SeaTV · Ionian Islands · Ithaca
Pera Pigadhi, Ithaca — Sailing & Anchorage Guide
A small islet hugging the south-east coast of Ithaca — clear water, several pocket beaches, and one of the most peaceful overnight anchorages in the southern Ionian when the wind cooperates.
Pera Pigadhi sits on the south-eastern coast of Ithaca, centred on a small islet close to the shoreline. The islet isn’t immediately obvious from offshore — careful approach is needed — but once you’re in, the anchorage opens into clear water, multiple small beaches, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes you understand why some sailors come back here every year.
For sailors, this is a natural anchorage — no quay services, no marina, no fuel. Just shelter (when the wind is from the right direction), holding (with discipline), and quiet (most of the time). The katabatic gusts that sometimes spill off the hills in the late afternoon are the reason you set the anchor properly the first time.
⚠ Reality check: The seabed here is mixed — sand and gravel patches alternate with thick Posidonia seagrass. The seagrass holds badly. Visually identify a sand patch before dropping; expect to re-set if the first attempt is on weed. Afternoon katabatic gusts of 20–30 knots can develop suddenly off the hills.
⚓ Quick Facts for Sailors
Coordinates
38°19.754’N · 20°44.654’E
Position
SE coast Ithaca · islet anchorage
Anchor Depth
10–20 m S of islet
Bottom
Sand · gravel · Posidonia · mixed
Shelter
Good W & NW · open S & E
Watch For
Afternoon katabatic gusts 20–30 kn
Approach & Navigation
Spotting the islet
From offshore, the small islet near the coast is difficult to distinguish from the headland behind it until you’re relatively close. Approach slowly, keep a visual lookout for the islet and surrounding rocks, and don’t cut corners on entry. In settled weather the run-in is straightforward.
Wind & protection
Good shelter: West and north-west — the prevailing summer wind is broken by the Ithaca hills.
Exposed: South and east — a southerly or easterly forecast means you should be elsewhere.
Katabatic gusts: 20–30 knots can develop in the late afternoon, sudden and localised. The hills funnel the air down onto the bay. Less suitable for inexperienced crews in unstable weather.
Night conditions
Typically calm with minimal swell — comfortable for overnight stays in stable forecasts. After sunset the gusts usually drop and the bay settles.
⚓ Mooring & Anchoring Options
Small Quay · Limited
Stern-to the Small Quay
A limited number of yachts can moor stern-to along the small quay near the islet. Space is restricted and the slots are usually taken early.
⚠ Watch: Spots fill early — don’t plan on this if arriving late.
Anchor South of Islet · Free-Swinging
Free Anchor in 10–20 m
Drop south of the islet in 10–20 m. Suitable for free anchoring in settled conditions only — the mixed bottom requires careful drop-spot selection.
⚠ Watch: Bottom is mixed (sand, gravel, weed). Identify a sand patch visually before dropping.
Long Line to Shore · Recommended
Anchor + Long Line to the Rocks
The technique most experienced sailors use here — drop the anchor near the shoreline and run a long line ashore to the rocks. Especially useful where depths increase quickly or space is limited. More secure than free-swinging in the gusts.
⚠ Watch: Avoid anchoring on seagrass — environmental damage and bad holding both. Patience pays.
Beaches & Activities
Pera Pigadhi is surrounded by several small beaches, giving the crew flexibility on the day depending on wind direction and personal preference. Calm-day swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding — the bay opens up in the late afternoon when the day-trippers leave.
Nearby — Kaminia Beach (38°20.20’N · 20°44.21’E): A separate small bay just to the north of Pera Pigadhi, accessible by dinghy or as a short sail. Worth a morning visit before settling into Pera Pigadhi for the afternoon and night.
Facilities
No services on shore. No fuel, no water, no provisioning, no marina. This is a natural anchorage only — beach access by dinghy. Plan accordingly: top up at Vathy, Sami, or Fiskardo before arrival.
Pro Tips for Pera Pigadhi
Snorkel before you drop. The mixed bottom rewards a 30-second visual reconnaissance — pick the sand patch, then drop. Faster than re-setting twice.
Long line ashore = peace of mind. Even when free-swinging looks fine, the line ashore turns a 20-knot katabatic gust into a non-event. The rocks are right there.
Settled forecast only. Don’t plan an overnight here on a S or E forecast. Run up to Vathy instead — 10 NM north and reliable shelter.
Top up before arrival. No services here. Water, fuel, fresh produce — sort all of it before you leave the last working harbour.
Suggested Routes
North to Vathy (10 NM): Round the SE corner of Ithaca and into the protected fjord at Vathy — full-service overnight.
SW to Sami, Kefalonia (8 NM): Across the Ithaca channel to Sami Marina — main service hub.
North to Kioni (15 NM): Up the east coast to Kioni — picturesque village stop.
For full overview: Ithaca Best Anchorages. For multi-day plans: 7-Day Ionian Itinerary.
✅ Sailor’s Safety Checklist
▢ Forecast confirmed light W/NW — no S or E expected overnight
▢ Islet identified visually before final approach
▢ Sand patch identified for drop (snorkel if possible)
▢ Long line ashore prepared and rigged
▢ Water/fuel topped up before arrival
▢ Plan B identified (Vathy or Sami)
Emergency Numbers — Ithaca / Kefalonia
European Emergency: 112
Coastguard Ithaca (VHF Ch. 12): +30 26740 32909
Coastguard Sami: +30 26740 22031
Olympia Radio (VHF Ch. 03/86): Greek HF/VHF maritime service
Argostoli Hospital: +30 26713 60100
Related SeaTV Pages
Ithaca · Other Anchorages
Continue your Ithaca charter
→ Vathy · Kioni · Ithaca overview · Sami
“Pera Pigadhi rewards patience — pick the sand, run the line, and you have one of the quietest nights on the south coast.”
— SeaTV Visual Pilot · Ithaca Edition
