Mainland Greece – Central Ionian Sailing Guide: Anchorages, Harbours and Tips

Kastrosikia Beach (Καστροσυκιά) forms the north‑western end of an impressive, uninterrupted stretch of coastline extending for around 13 kilometres. Along its length, the beach takes different local names according to the nearest village. Much of the beach is lined with beach bars.

The water is clear and sandy, remaining shallow close to the shore. The north‑western section is the preferred anchoring area, offering protection from the prevailing north‑westerlies, thanks to the peninsula that hosts the Pidima Kiras Fishing Shelter.

The anchorage is wide and comfortable. Anchor in sand at depths of around 3 metres. Take care to avoid the rocks near the fishing shelter, which are easily visible in good light.

⚠️ Caution! When approaching from the north‑west, keep clear of a dangerous reef with 1.6 metres depth at 39°05.099′ N, 20°37.710′ E.

Approx. Pos.: 38°57.343′ N, 20°45.313′ E

Berths along the city quay are reserved for charter boats on Fridays and Saturdays. On other days, stern‑to mooring is possible. Some berths are equipped with lazy lines; in others, you will need to use your own anchor. Holding is good in mud. Protection from the wind is good from all directions except the south.

Mooring fees are approximately €12 per day for a 12‑metre monohull. Water and electricity are available from shore pillars using prepaid cards (€10). Diesel is supplied by tanker trucks. For diesel, laundry services, showers, or ice delivery, contact +30 6971 715078.

Note that here can be an unpleasant smell along the quay, likely caused by boats illegally emptying holding tanks. In addition, loud music from nearby tavernas can be disturbing, especially late in the evening.

Preveza Marina is excellent in every respect. The staff are helpful and polite, and the facilities—including bathrooms and showers, as well as all common areas—are kept spotlessly clean.

Berthing costs are approximately €80 per day for a 12‑metre monohull, which is expensive but justified by the quality of services provided. Water, electricity, and Wi‑Fi are included in the price. Within the marina premises you will find a mini‑market, café‑bar, chandlery, and several other shops.

To reserve a berth and confirm current prices, contact the marina on +30 2682 024458. Reservations can also be made via their website or Navily. Announce your arrival on VHF Channel 71. A marina map can be downloaded here.

Mooring is typically stern‑to with lazy lines; anchoring inside the marina is not permitted. Mooring assistance is provided, and wind protection is excellent.

The marina’s fuel station is located near the eastern side of the entrance. Moor alongside, with assistance from marina personnel. Fuel prices are reasonable.

Cleopatra Marina

Type: Marina
Best for: Berthing and winter storage
Protection: Excellent in all conditions

Entrance Pos.: 38°56.998′ N, 20°45.778′ E

Cleopatra Marina is another excellent option in Preveza, offering helpful staff and clean, well‑maintained facilities. Water, electricity, showers, bathrooms, and Wi‑Fi are available. Fuel is not available within the marina.

Mooring is stern‑to with lazy lines, as directed by marina personnel. Anchoring inside the marina is not permitted. Wind protection is excellent.

To book a berth and obtain current pricing, contact the marina on +30 2682 023015 or via their website. Call the marina on VHF Channel 67 before arrival.

Cleopatra Marina hosts one of the largest dry‑docking areas in Greece and is an excellent choice for wintering ashore.

The city of Preveza is not easily accessible on foot from the marina. A sea‑taxi operates daily, usually around 10:00, providing transfer to the city.

Anchoring

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°57.973′ N, 20°45.560′ E

If you prefer to avoid marina mooring fees, anchoring in the protected Preveza Bay is a good option. The anchorage lies north of the fishing harbour, at the position given above. Depths are somewhat irregular, and anchoring is possible in 3 to 10 metres.

The bottom consists of thick mud. A strong reverse is required to set the anchor properly, but once dug in, holding is excellent. Wind protection is very good from all directions except the east.

The fishing harbour at 38°57.794′ N, 20°45.422′ E can be used to land a dinghy. It is advisable to secure your outboard engine with a lock.

During the summer of 2025, the harbour at 38°55.319′ N, 20°53.123′ E was undergoing construction which are scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2026. Personally, I wouldn’t bet on that because, well… this is Greece.

Moor stern‑to using your anchor. The safest area is to the south‑east of the pier, at 38°55.289′ N, 20°53.181′ E, where your stern will face the prevailing north‑westerly afternoon winds. If this area is full, the quay to the north‑east of the pier can be used as an alternative.

Docking is free. Water, electricity or any facility whatsoever are not available.

Note that there have been reports of teenagers throwing ripe fruit at boats during the night as a prank.

Anchoring

There are two commonly used anchorages, the first being my personal recommendation.

• East of Koukounitsa Islet, approximately at 38°55.488′ N, 20°54.224′ E. This is the most scenic option and also better protected from the prevailing north‑westerly afternoon winds. To visit the town, you can leave the dinghy at the small fishing harbour at 38°55.317′ N, 20°54.023′ E. From there, it is about a 10‑minute walk to the town.
• Closer to the town, approximately at 38°55.470′ N, 20°53.549′ E. This anchorage offers easier access ashore, as you can use the fishing harbour at 38°55.278′ N, 20°53.690′ E which is closer to the town centre.

In both anchorages, the bottom is mud, and the holding is excellent.

Panagia Beach

Type: Beach anchorage
Best for: Quiet anchorage with beach access
Protection: Good from NW
Holding: Excellent in sand

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°56.755′ N, 20°51.983′ E

Panagia (Παναγία, meaning Holy Mary), is a pleasant and quiet anchorage off a nice sandy beach. The bottom is sand, and holding is excellent, with typical anchoring depths of around 5 metres. The anchorage is well protected from the prevailing north‑westerlies.

The water is clean but not particularly clear, as is typical throughout much of the Ambracian Gulf. On the beach there is a good restaurant and a beach bar, making this a comfortable stop for a swim and a relaxed meal ashore.

Agios Markos

Type: Cove anchorage
Best for: Quiet and sheltered stay
Protection: Good except E
Holding: Good in sand

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°56.082′ N, 20°51.959′ E

The cove of Agios Markos (Άγιος Μάρκος) is a quiet and peaceful anchorage in the Ambracian Gulf. It is well sheltered, offering protection from all wind directions except the east. Typical anchoring depths are around 10 metres, over a sandy bottom with good holding.

The water is clean but not particularly clear, as is common throughout the Ambracian Gulf. Sea turtles are frequently seen in the cove. There are no facilities whatsoever here.

Vouvalos Islet

Type: Open anchorage
Best for: Temporary stop in calm conditions
Protection: Poor (exposed to NW)
Holding: Excellent in mud

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°59.188′ N, 20°55.237′ E

Vouvalos Islet (Βούβαλος, meaning Buffalo), can host a pleasant temporary anchorage in the centre of the Ambracian Gulf. The islet has a unique shape: its central area is lower than sea level, forming a shallow “lake”, while the surrounding shore is low and narrow. The islet is well known for its fauna and is frequently visited by dolphins and sea turtles. Water quality is the typical clean but not clear water of the Ambracian Gulf.

Depths at the anchorage are around 2.5 metres, and there is no protection from the prevailing north‑westerlies. For this reason, the anchorage should only be considered in calm, settled weather conditions.

Vathyavali Beach (Βαθυαβάλι) is a pleasant and spacious anchorage on the mainland coast opposite Lefkada.

Anchor in sand at depths of around 6 to 8 metres. Holding is good, and there is room for a handful of boats, although the anchorage can become busy in high season. Protection from northerly and north‑westerly winds is generally good, making it suitable for an overnight stop in settled conditions. Southerly winds or swell can make the anchorage uncomfortable.

The beach is attractive, with clean water typical of the Ionian, and is a popular daytime stop for swimming. Ashore there is a beach bar offering snacks and drinks, which can generate some music noise during the day.

The anchorage is often packed on Friday and Saturday afternoons with boats starting or ending their weekly charter from Lefkada town.

Varko Beach (Βαρκό) is a simple and convenient anchorage on the mainland coast opposite Lefkada, just south of Vathyavali. It is mainly used as a day stop or a short overnight in settled weather.

Anchor in sand at depths of around 8 metres. Holding is generally good, and manoeuvring is straightforward. Protection from northerly and north‑westerly winds is moderate, but the anchorage is open to southerly winds and swell, which can quickly make it uncomfortable.

The beach is attractive, with clean Ionian water, and is popular with local boats, especially during the summer. There is a beach bar ashore, which can attract crowds and some music during the day.

Varko is often very busy on Friday and Saturday afternoons, when flotillas and charter boats gather at the start or end of their weekly trips from Lefkada. At these times, space can be limited and the atmosphere lively rather than peaceful.

Potamaki Beach (Ποταμάκι) is a large and shallow anchorage inside Palairos Bay.

Anchoring is straightforward in sand at depths of around 5 to 6 metres, with very good holding. The bay is wide and offers plenty of room to swing, although the bottom rises quickly closer to the shore, so care is needed when anchoring further in.

The anchorage is very well sheltered from northerly winds, making it a comfortable stop. The water is clean, although in some areas near the shore there can be accumulated seagrass, occasionally causing an unpleasant smell.

⚠️ Note: Fishing nets are sometimes laid in the bay and may be marked only by small buoys. Extra caution is recommended when approaching and manoeuvring.

Docking

Entrance Pos.: 38°46.946′ N, 20°52.662′ E

Paleros Marina offers the best shelter in the area. It is a convenient option if you wish to be close to the village centre and prefer the security of a marina berth. The port captain is named George, and you can contact him on +30 6970 823838 to ask about berth availability.

You typically moor stern‑to with lazy lines, as directed by George. Water and electricity are available from pillars via a prepaid card (€10). Mooring fees are approximately €15 per day for a 12‑metre monohull.

Anchoring

There are two commonly used anchorages near Paleros, both offering good access to the village. My personal recommendation is the southern one.

• The northern anchorage, approximately at 38°47.049′ N, 20°52.615′ E, lies just north of the marina. The bottom is a mix of sand and seaweed, and holding is moderate. Typical anchoring depths are around 3 to 5 metres. Protection from the prevailing north‑westerlies is also moderate. To access the town, you can leave your dinghy in the marina.
• The southern anchorage, approximately at 38°46.627′ N, 20°52.748′ E, is located south of the marina. The bottom is a mix of sand, with the sand patches easily visible. Holding in sand is excellent, with typical anchoring depths of 3 to 5 metres. Wind protection is slightly better than in the northern anchorage. To access the town, you can leave your dinghy either in the marina or on the beach in front of the anchorage.

Docking

Entrance Pos.: 38°40.046′ N, 20°56.921′ E

The Port of Mytikas hosts many local boats, and finding a suitable berth is not easy. Sailboats commonly used the south‑western pier (immediately left after entering the port); however, a comment on Navily indicates that as of October 2026, this pier is intended to be used only by the ferry. I have not confirmed this myself.

If you do find a berth, moor stern‑to using your anchor. At the south‑western pier there is a water supply available free of charge. Mooring is also free. Wind protection inside the port is generally good, although gusts from the north‑west can be expected during the afternoon.

Marathias Beach

Type: Beach anchorage
Best for: Weather stop / waiting anchorage
Protection: Good from NW
Holding: Good (sand and seaweed)

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°30.333′ N, 21°01.987′ E

Marathias Beach (Μαραθιάς) is a quiet and isolated anchorage on the mainland coast of Aetolia‑Acarnania. It is mainly useful as a place to wait out weather, rather than as a scenic destination.

The bottom is sand mixed with seaweed, with depths of 6 to 9 metres. Holding is good, and once set, the anchor feels secure. The anchorage is often chosen for protection from north‑westerly winds, although gusts of up to 25 knots can be expected during the afternoon.

The water is murky, and there are no facilities ashore. The area is generally undeveloped and uninviting for swimming or spending time on land.

Docking

Approx. Pos.: 38°32.023′ N, 21°04.909′ E

Moor stern-to the town quay, avoiding the clearly marked ferry area around 38°32.055′ N, 21°04.984′ E. Another option is the new pontoon at 38°32.038′ N, 21°05.024′ E, where you can also moor stern-to. Use your anchor, as there are no lazy lines. Anchor holding is good in mud, and wind protection from the prevailing north‑westerlies is excellent. The pier at 38°31.971′ N, 21°04.904′ E should not be used by sailboats, as depths there are shallow (less than 1 metre).

Space is limited and can be difficult to find. Arriving early in the afternoon improves your chances of securing a usable spot.

Water and electricity are available from shore pillars using prepaid cards (typically €12), sold at a kiosk near the ferry area. Mooring fees are around €12 per day for a 12‑metre monohull, and are usually collected in the evening by a port fund representative.

Petalas offers very good protection from west, north‑west, and northerly winds, and even when the wind blows hard, swell is minimal or absent. Gusts can still come over the surrounding land, and the bay is large enough for wind to build across it, but conditions generally remain comfortable. In strong southerly winds, the southern part of the bay offers better shelter, as the northern areas can develop some swell.

The anchorage is extremely spacious, easily accommodating many boats without crowding. Despite this, it often remains quiet, with boats spread far apart. Entry at night requires care, as there are fish farms and nets near the entrance and in the southern part of the bay.

The water is typically green or murky, though generally clean. Swimming is possible, but water clarity is limited. There are no facilities ashore, no mobile phone signal in places, and no light pollution. Goats and other wildlife are commonly seen on the surrounding land, and nights are exceptionally dark and quiet. Petalas is an excellent choice for crews seeking solitude, space, and reliable shelter, especially in unsettled weather.

The anchorage is very spacious, allowing boats to spread out and anchor well clear of each other. It is usually very quiet, often with only a few boats present. The surrounding landscape is flat and natural, with cattle grazing on the beach and fishermen occasionally seen wading in shallow water, reinforcing the feeling of remoteness.

The water is typically green or murky, due to the nearby river and delta, and visibility is limited. Depths decrease gradually toward the shore, becoming very shallow over a wide area, even for a dinghy.

There are no real facilities ashore, although a small beach bar operates nearby, serving simple food and drinks. Landing requires leaving the dinghy slightly offshore and walking the last section in shallow water.

Dhioni is best used as a quiet stopover or weather anchorage, rather than a destination, and is particularly useful when planning a passage toward or from the Gulf of Patras.

⚠️ Notes & drawbacks:

• There are fish farms, nets, and buoys in and near the entrance — extra caution is required, especially at night.
• The water is often green or murky, sometimes with noticeable smell depending on wind and currents.
• Mosquitoes can be a problem at dusk, particularly near the beach.
• Charted depths in the wider area may be inaccurate due to silting, especially near the delta.
• “Skrofa” in Greek is used as slang for “bitch”, so you may want to moderate your enthusiasm when calling the name ashore.

Despite these drawbacks, Porto Skrofa Bay remains a practical and popular stopover, offering easy anchoring, good shelter from the prevailing winds, and the convenience of a taverna ashore — but it is better suited to a short stay than a destination anchorage.

Rio-Antirrio Bridge

The Rio–Antirrio Bridge (Ρίο – Αντίρριο), officialy “Charilaos Trikoupis” Bridge, is one of Greece’s most impressive engineering projects, linking the Peloponnese with mainland Greece across the narrow entrance of the Gulf of Corinth. The idea was first proposed by Charilaos Trikoupis in the late 19th century. The Greek state demonstrated its remarkable efficiency by turning his vision into reality just over 100 years later.

Completed in 2004, the bridge spans an area known for seismic activity and deep water, making it an impressive sight both from land and from the sea. For sailors, passing beneath it is a memorable moment.