Nydri Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Νύδρι, Nidri
Nydri is the largest charter base in Greece and the main hub for sailing in the Ionian Islands. The long town quay accommodates hundreds of yachts stern-to; the bay fills with flotillas in July–August. Despite the commercial charter atmosphere, Nydri has a lively taverna scene, excellent provisions, all marine services, and a convenient position for exploring the surrounding islands. Aristotle Onassis's private island Skorpios lies directly off Nydri to the SE — a famous landmark. The beautiful islands of Meganisi, Kastos, and Kalamos are all within easy reach. Nydri is the natural base for northern Ionian cruising.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
38°43.7'N 20°42.6'E
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
mud
Holding
Excellent holdingProtected From
W, NW, N, NE
Exposed To
E, SE
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Quay berth fee applies (€20–50/night depending on season)
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
50m for quay berth with lines in 3–5m mud. For free-swinging in the outer bay, use 70m. The bay is comfortable in prevailing NW Maistro. SE conditions (rare in summer) would make the anchorage uncomfortable.
Nydri town quay (stern-to): 50m recommended — Stern-to on the long town quay in 3–5m mud.
Outer bay anchorage (free-swinging): 70m recommended — Free-swinging anchorage in the outer bay in 4–7m.
Anchoring Zones
Nydri 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: Nydri town quay (stern-to)
- Depth: 3–6m
- Bottom: mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: W, NW, N, NE
- Exposed to: E, SE
- Recommended alarm radius: 50m
Stern-to on the long town quay in 3–5m mud. Excellent holding. Protected from W and NW. The bay opens to the E — some exposure to SE. Very busy with charter yachts in July–August.
Zone 2: Outer bay anchorage (free-swinging)
- Depth: 4–8m
- Bottom: mud, sand
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: W, NW, N
- Exposed to: E, SE, S
- Recommended alarm radius: 70m
Free-swinging anchorage in the outer bay in 4–7m. Good holding in mud/sand. More space than the town quay but exposed to SE. Suitable for settled summer conditions.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Nydri is primarily mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–6m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m 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, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Nydri are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to E and SE winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 50m radius before going below for the night.50m for quay berth with lines in 3–5m mud. For free-swinging in the outer bay, use 70m. The bay is comfortable in prevailing NW Maistro. SE conditions (rare in summer) would make the anchorage uncomfortable.
May–October. July–August is the busiest period in the Ionian. May, June, September, and October are far more comfortable.
Navigation Hazards
- Extremely busy July–August — town quay often full by 14:00; arrive early
- Charter flotilla traffic in the bay — constant motor and sail boat movement
- Day-trip RIBs and tourist boats create significant wash
- Reefs and shoals between the offshore islets — navigate carefully with up-to-date charts
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Quay berth fee applies (€20–50/night depending on season)
- Restrictions: Do not attempt to land on Skorpios (private island). DEKPA transit log obtainable at port police.
For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Available
- Restaurant: Wide range of tavernas, bars, and restaurants along the waterfront
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Arrive before noon in July–August to secure a quay berth.
- For peace and quiet, anchor out in the bay or move south to Vlikho Bay (3 nm) for the evening.
- Nydri is an excellent provisioning base — large supermarkets, chandlery, and laundry.
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 Nydri
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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