Parga Harbour Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Parga Harbour 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.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Parga Harbour is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. 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).
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: CQR, Delta, Rocna. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Parga Harbour are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m radius appropriate for 3–5m mud and sand in front of the town. If space requires anchoring closer to others, reduce to 50m. In any SW wind forecast, evacuate to Lichnos (2nm S) immediately — the Parga bay offers no protection from the south.

May–June and September–October for comfortable anchoring and pleasant town atmosphere. July–August is very crowded and hot. The castle and old town are at their best in the cooler shoulder months.

Navigation Hazards

• Completely unprotected from S/SW — southerly swell fills the bay quickly; evacuate to Lichnos immediately if forecast changes
• Very crowded July–August — limited swinging room; anchor overlap likely
• Tripper boats and passenger ferries use the main quay — keep clear of approach channels
• Rocky headland immediately S of the main bay — give adequate clearance when leaving

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free for swinging at anchor
• Mooring buoys: Available — €10–15/night for private mooring buoys
• Restrictions: Space in the town bay is limited. Respect the quay reserved for passenger ferries and tripper boats. In southerly conditions the harbour is dangerous — do not stay.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Parga town (quayside) (0nm)
• Restaurant: Numerous tavernas, cafes, and restaurants in the town above the quay
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Pick up a mooring buoy if one is available — the bay is small and swinging room is limited. Run your anchor alarm regardless of buoy quality.
2. Have an escape plan to Lichnos Beach (2nm S) ready — if any southerly develops, leave immediately. The bay can become very rough very quickly in S/SW conditions.
3. The castle (kastro) above the town is worth a visit — extraordinary views of the anchorage and the surrounding coast from the Venetian battlements.