Planning a sailing trip to Vathy, Ithaca? Look no further! This guide unveils the best anchorages in and around this charming harbor town, ensuring a safe and memorable experience on the Ionian Sea. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful overnight stay, a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters, or simply a moment of tranquility surrounded by stunning scenery, Vathy’s anchorages cater to every sailor’s desires.
Discover secluded coves and picturesque bays, each offering unique charm and advantages. Explore hidden gems tucked away from the crowds, or opt for the convenience of anchorages near the town’s amenities and vibrant atmosphere. We’ll delve into the specifics of each location, including depth, wind protection, and nearby attractions, empowering you to choose the perfect spot to drop anchor and savor the magic of Ithaca’s coastline.
This is what sailors experienced:
This anchorage is a real gem! We dropped anchor in 14m and secured lines ashore. The feeling of peace and isolation was amazing, with excellent protection from north, east, and west winds.
This is what sailors experienced:
This spot is perfect for a single boat, offering a private beach and crystal-clear water like an aquarium! We anchored in 21m with 60m of chain, encountering a minor snag on retrieval. Recommended for calm conditions only.
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This stunning location requires some anchoring finesse. Approach the rock face where the depth changes abruptly from 30-6m, and seek the sandy bottom for secure anchoring. The effort is rewarded with a breathtaking swimming spot, perfect even in windy conditions. A must-visit!
This is what sailors experienced:
We anchored in 7m over a sandy bottom near a charming beach. While we only enjoyed a swim during calm weather, stern lines to shore would be advisable for longer stays. The area boasts crystal-clear water teeming with fish, making it a fantastic snorkeling spot.
This is what sailors experienced:
We enjoyed swimming, snorkeling, and lunch at this picturesque bay but opted against an overnight stay due to its narrowness and deep center. Anchoring in 10m on the north side, with lines ashore to maintain position near the swim area, proved tricky. Sharp rocks pose a risk to lines, making a stay weather-dependent. Overall, a worthwhile stop.
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This is what sailors experienced:
This stunning bay offered a peaceful haven despite strong NW winds outside. We anchored in 30m on a sandy bottom and secured lines ashore on both sides. Occasional gusts and slight swell from distant ferries were the only disturbances.
This is what sailors experienced:
Sheltered from light southerly and easterly winds, this anchorage provided a tranquil haven. We anchored on sand in 11m and secured lines ashore, enjoying the turquoise bay and its mini-beach with a nearby taverna. The peaceful evening and breathtaking views from the nearby windmills added to the charm.
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This anchorage excels with westerly winds up to 15-20 knots. Stern-to mooring on the western shore with two lines provides security, despite occasional gusts down the hills. Anchoring in 8-12m on sand patches near the western beaches ensures good holding. Be mindful of the mentioned swell, but otherwise, this spot is ideal for a peaceful night.
This is what sailors experienced:
This secluded bay is truly fabulous! We enjoyed a calm overnight stay in 10m with 30m of chain. While seagrass is present, the crystal-clear water makes finding sandy patches for anchoring easy. Some roll from passing boats subsides as dusk settles, revealing a tranquil paradise. Bonus: no wasps!
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This spot is popular among Fiskardo divers, but be cautious when anchoring due to numerous lost anchors and rocky underwater terrain.
This is what sailors experienced:
This stunning location offers a perfect swimming stop with easy anchoring in 12-15m on a sandy bottom with some rocks.
This is what sailors experienced:
This magnificent anchorage is ideal during fair weather. We anchored in 8m with a line ashore, but beware of a few large rocks near the shore; it’s best to stay further out near the seagrass beds.
This is what sailors experienced:
This spot offers a few anchor-only berths in 10-12m. Ensure good anchor holding or utilize two stern lines secured to rocks. We enjoyed a pleasant stopover, coinciding with a local fishing celebration on October 1st, featuring complimentary fried fish and Greek salad. The charming village, a 25-minute walk away via a scenic path through olive groves, is well worth a visit.
Vathy East Bay, Kioni, and Frikes provide excellent protection in normal conditions, with good holding and access to services in Vathy.
Mostly sand and mud with some weed patches near heads and rocky edges. Always scope the anchor and test its set before settling.
Beware local gusts funneled by valleys, ferry traffic in Vathy, and shallows near headlands. Approach slowly and preferably in good light.
Vathy has the most reliable services—water, fuel, small supermarket, and chandlery. Kioni and Frikes have tavernas and small shops in season.
Anchor early in summer peak to secure space. Afternoon northwesterlies develop, so settle into anchorages before the swell builds.
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