Vlikho Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Completely enclosed land-locked inner bay. Mud bottom throughout — excellent holding. 4–8m in the anchoring area. The bay entrance is narrow (~100m wide) but straightforward. Once inside, 360-degree shelter from all winds. An ideal hurricane hole and long-term base.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Vlikho Bay is primarily mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m depth).
2. 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.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. 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, Delta, CQR, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Vlikho Bay are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m for free-swinging in 4–8m in the enclosed bay. All-weather — complete 360-degree protection. This is one of the finest anchorages in the Ionian for security. In any weather, Vlikho Bay is safe. The only limitation is the narrow entrance — approach carefully if arriving in poor visibility.

Year-round use by long-term sailors. Excellent in every season. July–August sees more yachts but the bay rarely fills beyond comfortable capacity.

Navigation Hazards

• Narrow entrance — proceed slowly and maintain watch for outbound vessels
• Shoaling at the head of the bay — stay in the 4m+ area
• Busy with liveaboards and long-term resident yachts — anchoring space is finite; anchor carefully

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free for anchoring; some pontoon berths may charge
• Restrictions: Narrow entrance — approach at slow speed and give way to outbound traffic.

For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Nydri (3 nm N) (3nm)
• Restaurant: One or two waterfront tavernas at the head of the bay
• Provisions: None on site — Nydri (3 nm N) (3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. The ultimate Ionian hurricane hole — come here in any NE Gregale or frontal system.
2. Arrival before 17:00 ensures a good swing-at-anchor position. Popular with long-term sailors.
3. Take a stern line ashore to the N bank for maximum security in extreme conditions.