Lefkada Sailing Guide: Anchorages, Harbours and Tips

Planning a route through Lefkada means choosing from numerous anchorages, harbours, and well-protected bays across its varied coastline.

Lefkada is one of the Ionian’s premier sailing destinations, combining a well‑developed nautical infrastructure with a diverse coastline of sheltered bays, lively harbours, and spectacular western beaches.

Overview

Lefkada (Λευκάδα) holds a central position in the Ionian, functioning as both an island and a mainland base thanks to its floating bridge connection. This accessibility, combined with strong nautical infrastructure, has made it one of the busiest and most important centres for charter fleets and private yachts in the region.

The sailing experience is clearly split between the two coasts. The eastern side is calm and protected, with numerous safe anchorages, organised harbours, and nearby islands that create ideal conditions for relaxed cruising. The western coast, by contrast, is exposed to the open Ionian, offering spectacular scenery and famous beaches but few safe stops, making it suitable mainly for fair‑weather daytime visits.

Lefkada excels in practicality. Lefkada Town, Nidri, and Vlicho Bay provide reliable shelter, repairs, provisioning, and fuel, making the island an excellent staging point or refuge in unsettled conditions. The trade‑off is congestion: during high season, popular anchorages and harbours can become extremely crowded.

Overall, Lefkada is less about remoteness and more about reliability. It is an ideal base for central Ionian cruising and a dependable fallback when weather or crowds limit options elsewhere.

Sailing Conditions in Lefkada

Sailing around Lefkada follows the typical Ionian summer pattern, dominated by the prevailing NW (Maistro) wind.

• Mornings: calm or light winds
• Afternoons: steady NW breeze builds (10-20 knots), locally stronger
• Evenings: winds usually drop

Conditions vary significantly between coasts:

• East coast: well sheltered, calm seas
• West coast: exposed to NW winds and swell
• South (Vasiliki): strong thermal winds (up to 30 knots), especially in the afternoon

Local effects such as katabatic gusts are common in bays like Sivota and Rouda, requiring attention when anchoring.

Lefkada Coast Overview for Sailors

Lefkada offers one of the clearest contrasts in the Ionian between protected cruising and exposed coastline.

East Coast (main sailing area)

• Sheltered from NW wind
• Numerous anchorages, harbours, and marinas
• Includes Lefkada Town, Nidri, Vlicho Bay, Sivota
• Ideal for overnight stays and base operations

Inland Water (Vlicho Bay)

• Very deep, enclosed bay
• Excellent shelter in all conditions
• Limited water clarity and scenery

South Coast (Vasiliki)

• Partially sheltered
• Strong afternoon thermals
• Reliable anchorage but wind-intensive

West Coast

• Fully exposed to open Ionian Sea
• Strong swell and limited anchoring options
• Includes the famous beaches of Porto Katsiki and Egremni — daytime stops only

Overall:

• East coast = reliability and infrastructure
• West coast = scenery, weather dependent

Lefkada Sailing Itinerary Ideas

Popular sailing routes from Lefkada include:

• Lefkada → Meganisi → Kalamos → Kastos – classic short cruising loop
• Lefkada → Ithaca → Kefalonia – extended southern Ionian route
• Lefkada → Paxos → Corfu – northern Ionian passage
• Lefkada → mainland coast → Ambracian Gulf – sheltered alternative

Lefkada is often used as a base or starting point, thanks to its accessibility and infrastructure. For more route ideas, check out the detailed Ionian sailing itineraries guide, including multi-day routes from Lefkada.

All Anchorages & Harbours in Lefkada

This guide covers all major anchorages and harbours in Lefkada.

Main Harbours & Bases

• Lefkada Town – main hub and marina
• Nidri – centre for services and pontoons
• Sivota – sheltered harbour village
• Vasiliki – major harbour with strong winds

East Coast Anchorages

• Nikiana – small harbour & limited anchorage
• Vlicho Bay – safest anchorage on the island
• Tranquil Bay / Nidri Beach – anchoring options near Nidri
• Fraxia / Desimi / Rouda – sheltered coves
• Caves – short stop only

Offshore & Nearby Islands

• Skorpios – restricted but accessible daytime anchorage

South Coast

• Standing Stones – protected anchorage
• Vasiliki Bay – anchorage with strong winds

West Coast (weather-dependent)

• Arouraios – exposed but beautiful anchorage
• Porto Katsiki – iconic beach, exposed
• Egremni – scenic anchorage, swell-prone

Where to Anchor in Lefkada (Quick Guide)

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

• Safest all-weather anchorage: Vlicho Bay
• Best marina/base: D-Marin Lefkas Marina near Lefkada Town
• Best harbour village: Sivota
• Best anchorage near Nidri: Tranquil Bay
• Best quiet alternative: Desimi
• Best swimming spot: Standing Stones
• Most scenic anchorages: Porto Katsiki / Egremni (calm weather only)
• Best south coast stop: Vasiliki

General rules:

• Use the east coast for overnight safety
• Treat the west coast as a fair-weather destination
• Expect crowding in peak season, especially in Nidri and Sivota

Lefkada Sailing Map: Anchorages and Harbours

Below is an interactive map of all major anchorages and harbours in Lefkada, including Nydri, Vlicho, Vasiliki and Skorpios island. Click any location to jump to the detailed guide below.

Locations

Lefkada Town

Type: Town harbour & marina
Best for: Main base, provisioning, repairs
Protection: Good overall; affected by NW in channel

Lefkada Town is the capital and main urban centre, located at the northern tip where the island connects to the mainland via a floating bridge. Its distinctive layout, shaped by Venetian heritage and seismic activity, features colourful houses, narrow alleys, and a mix of architecture. The waterfront is more functional than picturesque and can feel busy in summer, but the charming backstreets with small shops and cafés offer a pleasant, authentic experience. It is a practical, if not polished, base for exploration.

The town offers a wide range of restaurants; some are tourist traps. For a simple, delicious dinner, I recommend “Eftichia” and “Gogo”.

The harbour is a major sailing hub, hosting around a thousand boats in summer (town quay and marina). Consequently, you can find any part or repair service you might need.

Getting in

You can enter from the north or south. From either direction, you must stay in the channel marked by well-maintained red and green buoys. The speed limit is 4 knots (theoretically), and you should not have sails up.

The Ionian’s prevailing NW afternoon wind blows through the channel, significantly affecting your boat’s course. You must actively correct to windward and travel on the right-hand side of the channel to maintain safe two-way navigation.

The south part of the channel is prone to silting and I have seen grounded boats at the edge of it. If your draught is more than 2.5 metres, try to travel closer to the middle.

To enter from the north, you need to pass through a floating bridge that services cars traveling to and from the mainland. This rotating bridge opens the channel for sailing vessels to pass. It used to open every hour from 08:00 to 22:00, but as of August 2024, it operates on the following schedule:

The bridge opens for 10-15 minutes, or practically until the waiting sailing vessels have passed. Theoretically, during the night (23:00 – 07:00), the bridge will open upon request on VHF Channel 12 if a vessel is waiting, but don’t count on it. Also theoretically, boats travelling south (entering Lefkada Town) have the right of way, but the channel is wide enough for two-way navigation. There are many cars waiting for the bridge to close, so do not assume the operator will wait for you if you dawdle.

If you need to wait for the bridge opening while entering Lefkada Town, use the dock to the right before the bridge to moor alongside at approx. pos.: 38⁰50.782′ N, 20⁰43.144′ E ).

Watch the bridge in operation and a drone view of the north part of the channel on YouTube.

Docking

There are 2 options for docking: The Town Quay and the D-Marin Lefkas Marina. The Town Quay is cheaper by far, but the D-Marin Lefkas Marina is more convenient.

Town Quay

Approx. Pos.: 38⁰49.976′ N, 20⁰42.711′ E

The town quay is now filled with pontoons that host about 300 rental sailing boats. The vast majority are rented weekly, departing from Saturday evening to Sunday morning and returning on Friday afternoon. Outside this period, there is ample space for docking on the pontoons. Moor stern-to using the provided mooring lines; anchoring is prohibited on the pontoons. For easier and safer mooring, choose a pontoon where you will be facing SE, putting the prevailing NW wind at your stern.

Besides the pontoons, you can moor stern-to with anchor at the town wall approximately at 38⁰50.118′ N, 20⁰42.712′ E facing NE or at 38⁰50.062′ N, 20⁰42.742′ E facing SE. This second option is better as you are protected from the typical NW wind. Either way, there is a significant chance of fouling your anchor on old chains on the seabed here, so the pontoon option is generally better. Alongside mooring is not officially allowed, but I have seen boats doing it.

For both the pontoons and the town wall, the mooring fee is the standard municipal rate of approximately €12 per day for a 12-metre monohull. There are pillars with water and electricity on the dock; their use is not included in the price, but sometimes you can use them informally (Welcome to Greece!).

D-Marin Lefkas Marina

Pos.: 38⁰49.801′ N, 20⁰42.892′ E

This marina, operated by D-Marin, is the largest in the South Ionian, hosting about 700 boats. Services are comprehensive and include water, electricity, toilets, showers, a fuel dock, Wi-Fi, dockhand support, repair and diving services, cleaning, laundry, restaurants, a supermarket, car parking, and a hotel.

The marina is pricey, which is why it is often avoided for a short stop. The berthing cost is approximately €120 per day for a 12-metre monohull (water and electricity not included), but you should confirm this in advance as it varies by season and length of stay.

You will be mooring stern-to the indicated berth using mooring lines; anchors are not to be used within the marina. The marina is well-protected from the wind but if you have a choice, prefer the SE part of the pontoons to have your stern to the prevailing NW wind for easier mooring. Assistance with mooring is provided by the staff.

Book via the D-Marin website or their app. You can contact the marina at +30 2645 026645 or on VHF Channel 69.

Fuel

Use the “ELIN boat petrol station” at the south entrance of the marina at 38⁰49.757′ N, 20⁰42.895′ E . Moor stern-to from the SE side. With the typical NW wind, you often won’t need to drop an anchor. The station is extremely busy on Friday afternoons when charter fleets return; plan your visit accordingly.

Nikiana

Type: Village harbour & anchorage
Best for: Quiet stop with good facilities
Protection: Good from all directions (harbour)
Holding: Average with sand and weed (anchorage)

Nikiana (Νικιάνα) is a small, peaceful village located between Lefkada Town and Nidri, offering a more serene base for exploring the region. It features a small harbour, several restaurants, and supermarkets. Pebbly beaches with clear water flank the harbour on both sides.

Docking

Entrance Pos.: 38⁰45.686′ N, 20⁰43.261′ E

New pontoons in the harbour primarily service charter boats. They are typically occupied from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning, leaving them free for visitors at other times. Moor stern-to using the lazy lines. The harbour provides good protection from all winds.

• Contact: +30 6974 034034/ +30 6949 727337/ VHF Channel 20 to request a berth.
• Fees: The berthing fees are a two-part system. Since you are using a charter company’s berth, you must pay both the company and the municipal fund. The total is approximately €30 per day for a 12m monohull (€20 to the company + €10 to the municipality), but confirm this before docking.
• Services: Water and electricity are available and included.

Anchoring

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38⁰45.770′ N, 20⁰43.219′ E

The anchorage north of the harbour is limited by swimming buoys, forcing you to anchor in approximately 15 metres or more. The bottom is sand and weed, offering average holding. It provides protection from north and west winds. Be aware that the island’s busiest road runs alongside the beach, and the noise can be disturbing.

Pergiali

Type: Fuel dock
Best for: Refuelling and water

Pos.: 38⁰43.242′ N, 20⁰43.510′ E

The village of Pergiali (Περγιάλι) has a convenient dock for refuelling and taking on water. Moor alongside the NW wall or the NE dock. Fuel is priced normally. The dock is fitted with tires, so you often won’t need your fenders. However, as some tires are unpainted and can leave black marks, using fenders is still advised if you are concerned about your hull. The dock provides its own mooring lines. While you can contact the owner, Marios, at +30 6934 032836, it is generally not necessary to do so in advance.

Nydri / Nidri

Type: Town with pontoons & anchorages
Best for: Services, repairs, social stop
Protection: Good in pontoons; anchorage varies
Holding: Good to excellent (mud/sand depending on spot)

Nidri (Νυδρί) is the busiest resort town on the eastern coast of Lefkada, known for its lively waterfront and views of the nearby islands of Meganisi, Skorpios, and Madouri. It offers a wide range of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it convenient for visitors, but it can feel crowded and commercialised during the high season. For nautical equipment or repairs, Nidri is the place to be. Otherwise, in my opinion, it offers little of note and can be avoided.

An interesting activity is to visit the Nidri Waterfalls, about an hour’s walk from town. If you rent a car or scooter, there is a parking lot nearby, making it only a 15-minute walk from there. Be aware that the walking path itself can be interesting, but the waterfalls are often dried out by the end of summer.

Docking

There are several docking options listed below (north to south). The standard price is approximately €25 per day for a 12-metre monohull, but you should confirm this in advance. Water is usually included; electricity is generally available but not at every berth. You must specify if you need electricity when you contact the pontoon, as berths with and without power can be mixed. Mooring assistance is provided everywhere; you will moor stern-to. Confirm whether mooring lines are provided upon contact.

1. Touristic Port – Pos.: 38⁰42.445′ N, 20⁰42.694′ E
   New port with space for ~20 yachts. As of summer 2025, they were still unorganized. Contact +30 2645 092509or Spiros (+30 6984 521093) or book via Sammy. Moor stern-to with white-buoyed mooring lines. If there is something wrong with your mooring line and you must drop anchor, beware of the chain that holds the mooring lines. It is located 50m from the dock, so you will have to drop your anchor further than that.
2. Public Port – Pos.: 38⁰42.376′ N, 20⁰42.643′ E
   Primarily for day-tripper boats, with limited space for visiting sailboats. Contact Spiros on +30 6984 521093. To book via SaMMY your boat needs to be over 28m.
3. Skorpios Pontoon – Pos.: 38⁰42.272′ N, 20⁰42.572′ E
   Contact: +30 6973 474080or Conny (+30 6947 869971). VHF Channel 14.
4. IBA Pontoon – Pos.: 38⁰42.198′ N, 20⁰42.596′ E
   Contact: +30 2645 093020. VHF Channel 73.
5. Nydri Pontoon – Pos.: 38⁰42.095′ N, 20⁰42.543′ E
   Contact Conny: +30 6947 869971. VHF Channel 14.
6. Armonia – Pos.: 38⁰42.053′ N, 20⁰42.509′ E
   Contact: +30 6939 413431
7. Eucalyptus – Pos.: 38⁰41.964′ N, 20⁰42.461′ E
   Contact Helen: +30 6932 567468or Conny (+30 6947 869971). VHF Channel 14.
8. Iris – Pos.: 38⁰41.922′ N, 20⁰42.462′ E
   Contact: +30 6946 722182
9. Tranquil Bay Pontoon – Pos.: 38⁰41.997′ N, 20⁰42.665′ E
   Contact: +30 6976 778963or Navily.

Anchoring

Most yachts prefer the nearby Vlicho Bay to anchor in a roadstead. Closer to Nidri, there are two options: Tranquil Bay (10) is more protected but crowded; Nidri Beach (11) is deeper and more exposed but can provide a more relaxed setting, especially during the night.

10. Tranquil Bay – Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38⁰42.136′ N, 20⁰42.803′ E
    The most popular anchorage for visiting Nidri. It is protected from all winds with excellent holding in mud at ~10m depth. Consequently, it gets extremely crowded, making safe distancing from neighbours often impossible. Light winds shift erratically in the bay, causing non-uniform boat swinging. Swimming is not advisable due to dinghy traffic and murky water from the muddy bottom. Nidri is a one-minute dinghy ride away.

11. Nidri beach – Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38⁰42.878′ N, 20⁰43.119′ E
    The only place near Nidri for a proper swim in clear water. It offers good protection from the western half of the horizon. The bottom is sand and mud with excellent holding. You will be forced to anchor in ~15m depth due to swimming buoys. You may be annoyed by water sports activity during the day.

Vlicho Bay

Type: Large enclosed bay anchorage
Best for: Safest anchorage in Lefkada
Protection: Excellent from all directions
Holding: Excellent in mud

Vlicho (Βλυχό) is a long, sheltered, natural bay on the eastern coast of Lefkada, just south of Nidri. Its calm waters and excellent protection from all wind directions make it one of the safest anchorages in the Ionian, even during strong blows. The bay is popular among cruisers for extended stays thanks to its easy anchoring, good holding, and proximity to yacht services. Along the shore, you’ll find tavernas, small shops, and repair facilities, while Nidri is only a short dinghy ride away for more extensive provisioning.

On approach, the bay may appear crowded with boats, largely because many vessels are moored in the narrow channel outside Nidri. Don’t let this discourage you—if you continue a little further south, the bay opens up into the lake-like scenery of Vlicho, offering plenty of space and excellent shelter.

The water inside the bay is not clear and is generally uninviting for swimming. The shore also lacks notable attractions. Therefore, the primary reason to come here is for the safety of the anchorage and the abundance of available space.

Anchoring

Most yachts prefer to anchor at the southwest side, near the Vlicho Yacht Club (approx. 38⁰40.974′ N, 20⁰42.007′ E ) or the east side, near the famous Taverna Elena (approx. 38⁰41.277′ N, 20⁰42.636′ E ). If you don’t mind longer dinghy rides, feel free to anchor anywhere. The bay is protected from wind of any direction. Anchor in mud in 5-7m depth with excellent holding. In places there are seaweed and therefore strong reverse is required to dig the anchor beneath it.

Docking

On the western side of the bay, there are three main pontoons (listed north to south). Contact them in advance to reserve a berth and confirm the current price.

• Limanaki Taverna – Pos.: 38⁰41.268′ N, 20⁰41.930′ E
  Contact: +30 6994 512268
  Berthing is free with the obligation to dine at the restaurant (good food, fair prices). Water and electricity are available for €20. Mooring lines and assistance are provided.
• Sail2day – Pos.: 38⁰41.083′ N, 20⁰41.928′ E
  Contact: +30 6931 150794or Navily
  Water is available and fuel can be delivered. Electricity is not available. Mooring lines and assistance are provided.
• Vlicho Yacht Club – Pos.: 38⁰41.014′ N, 20⁰41.933′ E
  Contact: +30 6976 778963or Navily
  Water is available and fuel can be delivered. Electricity is not available. Mooring lines and assistance are provided.

Scorpios Island

Type: Restricted anchorage (day use)
Best for: Swimming and short visit
Protection: Good except S
Holding: Moderate (weed)

Skorpios (Σκορπιός), meaning scorpion in Greek, is a private island located about half a mile east of Lefkada. It is best known as the former island of the Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis, who is buried here along with members of his family. The island became famous for the luxurious parties hosted during the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it belongs to Ekaterina Rybolovleva, daughter of Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev.

Approaching the island within 300 metres is theoretically prohibited. However, boats are tolerated in one specific cove at 38°41.266′ N, 20°44.448′ E, where Onassis once built a beach cabin for Jackie Kennedy (Jackie O at the time). Boats are allowed to anchor in this cove, but visitors may not step ashore. You will not encounter guard dogs or armed patrols; at most, a polite member of the security staff may ask you to leave — if he happens to be present. Note that this tolerance applies only during the day. All boats must leave the cove for the night.

The cove has beautifully clear water and is surrounded by dense, untouched forest. On the downside, many boats visit purely for the novelty of swimming at “Onassis’s island,” so it can get busy. The cove is protected from all winds except southerlies. Holding is moderate, as the bottom is seaweed. It is advisable to run stern lines to the rocks ashore, as swinging freely may result in collision risks with neighbouring boats.

Fraxia

Type: Cove anchorage
Best for: Swimming stop
Protection: Variable (gusty conditions)
Holding: Good in sand

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38⁰41.426′ N, 20⁰43.298′ E

A nice, typical cove with clear water for swimming near Nidri, accessible only by boat. Anchor on a sandy bottom in approximately 5 metres depth and take stern lines to the NW rocks. Note that the prevailing NW wind swirls unpredictably within the cove and can come from any direction.

Desimi

Type: Bay anchorage
Best for: Protected anchoring near Nidri
Protection: Good except SE
Holding: Average (sand and weed)

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38⁰40.351′ N, 20⁰42.805′ E

Desimi (Δεσίμι) is a nice bay and a comfortable anchorage, protected from all winds but the SE. The bottom is seaweed and sand with average holding. You can pass stern lines to the rocks on either side or swing freely on anchor. Do not anchor closer than 150m from the shore because the coast guard will ask you to move. The Kantina restaurant right at the beach is very good.

Caves

Type: Open anchorage
Best for: Short stop and exploration
Protection: Poor (exposed)
Holding: Fair (sand and weed)

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38⁰37.417′ N, 20⁰43.049′ E

A recommended spot for a quick stop to swim in and explore the sea caves by dinghy. Be prepared to anchor in 15+ metres of depth. The bottom is sand and seaweed, offering fair holding. This is a daylight-only, fair-weather anchorage due to its exposure and depth.

Rouda Bay / Mikros Gialos Beach

Type: Bay anchorage
Best for: Quiet anchorage with tavernas
Protection: Moderate; affected by gusts
Holding: Average (sand and weed)

The bay of Rouda (Ρούδα) and the beach of Mikros Gialos (Μικρός Γυαλός) offer a peaceful alternative to the more popular Vasiliki and Sivota. The village of Mikros Gialos has a fine selection of fish tavernas; the “Molos” taverna is excellent.

Anchoring

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38⁰38.306′ N, 20⁰41.756′ E

Anchoring is the only option, as the pier to the northeast is reserved for local fishermen (though you can use it to land your dinghy). The bay is quite deep; you will need to anchor close to the north beach to find a depth of around 15 metres. The bottom is sand and seaweed, offering average holding. The swimming area buoys are placed far from the beach, significantly limiting the available anchorage space. Expect shifting katabatic gusts during the afternoon.

Sivota Lefkadas

Type: Harbour village with pontoons
Best for: Safe berthing and sheltered stop
Protection: Excellent from all directions

Sivota or Syvota (Σύβοτα)—not to be confused with Sivota on the mainland—is a picturesque harbour village on the southeastern coast of Lefkada. It is nestled in a deep, sheltered bay surrounded by lush green hills, offering one of the safest anchorages in the Ionian, even in strong winds. Consequently, the bay becomes very crowded with boats during the high season. The waterfront is lined with tavernas and bars, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.

Docking

The bay features numerous reliable pontoons, all of which provide safe shelter from the afternoon katabatic gusts. There are two main options:

• Restaurant Pontoons: Moor for free in exchange for having dinner at the associated restaurant.
• Commercial Pontoons: The cost is approximately €30 per day for a 12-metre monohull.

Staff at all pontoons provide mooring assistance. You will typically moor stern-to using lazy lines or alongside, following the staff’s instructions. Water and electricity are provided; they are usually free at restaurant pontoons.

Booking is essential. The available pontoons are listed in the table below. Some have Navily links for online reservation and pricing; however, it is often more convenient to call directly. Note: Pontoons are removed during winter; during this period, you can moor stern-to the village wall.

Number in map	Name	VHF channel	Telephone	Reservation
1	Eumeos	64	+39 371 150 8073	Navily
2	Vibes restaurant	10	+30 2645 031944	Navily
3	Ionion restaurant		+30 6944 133378
4	Spiridoula restaurant	80	+30 6944 859707	Navily
5	Stavros restaurant	5	+30 2645 031181
6	12 Gods restaurant	12	+30 2645 031880
7	Trocolo	77	+30 6973 000204	Navily
8	Delfinia restaurant		+30 2645 031180
9	Cove	88	+30 6931 596531	Navily
10	Sivota	88	+30 6949 755632	Navily
11	Liotrivi		+30 6970 227705	Navily

Anchoring

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38⁰37.417′ N, 20⁰41.005′ E

Anchoring in the bay is generally not advised, as the pontoons offer a worry-free solution. If you choose to anchor, be prepared for strong, shifting katabatic gusts of 25-30 knots in the afternoon. The bay is also very busy with boat traffic. Try to stay well clear of the pontoons. The bottom is sand and weed, with good holding in 7-10 metres depth.

Standing Stones

Type: Cove anchorage
Best for: Swimming and scenic anchoring
Protection: Good except S and SW
Holding: Good in sand

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38⁰35.991′ N, 20⁰37.212′ E

A beautiful anchorage with amazing water, ideal for swimming. Anchor in approximately 8 metres on a sandy bottom and take stern lines to the NW rocks. The cove is protected from all winds except S and SW.

Vasiliki

Type: Harbour town & anchorage
Best for: South coast stop and water sports
Protection: Good; strong afternoon winds
Holding: Excellent (sand/mud)

Vasiliki (Βασιλική) is a charming harbour town on the southern coast of Lefkada, well known among sailors and windsurfers alike. Its wide bay offers good shelter from most winds, while the surrounding hills create a scenic backdrop. The area is famous for its afternoon thermal breeze, making it a world-renowned windsurfing hotspot. Vasiliki provides essential facilities for yachts, including mooring options, water and fuel supply, and easy access to tavernas and shops.

Take advantage of the various water sports available at the beach and rent a windsurf board or a Laser dinghy to discover why enthusiasts travel from all over the world to Vasiliki.

Docking

Entrance Pos.: 38⁰37.618′ N, 20⁰36.332′ E

In Vasiliki you will find the main harbour and attached to it from the southwest, the new marina (outer basin). Sadly, the new marina, despite being fully constructed, is still closed due to bureaucratic reasons (!).

Moor stern-to at the public harbour. In the image below, the area where you can moor according to the Municipal Port Fund of Lefkada is specified. You can contact Christos Kapsalis on +30 6936 703944 for instructions. A live view of the public harbour is available online. Water and electricity are provided. Fuel delivery is available via tanker truck (contact +30 697811 4659).

The area leading to the pontoons of the new marina is closed and marked with buoys. You can still moor alongside the north-eastern pier of the new marina. Do not moor stern-to there, as you will foul a thick chain with your anchor.

Anchoring

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38⁰37.690′ N, 20⁰36.062′ E

You can anchor off Vasiliki beach. Expect katabatic gusts of up to 30 knots starting around 13:00 and lasting until about 20:00. There are no waves, which is why the area is a windsurfing hotspot. Avoid the western area to stay clear of windsurfers and the ferry channel to the east. The bottom is sand/mud, and the holding is excellent. Be prepared for hundreds of windsurfers passing extremely close to your boat, sometimes shouting at you for anchoring in a designated anchorage.

Arouraios

Type: Cove anchorage
Best for: Scenic stop and caves
Protection: Poor (exposed to NW/W)
Holding: Good in sand

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38⁰34.713′ N, 20⁰32.944′ E

A bay with magnificent water and stunning cliffs, featuring visitable sea caves you can swim into. Anchor on a sandy bottom in 10-15 metres depth. The bay is completely exposed to the prevailing NW and W winds. It should only be visited in calm conditions.

Porto Katsiki Beach

Type: Beach anchorage
Best for: Iconic scenery and swimming
Protection: Poor (swell from W/NW)
Holding: Good in sand

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38⁰36.122′ N, 20⁰32.923′ E

One of the most famous beaches in Greece, Porto Katsiki (Πόρτο Κατσίκι) is definitely worth a visit in calm weather. The turquoise water and dramatic cliff backdrop create a stunning scene. Anchor in approximately 10 metres on a sandy bottom. Considerable swell from the W and NW is common, even in light winds. The ideal time to visit is in the morning, before the arrival of the afternoon NW wind.

Egremni Beach

Type: Beach anchorage
Best for: Swimming and sunset
Protection: Poor (exposed to NW/W)
Holding: Good in sand

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38⁰38.498′ N, 20⁰33.318′ E

Egremni Beach (Εγκρεμνοί) is another beach with amazing water colour, perfect for swimming. Like its neighbour Porto Katsiki, it is exposed to the NW and W, and swell is common even in light winds. Anchor on a sandy bottom in approximately 8 metres depth, taking care to avoid the easily visible boulders on the seabed. The sunset from the anchorage is wonderful.

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