Kastos Sailing Guide: Anchorages, Harbours and Tips

With only a handful of anchorages and a single small harbour, Kastos provides a simple and understated sailing stop.

Kastos is a tiny and lightly populated Ionian island, offering a simple harbour, clear waters, and a quiet stop well away from the main charter routes.

Overview

Kastos (Κάστος) is the definition of low‑key Ionian cruising. With only one small village and very limited infrastructure, the island appeals to sailors looking for simplicity, space, and an unhurried pace. Life revolves around the harbour, a handful of tavernas, and the daily rhythm of boats coming and going.

From a sailing perspective, Kastos is straightforward but not particularly sheltered. The main harbour provides only moderate protection, with frequent katabatic gusts and limited space, making timing important during the summer months. Anchoring options nearby offer good holding in sand and mud, but wind shifts are common and stern lines are often advisable.

Facilities are minimal: there is no fuel, no water or electricity on the dock, and no garbage disposal. This lack of services helps preserve the island’s character but requires crews to be reasonably self‑sufficient. In return, you get clear water, easy swimming access, and a distinctly relaxed atmosphere both afloat and ashore.

Kastos works best as a short, fair‑weather stop between busier destinations such as Kalamos, Meganisi, and Lefkada. It is not about shelter or services, but about slowing down and enjoying one of the Ionian’s last genuinely quiet islands.

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

Watch informative aerial views of the anchorages and the harbour on Youtube.

Sailing Conditions in Kastos

Sailing around Kastos follows the typical central Ionian pattern, influenced by the prevailing NW (Maistro) wind, but with limited natural protection.

• Mornings: generally calm
• Afternoons: NW winds build, sometimes stronger due to local effects
• Evenings: winds usually ease

A key factor is the funnelling effect in the strait between Kalamos and Kastos, where winds can become noticeably stronger than in surrounding areas.

Conditions inside anchorages are often affected by katabatic gusts and wind shifts, especially in and around the main harbour. As a result, stern lines are frequently necessary, both to control position and to reduce swinging in confined spaces.

Overall:

• Most boats stay in the protected south-west coast

Kastos Coast Overview for Sailors

Kastos is an extremely compact and minimally developed island, with a very limited number of anchorages concentrated around its only settlement.

South-East Coast (main area)

• Kastos Village Harbour – only harbour on the island
• Multiple protected small coves to explore

North-West Coast

• Sarakiniko – alternative anchorage in easterlies
• Poor protection from prevailing NW winds

Overall:

• Simple and constrained cruising ground
• Best used for short, well-timed stops

Kastos Sailing Itinerary Ideas

Kastos is almost always visited as part of short, quiet routes in the central Ionian:

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

Kastos works best as:

• a short overnight stop
• a low-traffic alternative to Lefkada anchorages
• part of a slow-paced cruising route

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

All Anchorages & Harbours in Kastos

This guide covers all anchorages and harbour options in Kastos.

Harbour

• Kastos Village – only harbour and main settlement

Main Anchorages

• Valy Beach – primary anchorage next to the village
• Sarakiniko – alternative anchorage in easterlies

Secondary Stops

• Fokotrypa Cave – short stop in calm weather

Where to Anchor in Kastos (Quick Guide)

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

• Best harbour: Kastos Village
• Best anchorage near harbour: Valy Beach
• Best short stop: Fokotrypa Cave

General rules:

• Expect limited space and shifting winds
• Explore the protected south-east coast

Kastos Sailing Map: Anchorages and Harbours

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

The map highlights typical coves marked with red circles. Wherever you choose to anchor, aim for sand patches and, if possible, run stern lines to rocks ashore towards the wind.

Locations

Kastos Village

Kastos is the island’s only settlement, built amphitheatrically around its picturesque harbour. You can find a small mini-market, a few small taverns and cafes. It’s worth leaving the waterfront to wander through the charming lanes and traditional houses, enjoying the view from higher ground. A distinctive landmark is the well-preserved windmill south of the harbour, now operating as a cocktail bar.

Docking

Pos.: 38°34.101′ N, 20°54.746′ E

Moor stern-to on the eastern breakwater from the inner basin, using your anchor. During high season, arrive by 13:00 to secure a spot. There are no facilities for water, electricity, or fuel, so plan ahead. Also, garbage disposal is prohibited on the island. Docking is free of charge.

Anchoring

Approx. Pos.: 38°34.105′ N, 20°54.670′ E

Anchoring inside the harbour is possible with long stern lines to the western and northern beaches. Drop anchor north of the ferry berth to avoid obstructing its manoeuvring space. Holding is good in about 5 metres of sand and mud, but wind protection is limited, and katabatic gusts are frequent.

Anchoring outside the harbour is also possible, though with less wind protection. You can use the outer (eastern) side of the breakwater to run stern lines, or swing freely at anchor.

A more spacious anchoring option is the Valy Beach, described in the next section.

Valy Beach

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°34.268′ N, 20°54.886′ E

Valy Beach (Βάλη) lies immediately next to Kastos Village. In the middle of the cove, there is a large patch of sand that offers excellent holding—aim for this spot when dropping anchor. Optionally, you can run stern lines to the western rocks. The typical north-westerly wind often shifts direction within the cove. Access to the village is easy via the stairs at the western edge of the beach or with a short dinghy ride.

Fokotrypa Cave

Pos.: 38°35.221′ N, 20°55.824′ E

Fokotrypa (Φωκότρυπα) literally translates to “Seal’s Hole.” To visit, you must swim through a narrow, dark passage that leads to a beautiful small beach inside. Anchor outside the cave in about 20 metres of depth. There is absolutely no wind protection, so it should only be visited in calm weather.

Sarakiniko

Sarakiniko bay (Σαρακήνικο) serves as the island’s alternative port when strong easterlies make the village harbour unusable. The name “Sarakiniko” is common in Greece and refers to places associated with Saracen pirates, often used as anchorages or hideouts. It is generally best avoided, as it offers poor shelter from the prevailing north-westerly winds of the Ionian.

You can anchor south of the small islet on a sand patch at approximately 38°33.896′ N, 20°54.122′ E. North of the islet, depths reach around 50 metres. There is also a small pier at 38°33.858′ N, 20°54.107′ E, but it only accommodates one boat.

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