Kalamos Sailing Guide: Anchorages, Harbours and Tips

Kalamos offers a quieter sailing experience, with simple harbours and natural anchorages spread along an exposed but rewarding coastline.

It is best suited for crews comfortable with anchoring and limited facilities.

Overview

Kalamos (Κάλαμος) lies east of Lefkada and feels a world apart from the busy charter routes of the central Ionian. The island is sparsely populated, lightly developed, and best suited to sailors who value tranquillity, clear water, and natural surroundings over facilities and nightlife. Cruising here is relaxed and unhurried, with few boats even in high season.

Sailing conditions around Kalamos are generally straightforward, but protection varies. The island is more exposed than Meganisi, particularly to northerlies and strong NW afternoon winds, making anchorage choice and timing important. Many bays benefit from stern lines to shore, both for security and to limit swinging in gusty conditions.

Facilities are limited and concentrated mainly in Kalamos Town, where the harbour operates informally but efficiently with local assistance. Elsewhere, anchorages such as Porto Leone, Agrapidia, and Asprogiali offer excellent swimming and scenic settings, but little shelter in unsettled weather and no shore services.

Kalamos is best approached as a fair‑weather destination and a quiet counterpoint to Lefkada and Nidri. For self‑sufficient crews comfortable with anchoring and minimal infrastructure, it delivers a rewarding sense of isolation and an authentic Ionian atmosphere.

⚠️Note: The winds tend to funnel through the strait between Kalamos and Kastos often creating more forceful winds than nearby areas.

Sailing Conditions in Kalamos

Sailing around Kalamos follows the typical central Ionian pattern, influenced by the prevailing NW (Maistro) wind, but with more exposure than nearby islands like Meganisi.

• Mornings: generally calm
• Afternoons: NW winds build, sometimes stronger than expected
• Evenings: winds usually ease

A key feature is the funnelling effect in the strait between Kalamos and Kastos, which can significantly increase wind strength compared to surrounding areas.

Kalamos Coast Overview for Sailors

Kalamos is a small, lightly developed island, offering simple but rewarding cruising for sailors seeking quiet anchorages.

South-East Coast (main settlement)

• Kalamos Town – main harbour and only significant hub
• Includes Porto Leone and small coves
• Scenic and remote anchorages
• Protected coast, but still weather-dependent

North-East Coast

• Asprogiali – best beach on the island

North-West Coast

• Episkopi – peacuful harbour
• Exposed to northerlies

General Characteristics

• Simple, quiet cruising ground, away from crowds
• Rewards self-sufficient crews

Kalamos Sailing Itinerary Ideas

Kalamos is usually included as part of short, relaxed routes in the central Ionian:

• Lefkada → Meganisi → Kalamos → Kastos – classic quiet island loop
• Kalamos → Kastos → Ithaca – continuation south

Kalamos works best as:

• a quiet alternative to Lefkada
• a fair-weather stop between islands
• a destination for low-traffic cruising

For detailed route ideas, check out the Ionian sailing itineraries guide.

All Anchorages & Harbours in Kalamos

This guide covers all main anchorages and harbours in Kalamos.

Harbours & Villages

• Kalamos Town – main harbour with limited facilities
• Episkopi – small harbour with very limited space

Main Anchorages

• Porto Leone – best-known anchorage with good shelter
• Agrapidia – anchorage near Kalamos Town
• Asprogiali – excellent holding and clear water

Secondary Anchorages

• Kalamos South Cove – small, scenic anchorage

Where to Anchor in Kalamos (Quick Guide)

If you’re looking for the best anchorages in Kalamos, here is a quick overview:

• Best harbour: Kalamos Town
• Best protected anchorage: Porto Leone
• Best swimming spot /scenic anchorage: Asprogiali

General rule:

• Prefer settled weather conditions
• Avoid exposed bays during strong NW or northerly winds

Kalamos Sailing Map: Anchorages and Harbours

Below is an interactive map of all major anchorages and harbours in Kalamos. Click any location to jump to the detailed guide below.

Locations

Kalamos Town

Type: Harbour village
Best for: Main stop and basic services
Protection: Good overall; exposed to strong easterlies
Holding: Variable (weed with sand patches)

Kalamos Town, the island’s main settlement and harbour on the east coast, is a quiet and welcoming stop for Ionian sailors. The village itself is small but provides essential services, including a mini-market and a few simple tavernas. Outside peak season, Kalamos Town retains a tranquil, authentic Ionian atmosphere. A 10–15 minute walk south of the town takes you to Agrapidia Beach at 38°36.925′ N, 20°55.609′ E.

If you are in the area, do not miss the panigyri on 6 August.

Docking

Port of Kalamos. Pos.: 38°37.407′ N, 20°55.945′ E

The Port of Kalamos could easily be called George’s Port. George spends his day in a dinghy, guiding and assisting yachts with mooring. Follow his instructions to moor stern-to or alongside. Most berths are on the breakwater, with a few available along the quay. Be prepared to raft up, as George often fits as many boats as possible into the harbour. Tangled anchors are common, and the system works on a “last in, first out” basis. George’s assistance and docking are free, but he kindly asks that you dine at his restaurant located at the edge of the port—which is well regarded. Contact him in advance at +30 2646 091358.

Water is available, but electricity is not. The harbour offers good shelter from most winds, though strong easterlies can be challenging.

⚠️ Note: There are reports of a dangerous reef located at a bearing of 45° and approximately 780 m from the northern red light on the breakwater.

Anchoring

Anchoring on a roadstead is possible north of the harbour, around 38°37.423′ N, 20°56.078′ E. The seabed consists of weed with sand patches, so aim for the sandy spots for better holding. Depths are 6–8 m; use plenty of chain (50 m or more) as the area is fairly open and offers limited protection from the wind.

Agrapidia

Type: Beach anchorage
Best for: Swimming stop near Kalamos Town
Protection: Limited; exposed to N gusts
Holding: Good in sand patches

Agrapidia Beach (Αγραπιδιά) lies about half a mile south of Kalamos town and is marked by a charming old windmill and a pair of pebble shores flanked by emerald waters. While no full shore facilities are available, a modest tavern—Voskopoula—provides refreshments and good food.

Anchoring

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°36.898′ N, 20°55.558′ E

Anchor offshore in depths of 4–8 metres where the seabed consists of sand and seagrass. Holding is generally reliable in sandy patches. However, sudden squalls from the north are to be expected, with gusts reaching 30 knots and causing anchor strain. Night-time comfort may be affected by occasional wind or passing traffic.

Porto Leone / Gerolimnionas

Type: Bay anchorage
Best for: Most protected anchorage on the island
Protection: Good overall; gusts in strong NW
Holding: Average (sand and weed)

Gerolimnionas (Γερολιμνιώνας), best known by its Venetian name Porto Leone, is a beautiful bay on the southeast coast of Kalamos Island. It offers good protection from most winds, though occasional gusts can occur during strong north-westerlies. Ashore, you can explore the remains of the village Kefali, abandoned after the devastating 1953 Ionian earthquake. The old church of the village is still maintained and houses a revered image of the Virgin Mary. Religious celebrations take place here on 30 June and 15 August, accompanied by traditional music.

⚠️ Tip: Wasps can be a nuisance in the area, so avoid leaving food or drinks on deck that might attract them.

Anchoring

The two small docks near the church are private, so anchoring is the only option. There are three main anchoring spots. The one southwest of the windmills (C) is often considered the best, but choose the least crowded option as all provide similar wind protection:

A) North of the church. Appox. Pos.: 38°36.013′ N, 20°53.047′ E
B) Sourth of the church. Appox. Pos.: 38°35.840′ N, 20°53.172′ E
C) Southwest of the windmills. Appox. Pos.: 38°35.865′ N, 20°53.420′ E

The seabed is a mix of seaweed and sand. Holding is average, so drop plenty of chain and expect gusts in the afternoon. Passing stern lines to rocks ashore is always the safest option—this prevents collisions with swinging boats and helps guide your chain into shallower water.

Kalamos South Cove

Type: Cove anchorage
Best for: Quiet stop with clear water
Protection: Good from NW; exposed to swell
Holding: Mixed (sand and rocks)

There is a small cove with crystal-clear water on the south side of the island, around 38°34.743′ N, 20°52.585′ E. The seabed is a mix of sand and rocks. Drop anchor in about 10 m of water and run stern lines to the rocks ashore. Space is limited—there’s room for only a couple of boats. The cove is sheltered from the typical afternoon NW wind, but its exposed position makes it susceptible to swell.

Episkopi

Type: Village harbour & anchorage
Best for: Quiet alternative to main harbour
Protection: Limited (especially from N)
Holding: Good (sand and weed)

Episkopi (Επισκοπή), a quiet village on the north-west coast of Kalamos, offers a peaceful alternative to the busier main harbour. Surrounded by pine-covered hills and olive groves, it retains an authentic Ionian charm. Life here is simple, with a couple of tavernas by the waterfront and a handful of houses scattered along the shore. The setting is tranquil, making it a pleasant stop for sailors seeking calm and natural beauty.

The village’s population is around 40 permanent residents. A pleasant 30-minute walk from the port leads to a fortified monastery, known as Kastromonastero. Varka Restaurant, with tables right on the beach and excellent food, is definitely worth a visit. Expect no shops or provisioning here; the nearest supplies are in Kalamos Town. For a closer look at the area, there’s a helpful video available on YouTube.

Docking

Entrance Pos.: 38°38.890′ N, 20°55.609′ E

Space is very limited in the harbour, with room for about five boats. Go stern-to with anchor close to the entrance on the outer (northwestern) mole, where the depth is about 2 metres. Smaller boats can go further inside into shallower waters. Manoeuvring requires care, and there are no facilities for water or electricity, and no fuel, so plan accordingly.

Anchoring

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°38.875′ N, 20°55.554′ E

If the harbour is full or your draught is too deep, anchoring off Episkopi is a good option. The most common spot is just west of the harbour. Depths start around 4 metres near the shore and drop steeply to 25 metres further out. The bottom is a mix of sand and weed—aim for sandy patches for better holding. Holding is generally good, and the area is calm in settled weather, though protection is limited in strong northerlies. Use plenty of chain if anchoring in the more open spots.

Asprogiali

Type: Beach anchorage
Best for: Clear water and peaceful anchoring
Protection: Good from NW
Holding: Excellent in sand

Asprogiali (Ασπρογυάλι) refers to a scenic area with two adjacent sandy beaches on the northeastern edge of Kalamos. Nestled beneath dense pine forest that reaches down to the water, it offers turquoise waters and a dramatic natural backdrop—a peaceful retreat away from the main harbours. Accessible only by boat, the area has no shore facilities, but its tranquillity can sometimes be disturbed by passing motorboats or occasional swell.

Anchoring

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°38.993′ N, 20°57.609′ E

Drop anchor in 4–7 metres over sand. Holding is excellent, and the anchorage provides good protection from the prevailing north-westerly winds in the afternoon. Several small rocks onshore can be used for stern lines to reduce swing when it gets busy. Arriving early gives the best chance of securing a good spot before the anchorage becomes crowded.

From Kalamos, you can easily sail to Lefkada, Meganisi, Kalamos and Ithaca—discover them all in our Ionian sailing guide.