Ithaca anchorage guide · Ionian
Ithaca Yacht Anchorages: The 2026 Guide
Where to anchor a yacht around Ithaca: documented depth, holding and shelter for the island's main anchorages, drawn from published cruising sources.
Last updated May 2026
Ithaca sits in the Ionian.
The Ionian is mild in summer, with a northwesterly afternoon sea breeze (the Maistro) that builds in the afternoon and eases overnight; katabatic gusts can fall into some bays at night.
It is the gentlest of the Greek cruising grounds.
This guide covers the island's main anchorages with the practical detail charterers and captains actually use: depth where a published cruising source documents it, holding, and shelter direction.
Where a figure was not documented we say so rather than guess.
Ashore: Vathy's archaeological museum, the Cave of the Nymphs, the Fountain of Arethusa, and the Homeric associations of Odysseus's Ithaca.
The anchorages
4 anchorages around Ithaca
Use this guide to understand your captain's routing, request specific anchorages on your preference sheet, judge whether Ithaca fits your charter style, and pair it sensibly with nearby islands.
Vathy (Port Vathi, main harbour, E coast)
Depth
3.5-4m
Holding
Good anchorage off the town, with quay berthing.
Shelter
Shelter relatively good in the prevailing W and NW, with afternoon chop.
Fills fast in July to August.
Best for: Town access, base
Frikes
Depth
10-12m
Holding
Sand and weed, good
Shelter
On the breakwater outside.
Vulnerable to ferry wash and easterly funnelling.
Agios Ilias / Aetos coves
Depth
around 10m
Holding
Sand and weed, excellent
Shelter
Sheltered coves.
Quiet swim and overnight.
Kioni (NE)
Shelter
Shelter from all winds except the rare ESE; gusts from the NW.
Anchorage opposite the quay is unreliable without a line ashore; depth not documented.
When to visit
The Ionian is mild in summer, with a northwesterly afternoon sea breeze (the Maistro) that builds in the afternoon and eases overnight; katabatic gusts can fall into some bays at night. It is the gentlest of the Greek cruising grounds.
Captain's note
The Ionian is mild in summer, with a northwesterly afternoon sea breeze (the Maistro) that builds in the afternoon and eases overnight; katabatic gusts can fall into some bays at night. It is the gentlest of the Greek cruising grounds. Pick the anchorage to the wind: in the prevailing summer airflow, favour the lee and sheltered bays listed above, and keep a documented all-weather shelter or a layover day in reserve when the forecast climbs. Depths and holding here follow published cruising sources; your captain will confirm the exact anchor drop against current charts on arrival.
Charter Ithaca
Speak with George P. Biniaris directly. MYBA-standard contracts, full Greek charter fleet.