Ithaca Sailing Guide: Anchorages and Tips

Fuel Station

A fuel station serving boats is located at 38°22.134′ N, 20°43.050′ E. Prices are standard, and you can refill both fuel and water tanks. Garbage disposal is available. Mooring assistance is provided, and you will usually be instructed to moor alongside. The dock has tyres for protection, but using your own fenders prevents black marks on the hull.

Working hours are 09:00–14:00 and 17:00–20:00, but these may change. Contact the staff at +30 6943 221911.

Docking

City Quay

Pos.: 38°21.894′ N, 20°43.158′ E or 38°21.936′ N, 20°42.942′ E

The quay streches to the SW of the bay along the town’s esplanade. Berths south of the ferry around 38°21.894′ N, 20°43.158′ E are right at the heart of the town and are ran by harbourmaster Makis. To reserve, contact him at +30 6979 687861 or via VHF Channel 10. These berths offer the best wind protection. The remaining berths around 38°21.936′ N, 20°42.942′ E cannot be reserved to my knowledge.

Docking fees follow the standard municipal rate of approximately €15 per day for a 12m monohull. Water and electricity are available via prepaid cards that cost €15. Sometimes the €15 cards are not available and you are forced to buy the €30 card. They can be purchased from the fee collector during the afternoon or at Karamela Café. For fuel delivery by tanker truck, call +30 6977 773885. A self-service laundry is available right by the quay.

Moor stern-to with anchor. No mooring assistance is provided. Drop plenty of chain (60 metres or more) as the quay is exposed to frequent NW gusts.

If you need any information, Spyros, the owner of Karamela Café is allways happy to help.

North Dock

Pos.: 38°22.370′ N, 20°42.874′ E

This dock is the most sheltered from NW gusts and accommodates about 10 boats. Moor stern-to with anchor and drop plenty of chain, as depths range from 15–20 metres where the anchor drops. Docking is free, and no mooring assistance is provided. Electricity is unavailable, but water and fuel can be delivered by tanker truck.

Two tavernas – Tsiribis and Fagopoti are located by the dock. The town centre is about 20 minutes on foot, or you can take a taxi. Loutsa Beach is an 8-minute walk away.

Anchoring

Anchoring in the bay is common since quay spaces fill quickly. Aim to anchor close to the town centre for shallower depths or southwest of Lazaretto islet for reduced wind exposure. As noted, expect NW gusts. The bottom is mud, and holding is excellent. Note that anchoring is prohibited within the blue polygon shown on the map.

Gidaki Beach

Type: Beach anchorage
Best for: Swimming stop
Protection: Moderate
Holding: Good (sand and weed)

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°23.160′ N, 20°43.975′ E

Gidaki (Γιδάκι) is one of Ithaca’s most beautiful beaches, with turquoise waters. It can only be reached by boat or via a long and demanding walk. Depths increase rapidly, so try to anchor as close to the beach as possible. Around the yellow swimming buoys, the depth is about 8 metres. The bottom consists of sand and seaweed.

There is a small beach bar and a lovely cave at 38°23.267′ N, 20°43.615′ E.

Watch an aerial view of the area on YouTube.

Filiatro (Φιλιατρό) consists of two separate beaches, both with magnificent water. During high season, it becomes very crowded with boats, as is common throughout the Ionian.

Watch an aerial view of the area on YouTube.

The southern beach at 38°22.334′ N, 20°44.553′ E is accesible by land. There is a very good beach bar that provides umbrellas, and swimming buoys are placed close to the shore. Anchor freely on a sandy bottom at about 8 metres depth or run stern lines to the northern or southern rocks.

The northern beach at 38°22.482′ N, 20°44.561′ E is accesible only by sea. Anchor freely on sand or pass stern lines to the rocks behind the beach.

The bay becomes crowded with boats during summer. Lea’s restaurant ashore is highly recommended.

A good alternative is nearby Hulla Beach at 38°22.035′ N, 20°44.668′ E in the same bay. It is equally beautiful and shares similar conditions.

The name Sarakiniko is vey common across Greek islands and refers to areas once used by Saracen pirates.

Watch an aerial view of the area on YouTube where the aforementioned gusts can be clearly seen.

Lygia Channel

Type: Channel anchorage & dock
Best for: Secure anchorage with stern lines
Protection: Good; gusty
Holding: Good in sand

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°20.022′ N, 20°44.801′ E

The channel between Ithaca and Lygia islet (Λυγιά) offers an excellent anchorage with magnificent waters. Keep near the centre when passing through, where the minimum depth is about 4 metres.

There were reports of rats on Lygia, sometimes making their way onto boats. A cat was introduced to control the problem and has done a great job. Still, it’s wise to protect your lines to prevent any unwanted visitors. The cat usually roams near the small dock of Agios Ilias—if you stop by, leave a small cup of water for her.

Watch an aerial view of Lygia Channel and the following section of Pera Pigadi on YouTube.

Anchoring

Anchor near the narrowest part of the channel, but not directly in it, to allow safe passage. Run stern lines to the rocks of Ithaca or Lygia. The seabed is sand with good holding. Expect the usual katabatic gusts from Ithaca’s east coast. This is why most boats choose to run their stern lines to the rocks on Ithaca.

Docking

Pos.: 38°20.103′ N, 20°44.854′ E

The small dock at Agios Ilias can accommodate boats with a draught of up to 2 metres. Go stern-to the quay that can fit about 5 boats or alongside the pier, which fits only one boat.

Type: Multiple anchorages
Best for: Sheltered anchoring with options
Protection: Good
Holding: Good (sand and rock mix)

The area just south of Lygia Channel offers three anchorages with beautiful waters:

• North. “Astreos” (Αστρέος): 38°19.876′ N, 20°44.654′ E
• Middle. “Talaros” (Τάλαρος): 38°19.762′ N, 20°44.648′ E
• South. “Pera Pigadi” (Πέρα Πηγάδι): 38°19.663′ N, 20°44.739′ E

Choose the least crowded spot, as conditions are similar across all three. The seabed is a mix of sand and rock with good holding. Expect the usual katabatic gusts from Ithaca’s east coast. Pass stern lines to the rocks ashore.

Antri (Αντρί) is a beautiful, narrow bay on Ithaca’s east coast, accessible only by boat. Its name comes from a nearby, now-ruined chapel of Agios Andreas. The natural surroundings create a serene atmosphere, and the small beach is home only to goats. Legend has it that this is where Telemachus, son of King Odysseus, moored his ship upon returning from the Peloponnese—having journeyed there in search of news regarding his father’s fate.

Anchor in the middle of the bay with plenty of chain at approximately 15 metres depth. Pass stern lines to the rocks. Holding is good. Expect katabatic gusts from the north; these will be nearly perpendicular to your anchor, creating additional strain. Swell is minimal.

Free anchoring is not recommended because northerly winds will drag your chain into deeper water. In addition, your chain may cross those of boats that have secured stern lines.

Although the bay can get crowded in high season, finding a place to anchor is seldom a problem.

Polis Bay (Πόλις) features a lovely beach with clear waters. To the east of the beach lies a small harbour, usually full of local boats. The bay is sheltered from the prevailing north-westerly winds of the Ionian, making it an attractive anchorage. Swimming buoys protect the beach, so boats must anchor in 15 metres of water or more. To guide your chain into shallower water, run stern lines to the eastern rocks (south of the fishing harbour) or to the western rocks. The seabed is sand with some rocks and offers good holding. A beach cantina provides refreshments, snacks, showers, and bathrooms.

The Loizos Cave is located at 38°26.419′ N, 20°38.302′ E. Although now inaccessible and with little to see, it is historically significant. Important ancient finds were discovered here, including a fragment inscribed «ΕΥΧΗΝ ΟΔΥΣΣΕΙ» (“prayer to Odysseus”), one of the few links between the legendary island of Odysseus and modern Ithaca. More information about Loizos Cave can be found here.

Afales Bay

Type: Open bay anchorage
Best for: Scenic stop
Protection: Poor (exposed NW)
Holding: Mixed (sand and rocks)

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°28.620′ N, 20°38.603′ E

Afales Bay (Αφάλες), in the north of Ithaca, is home to beaches with some of the most stunning water colours you will ever see. They share similar characteristics: a backdrop of sharp white rock that creates a striking contrast with the turquoise sea. However, getting close to the cliffs can be dangerous, as sections may detach unexpectedly.

The bay is completely open to the prevailing north-westerly winds of the Ionian, so it is best visited in the morning when conditions are usually calm. Even without wind, some swell is to be expected. The seabed consists of sand and large boulders, likely fallen from the cliffs ashore. Use a trip line to facilitate anchor retrieval in case it becomes fouled. Anchor freely in about 6–8 metres depth for a swim stop, but spending the night here is not recommended.

The beaches of the bay are accessible only by boat. Cruise ships bringing tourists from other islands (mainly Lefkada) can disturb the otherwise serene environment, but they usually leave quickly. From north to south, the beaches are:

• “Mikres Afales”: 38°29.495′ N, 20°39.079′ E
• “Platinammos” or “Platia Ammos”: 38°29.307′ N, 20°39.157′ E
• “Afales” (northern): 38°28.982′ N, 20°39.134′ E
• “Lakkos”: 38°28.854′ N, 20°39.136′ E
• “Afales” (southern): 38°28.092′ N, 20°38.606′ E

Watch the amazing waters of the northern “Afales” beach through an aerial view on YouTube.

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°28.869′ N, 20°40.301′ E

Marmagkas (Μαρμάγκας) is a beautiful bay and an easy anchorage. Since the bay is relatively shallow, stern lines are generally unnecessary. Anchor freely in about 8–10 metres of depth. The seabed consists of sand and seaweed—look for the easily visible sand patches for better holding. Expect katabatic gusts from the shore that can reach up to 25 knots, so drop plenty of chain.

There is a family-run taverna on the beach, which is recommended. Just outside the bay lies a small islet with the chapel of Agios Nikolaos, which can be visited by SUP or swimming.

Watch an aerial view of the bay on YouTube.

⚠️Attention! A dangerous reef, about 50 metres wide, named Agriogatos (meaning “wild cat”), lies northeast of the bay at 38°28.934′ N, 20°40.597′ E. It is clearly marked on nautical charts.

Three Beaches Bay

Type: Bay anchorage
Best for: Quiet anchoring
Protection: Moderate
Holding: Excellent in sand

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°28.543′ N, 20°40.279′ E

This bay can only be visited by boat and offers a wonderful natural setting. Expect the usual katabatic gusts along Ithaca’s east coast during the afternoon. Pass stern lines to the shore, as depths increase toward the centre of the bay. The seabed is sand with excellent holding. Space is limited, with room for a maximum of five boats. Annoying wasps have been reported, so avoid leaving open food or drinks on deck.

Frikes (Φρίκες) is a quaint port village nestled in the nook of a narrow, green bay. You’ll find a small minimarket and a few tavernas.

Along the waterfront, there are several options for coffee, drinks, and good food—especially fresh fish. If you happen to sail here in late June, don’t miss the feast of the Holy Apostles on 30 June, a local festival (panigyri) that draws crowds from across Ithaca and beyond. The village’s trademark is its two well-maintained windmills standing on either side of the port.

Wind funnels through the valley west of the village, shifting the typical north-westerly wind to westerly, with gusts reaching up to 30 knots.

Watch an aerial view of the village and the port on YouTube.

Docking

There is no water or electricity supply in the port. The cost is the standard municipal fee of approximately €15 per day for a 12m monohull. Contact +30 6979 687862for water delivery by a tanker truck. Since the port is small, boats often moor alongside one another creating a rafting formation. There are two docking options in the port, marked with red lines on the Frikes Port map.

Northwestern Quay. Pos.: 38°27.598′ N, 20°39.822′ E
This quay offers better shelter from the prevailing wind, but the breakwater does not protect it. Consequently, the wake from passing ferries is considerable and potentially dangerous. Moor stern-to or alongside, placing plenty of fenders toward the quay. If you raft alongside other boats, use springs to protect your mast and rigging.

Breakwater. Pos.: 38°27.564′ N, 20°39.885′ E
Docking on the inside of the breakwater is the safest option, except during violent westerly gusts. Boats typically moor alongside, often in a raft, since anchors may fail against strong winds. Depth along the inside of the breakwater is about 2 metres. Boats with greater draught can moor stern-to the outside of the breakwater, keeping sufficient distance, but they will face the same wake from passing ferry traffic.

Anchoring

Anchoring is possible in the numerous coves of the bay, as shown on the Frikes Bay Anchorages map. They offer better protection from westerly gusts than the port. Passing stern lines to the rocks ashore is essential.

A reliable dinghy is necessary to reach the village, as you will need to travel against the prevailing wind.

The northern coves are better protected and generally preferable. The southern ones are affected by road noise, except for the easternmost cove at 38°27.291′ N, 20°41.292′ E. If you don’t mind the 1.2 nm distance to the village, choose that one.

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°26.071′ N, 20°42.380′ E

Agios Ilias, locally known as Άη Λιας (from Άγιος Ηλίας, meaning Prophet Elias), is a small, peaceful cove with crystal-clear water. The seabed is sand and weed, with clearly visible sand patches—aim for these when dropping your anchor. Anchor freely in about 10 metres depth or pass stern lines to the rocks. Holding is excellent.

A small path begins at the jetty (38°26.069′ N, 20°42.450′ E) and leads to the chapel of Prophet Elias on the eastern promontory. If you follow the dirt road west, you can reach Kioni in about a 40-minute walk.

Wasps have been reported in the area, so avoid leaving open food or drinks on deck.

Nisaki

Type: Small cove anchorage
Best for: Swimming and quiet stop
Protection: Good from NW
Holding: Good in gravel

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°25.602′ N, 20°42.088′ E

Nisaki (Νησάκι) is a beautiful, small cove with a pebble beach. The water is crystal-clear. Anchor in gravel as close to the beach as possible, as depths increase rapidly. Pass stern lines to the northern or western rocks. The cove offers good protection from the prevailing north-westerlies.

Exo Aetos / Mprosta Aetos

Type: Wide bay anchorage
Best for: Easy anchoring with space
Protection: Moderate
Holding: Good in sand

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°21.943′ N, 20°40.524′ E

Exo Aetos (Έξω Αετός) is a wide, comfortable bay on the eastern side of the isthmus connecting north and south Ithaca. It is nestled between green mountains, and the water is crystal-clear. Winds tend to shift inside the bay, so keep a safe distance from other boats. A road runs around the bay, which can make it slightly noisy.

Most boats anchor freely in the southwest corner near the beach, on a large sand patch at about 7 metres depth. There is a pleasant bar tavern by the beach.