The Ionian Islands stretch along Greece’s western coast from Corfu in the north to Zakynthos in the south — and for good reason, they remain one of the most popular sailing destinations in the Mediterranean. Reliable summer winds, crystal-clear water, and a string of authentic Greek island towns make this a sailor’s paradise.

But not all anchorages are equal. After years of filming visual pilot videos across the Ionian, here are the seven anchorages that every sailor should know — with honest notes on what to expect when you arrive.

1. Vathy, Ithaca — The Fjord That Reveals Itself Slowly

Vathy is one of those anchorages that surprises you. The entrance to Kolpos Aetou is wide and open, but the bay extends deep inland — narrowing into a fjord-like channel before opening into a calm, protected basin surrounded by green hills and Venetian-style waterfront houses.

Why it’s on this list: Excellent holding on sand and mud, 5–12m depths throughout the anchorage, full facilities on the town quay, and one of the most atmospheric island capitals in the Ionian. Vathy is Ithaca’s main port — and the island’s connection to the Odyssey myth gives it a depth that few other stops can match.

What to watch for: Strong NW winds can funnel into the bay in the afternoon. Arrive before 1500 in July and August — the town quay fills fast. Depths drop to 1.6–2.0m in some northern quay sections, so check before committing with a deeper draft.

Watch the full Visual Pilot Video for Vathy, Ithaca →

2. Kioni, Ithaca — Three Windmills and Almost No Crowds

Eight miles north of Vathy on the same island, Kioni could not be more different. A tiny harbour framed by three ruined windmills on the hill above, a handful of tavernas on the waterfront, and a pace of life that feels genuinely unhurried even in high season.

Why it’s on this list: Kioni is one of the most photographed harbours in the Ionian for a reason. The approach from the north is straightforward, the anchorage in the bay has good holding in sand, and the village is genuinely beautiful.

What to watch for: Space is limited. The inner harbour fills early in season — stern-to berths go fast. Plan to arrive by early afternoon or be ready to anchor in the bay and dinghy ashore. No fuel on the island — fill up in Nidri or Sami before coming.

Watch the full Visual Pilot Video for Kioni, Ithaca →

3. Fiskardo, Kefalonia — The Ionian’s Most Charming Port

Fiskardo is the only village in Kefalonia that survived the 1953 earthquake intact — which explains why it still looks the way a Greek island port should look. Venetian architecture, colourful houses, waterfront tavernas, and a natural harbour that offers reasonable protection in most conditions.

Why it’s on this list: Full facilities, excellent restaurants, great provisioning, and the kind of atmosphere that makes sailors stay longer than planned. It’s also a natural waypoint when moving between Ithaca, Lefkada and the rest of Kefalonia.

What to watch for: Busy. Very busy in July and August. Arrive early or expect to anchor in the outer bay. The inner harbour is stern-to on the town quay — space for perhaps 40 boats, but demand far exceeds supply in peak season.

Watch the full Visual Pilot Video for Fiskardo, Kefalonia →

4. Kastos Island — The Ionian’s Best Kept Secret

If the previous three entries are on every sailor’s itinerary, Kastos is the one most people skip — and the one those who find it never forget. A tiny, car-free island south of Meganisi, with a population of under 50 permanent residents and an anchorage that rewards sailors who come prepared.

Why it’s on this list: Crystal-clear water directly off the boat. A genuinely quiet bay with good holding in sand and mud (5–15m). One or two tavernas open in summer, serving fresh fish and nothing else. No development. No noise after sunset.

What to watch for: Exposed to NW winds — if the forecast shows NW above 15 knots, consider Kalamos or Meganisi instead. No fuel on the island. Limited provisions — come stocked.

Watch the full Visual Pilot Video for Kastos Island →

5. Meganisi Island — The One Most Sailors Overlook

Meganisi sits just south of Nidri — close enough that many sailors treat it as a day trip from the charter base and nothing more. That’s a mistake. The island has three main bays, each with its own character, and the village of Spartochori perched above Porto Spilia is one of the most authentically Greek settlements in the southern Ionian.

Why it’s on this list: Multiple anchorage options in one island, excellent tavernas, good holding, and a fraction of the crowds you’ll find in Nidri or Fiskardo. Meganisi deserves at least one night — preferably two.

What to watch for: The approach to Atherinos Bay is the most protected but also the most crowded. Vathy (Meganisi’s Vathy, not Ithaca’s) is quieter but shallower. Check depths carefully.

Watch the full Visual Pilot Video for Meganisi Island →

6. Lakka Bay, Paxoi — Small Island, Perfect Anchorage

Paxoi is the smallest of the main Ionian islands — and Lakka, at its northern end, is one of the most consistently lovely anchorages in the whole chain. The bay is almost circular, well-protected, with turquoise water and a small village of white and ochre houses at its head.

Why it’s on this list: The water colour alone justifies the visit. Holding is good, the bay is large enough for 20+ boats, and the village has enough tavernas and provisions to spend several comfortable nights. The swim ashore from the boat is excellent.

What to watch for: Ferry wash from the Corfu–Patras route can create uncomfortable swell at the bay entrance. Paxoi is a popular destination — Lakka fills up in high season. Come early or have Gaios as a backup.

Watch the full Visual Pilot Video for Lakka Bay, Paxoi →

7. Preveza Marina — The Practical Choice That Earns Its Place

Not glamorous. But Preveza deserves a place on this list because it’s where smart sailors go when they need to: refuel, repair, restock, or wait out weather. The full-service marina at the entrance to the Ambracian Gulf is one of the best-equipped in the Ionian, and the town of Preveza itself — largely overlooked by charter sailors — has genuine character.

Why it’s on this list: Full marina facilities, fuel dock, repair yard, excellent provisioning, and a waterfront that rewards an evening walk. It’s also the natural staging point before heading south to the outer Ionian or north to Corfu.

What to watch for: The approach through the Preveza channel is straightforward but take note of ferry and commercial traffic. VHF Ch. 12 for the marina.

Watch the full Visual Pilot Video for Preveza Marina →

Planning Your Ionian Itinerary

The seven anchorages above connect naturally into a circuit. A typical two-week route from Lefkada:

Lefkada → Nidri → Meganisi → Kastos → Ithaca (Vathy + Kioni) → Fiskardo → Sami → Paxoi (Lakka + Gaios) → Preveza

For the full visual pilot guides to every stop in the Ionian — including approach videos, docking notes and local tips — browse the complete Ionian Islands sailing guide on SeaTV.

About SeaTV

SeaTV produces visual pilot videos of marinas, bays and anchorages worldwide — built on in-depth research of sailing literature and filmed on location. Every video is made by sailors, for sailors.

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