Kalamos Village Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Κάλαμος, Port Kalamos
Kalamos is a larger island than Kastos, lying further E and NE of the main Lefkada group. The village of Kalamos (on the W coast) has a small harbour with a church, a handful of whitewashed houses, and a taverna. The island is considerably more remote than Meganisi — there is no regular ferry service in the main season, and the community is small and self-contained. The surrounding waters are very clear and relatively unvisited. Kalamos is for sailors who want genuine remoteness: no crowds, excellent snorkelling, and a step back from the busy Ionian charter circuit.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
38°37.1'N 20°56.4'E
Depth
3–5m
Bottom
mud, sand
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Exposed To
N, NE
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m radius in 3–5m mud/sand. Good NW shelter. If NE Gregale is forecast, relocate to a more sheltered bay — Kalamos is exposed to the N.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Anchor off the village quay in 3–5m mud/sand. Good holding. Protected from S through W through NW. Exposed to N and NE — the NE Gregale (cold NE wind) can make this anchorage difficult. Comfortable in summer NW conditions. Small quay with limited stern-to berths.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Kalamos Village is primarily mud and sand 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: Delta, Rocna, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Kalamos Village are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to N and NE winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m radius in 3–5m mud/sand. Good NW shelter. If NE Gregale is forecast, relocate to a more sheltered bay — Kalamos is exposed to the N.
May–October only. Outside summer the taverna is closed and the island is very quiet. Ideal for experienced sailors seeking remote cruising.
Navigation Hazards
- Exposed to N and NE — NE Gregale (possible Oct–March) makes anchorage untenable
- Remote — no fuel, water, or reliable provisions; carry everything in
- Reefs and shoals in the approach — navigate carefully with detailed charts
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Restrictions: Extremely limited facilities — arrive self-sufficient.
For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Meganisi (Porto Spilia) (10nm)
- Restaurant: One taverna open in summer months
- Provisions: None on site — Meganisi (Porto Spilia) (10nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Combine with Kastos (7 nm SW) for a genuine outer-island cruise away from the charter circuit.
- Carry all water, fuel, and provisions from Nydri or Meganisi.
- The surrounding waters are some of the clearest in the North Ionian — exceptional snorkelling.
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 Kalamos Village
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 North Ionian anchorage.
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