Meganisi Sailing Guide: Anchorages, Harbours and Tips

Spartochori

Type: Village harbour & anchorage
Best for: Scenic village stop with multiple berthing options
Protection: Good on SW quay; exposed to NW on SE quay
Holding: Excellent (steep bottom, deep water)

Spartochori (Σπαρτοχώρι) is arguably the most scenic village on Meganisi, perched on a hill overlooking Spilia Bay (Spilia means “cave” in Greek). The 10-15 minute walk uphill from the bay is well worth the effort, offering spectacular views—especially at sunset—and the chance to explore its charming, narrow alleys, where you’ll find house entrances adorned with colourful flowers.

Docking

The best place to dock is the SW quay, around 38°39.723′ N, 20°45.556′ E, near the ferry. It is protected from all winds except NE. Moor stern-to using your anchor. If it’s full, the SE quay is an alternative, but it is exposed to the prevailing NW afternoon wind. Most monohulls will need to moor bow-to at the SE quay to protect their rudder from shallow water near the dock.

Both quays are public, with a standard municipal mooring fee of approximately €12 per day for a 12-metre monohull. In both locations, you will anchor in deep water where the steeply sloping bottom provides excellent holding. Water and electricity are available via a card, which can be purchased at the “Spilia” taverna.

Alternatively, you can use the two private pontoons on the SW side of the bay, at 38°39.686′ N, 20°45.613′ E, owned by the “Spilia” taverna. Mooring is free if you have dinner at the taverna, or costs approximately €20 per day. Moor stern-to the pontoons using their mooring lines; assistance is provided. The taverna is good with normal prices. Water and electricity are available for approximately €10. Contact the manager, Babis, at +30 6944 595127to book a berth in advance.

The map below indicates the available berthing places with a red line.

North Quay. Pos.: 38°39.958′ N, 20°46.977′ E

Moor stern-to and drop plenty of chain for protection against northerlies that funnel into the bay. Rings are available on the dock for your stern lines. Electricity and water are generally not provided, as the existing service pillars are currently non-functional. The quay is free of charge. Depth near the quay is about 2 metres, so take care with your rudder.

Vathy Harbour. Pos.: 38°39.822′ N, 20°47.090′ E

Moor stern-to along the SE wall or the inner part of the NW pier using your anchor. Wind protection here is excellent. Facilities are basic and not always reliable—stern lines must be passed through ropes attached to small rings. Water and electricity are available from service pillars, but these are sometimes broken and insufficient for all boats. Expect a municipal fee of approximately €12 per day for a 12-metre monohull. The harbour is located in the heart of the village.

Odysseas Marina. Pos.: 38°39.899′ N, 20°46.888′ E

This is the most hassle-free option if you’re willing to pay. The staff are helpful and hospitable, assisting with all your needs. The price is around €80 per day for a 12-metre monohull. Contact the marina at +30 2645 051084 or use their Navily link to reserve a berth and confirm the exact price. Note that Navily prices exclude VAT (24% in Greece). Water, electricity, showers, and bathrooms are available for an additional charge.

Karnagio Restaurant. Pos.: 38°39.949′ N, 20°46.674′ E

A pleasant alternative is the well-maintained pier at Karnagio Restaurant. Mooring is free if you dine at the restaurant, which offers good food at reasonable prices. Moor stern-to using lazy lines, with assistance provided by the restaurant staff. Water, electricity, and showers are available for a small extra fee. There’s also a lovely small beach right next to the restaurant. Contact +30 6975 768951 to reserve a berth.

Papanicolis Cave

Type: Cave stop
Best for: Exploration and short visit
Protection: Poor (exposed)
Holding: Poor (rock, deep water)

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°36.842′ N, 20°45.747′ E

Papanicolis Cave (Παπανικολής) is the largest cave in the area and features a small beach inside.

During WWII, the submarine Papanikolis used several caves in the Ionian for concealment, and this was one of them. If you cruise the Ionian, you’ll likely encounter others.

Anchoring here requires care: the water is deep (20 m or more) and the bottom is mostly rock, so a trip line is essential. A practical alternative is to let the boat drift just outside the cave while your crew explores by dinghy or swims inside.

The area offers little to no protection from the prevailing NW winds, making this a short‑stop location rather than a suitable anchorage for staying longer.

Helen’s Bay

Type: Cove anchorage
Best for: Swimming and scenic anchoring
Protection: Moderate (semi-protected from NW)
Holding: Mixed (sand and rocks)

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°36.282′ N, 20°47.007′ E

A beautiful anchorage with turquoise waters beneath striking white cliffs. The seabed is a mix of sand and large rocks, so using a trip line is recommended to make retrieval easier if the anchor becomes fouled. Run stern lines to the rocks for a secure hold. The bay offers semi‑protection from the prevailing NW winds.

Papageorge’s Cove

Type: Cove anchorage
Best for: Quiet swimming stop
Protection: Good from NW
Holding: Good in sand (avoid rocks)

Approx. Anchorage Pos.: 38°35.450′ N, 20°48.388′ E

A great swimming stop if there are not a lot of boats, since the cove is small. The water is crystal-clear. The bottom is sand with easily visible rocks. Try to avoid them with your anchor. Pass stern lines to the rocks to minimize movement. The cove is protected from the prevailing NW winds of the afternoon.