More Anchorages & Hidden Bays of Ithaca

Ithaca’s coastline is deeply indented, creating a chain of natural bays that offer both shelter and character.
Most of these anchorages lie along the eastern side of the island, protected from the prevailing summer NW winds,
but each bay behaves differently depending on wind direction and seabed conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Sarakiniko Bay

Sarakiniko Bay 38° 21′ 53″ N, 20° 44′ 14″ E
A wide, calm bay just south of Vathy, Sarakiniko is a reliable stop in settled weather. The setting is lush and
quiet, with very limited development — ideal if you’re looking for a natural anchorage rather than a village stop.

• Anchoring: 5–10m, sand – good holding
• Protection: Well protected from NW–W winds
• Note: Open to southerlies
• Best for: Swimming, lunch stop, quiet overnight

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Agios Nikolaos Bay (Marmakas)

Agios Nikolaos Bay (Marmakas) 8° 28′ 51.2″ N, 20° 40′ 23.2″ E
A visually striking bay with turquoise water and a small chapel on the rocks. Entry requires attention, as
submerged rocks sit near both sides of the entrance. Once inside, it opens into a calm and protected anchorage.

• Anchoring: Sand with patches of weed – moderate holding
• Options: Free anchor or long lines to shore (NW side preferred)
• Protection: Avoid strong NE–SE winds
• Note: Watch for rocks, especially SW side

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Filiatro Bay

Filiatro Bay 38° 22′ 26″ N, 20° 44′ 40″ E
One of the most popular bays near Vathy — and for good reason. Filiatro offers a rare mix: a protected anchorage
with a proper beach atmosphere. It’s lively during the day but settles nicely toward evening.

• Anchoring: Sand with weed – fair to good holding
• Depth: Drops quickly — monitor chain length
• Mooring: Anchor or long lines on both sides
• Protection: Avoid NE–SE winds
• Highlight: Beach bar access directly from dinghy

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Frikes Bay

Frikes Bay 38° 27′ 33″ N, 20° 39′ 52″ E
A small, green inlet with a working village feel. The port itself is limited, but the surrounding coves provide
better anchoring options, especially in stronger conditions.

• Mooring: Alongside or med-moor (limited space)
• Anchoring: In nearby coves with lines ashore
• Holding: Good sand
• Protection: Exposed to NE–E winds
• Note: Ferry wash and tight maneuvering space in port

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Polis Bay (Stavros)

Polis Bay 38° 26′ 22″ N, 20° 38′ 24″ E
A large, open bay on the northwest side of Ithaca, combining safe anchorage with cultural interest. From here,
you can easily access Stavros village and sites connected to Odysseus.

• Anchoring: 10–15m, sand with some rocks – good holding
• Mooring: Long lines to rocks (E or W sides)
• Protection: Well protected from NW winds
• Note: Swim buoys near shore — keep distance
• Highlight: Access to Stavros & archaeological sites :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

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Pera Pigadhi

Pera Pigadhi 38° 19′ 46″ N, 20° 44′ 38″ E
Don’t miss this amazing spot- watch the video

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How to Choose the Right Anchorage

• For calm overnight: Sarakiniko / Polis
• For atmosphere + beach: Filiatro
• For quiet & remote: Kaminia
• For village access: Frikes
• For visual scenery: Agios Nikolaos

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As always in Ithaca, the key variable is wind direction. The afternoon NW (Maistro) is generally predictable,
but local gusts and katabatic winds can accelerate inside bays — especially on the east coast. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}