5 Hidden Anchorages Near Lefkada

by Editorial Team
Anchorages
  • anchorages
  • lefkada
  • insider tips
  • sailing

Introduction

Everyone knows Meganisi’s Vathy and Spilia. Everyone moors in Kioni and Fiskardo. But there are quieter spots within easy reach of Lefkada — bays that charter sailors often miss.

Here are five hidden anchorages where you’ll have space, peace, and often the bay to yourselves.

1. Tranquil Bay, Vlicho (Near Nidri)

GPS: 38°42.5’N, 20°42.0’E
Depth: 4-8m, mud (excellent holding)
Protection: Sheltered from all directions
Distance from Lefkada Marina: 8nm (1.5 hours)

Despite the name, Tranquil Bay (also called Ormos Vlichos) is surprisingly unknown to many charterers. It’s a deep inlet just south of Nidri, perfectly sheltered, with several waterside tavernas.

Why it’s hidden: Everyone rushes past to get to Meganisi. They don’t realize this bay is just as beautiful and much quieter.

Best for: First night out from Lefkada, calm conditions guaranteed, excellent tavernas

Facilities: 4-5 tavernas ashore, water available

Tip: Anchor mid-bay (5-6m) or stern-to at taverna docks.

2. Madouri Island East Bay

GPS: 38°43.0’N, 20°42.5’E
Depth: 5-10m, sand/weed
Protection: Good from NW through E to S, avoid in strong W winds
Distance from Lefkada: 5nm (1 hour)

Madouri is the small island between Lefkada and Meganisi — the one everyone sails past. Its east coast has a beautiful sheltered bay with crystal-clear water and good holding.

Why it’s hidden: Most sailors head straight to Meganisi without stopping. Madouri is private (owned by poet Aristotelis Valaoritis’s family) but anchorages around it are public.

Best for: Lunch stop, swimming, peaceful overnight if winds are from north/east

Facilities: None — bring lunch

Tip: Perfect for escaping Meganisi crowds. Swim ashore to pebble beach.

3. Desimi Bay (East of Ithaca)

GPS: 38°25.5’N, 20°45.0’E
Depth: 6-12m, sand
Protection: Excellent from W/NW (prevailing summer winds)
Distance from Lefkada: 15nm (3 hours via Meganisi)

Desimi is on Ithaca’s east coast, south of Vathi. While everyone crams into Kioni harbor (north coast), Desimi sits empty — a perfectly sheltered bay with no facilities and total peace.

Why it’s hidden: It’s on the “wrong” side of Ithaca (away from the main sailing route). No tavernas, no village, so most charterers skip it.

Best for: Peaceful overnight, swimming, snorkeling, getting away from crowds

Facilities: None

Tip: Combine with Vathi (capital) visit — sail to Vathi for provisions, then move to Desimi for the night.

4. One House Bay, Meganisi

GPS: 38°43.5’N, 20°44.0’E
Depth: 8-15m, sand/rock
Protection: Good from N/NE/E
Distance from Lefkada: 7nm (1.5 hours)

This tiny bay on Meganisi’s northeast corner gets its name from the single house on shore. While everyone anchors in Vathy or Spilia, this spot sits empty.

Why it’s hidden: No taverna, no village, just one house. Most charterers want facilities.

Best for: Peaceful night, swimming, snorkeling (excellent visibility)

Facilities: None

Tip: Perfect for Day 2 if you spent Day 1 in busy Vathy and want total peace.

5. Sarakiniko Bay, Ithaca

GPS: 38°28.0’N, 20°42.0’E
Depth: 5-10m, sand
Protection: Excellent from all directions except S
Distance from Lefkada: 14nm (2.5-3 hours)

Sarakiniko is a stunning, almost completely enclosed bay on Ithaca’s east coast. It’s an alternative to Vathi harbor (5nm south) when you want quiet instead of a working port.

Why it’s hidden: Again, no taverna, no village. Charterers head to Kioni or Vathi for facilities.

Best for: Peaceful overnight, swimming, complete shelter (if winds aren’t from south)

Facilities: None

Tip: Some yachts visit for lunch then leave by late afternoon. Arrive after 17:00 for a quiet night.

How to Use These Anchorages

Strategy:

  • Use “popular” anchorages (Meganisi Vathy, Kioni) for provisioning and taverna dinners
  • Use “hidden” anchorages for peace, swimming, and quiet nights

Example week:

  • Night 1: Vlicho Bay (easy from Lefkada)
  • Night 2: Madouri (close, quiet)
  • Night 3: Meganisi Vathy (provisions, taverna)
  • Night 4: One House Bay (peace after busy Vathy)
  • Night 5: Kioni (village atmosphere)
  • Night 6: Sarakiniko (quiet before return)
  • Night 7: Back to Lefkada

Important: These hidden bays have no facilities. Bring food, drinks, and be self-sufficient.

Tips

  • Hidden anchorages are often free (no harbor fees)
  • Arrive late afternoon (most day-trippers leave by 17:00)
  • Check weather — bays without tavernas also have no shelter if wind shifts
  • Download offline charts — mobile coverage can be patchy in remote bays

The beauty of these hidden spots: you’ll often have the bay to yourself. No flotillas, no charter crowds, just your yacht, clear water, and peace.