — do not land. Anchoring in the vicinity is possible but the island is strictly private property.
For full details, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Monitor Your Anchor Overnight
Safety Anchor Alarm watches your GPS position continuously and sounds an instant alert if your boat drifts — so you can sleep through the Ionian night at Vlikho Bay, Meganisi, or Kastos, even when September thunderstorms roll in from the Epirus coast.
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