Mandraki, Corfu Town Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Small-boat harbour N of the Old Fortress. Stern-to on the inner quay in 2–3m. Mud/sand bottom. Good shelter from S through W. Open to N and NE — ferry wash and NE Gregale can make it very uncomfortable. Primarily used by local boats; visiting yachts go stern-to on the outer quay or anchor off.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Mandraki, Corfu Town is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 2–4m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (28m chain at 4m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on the anchor.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator to confirm you have adequate chain for the depth.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Delta, Rocna, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Mandraki, Corfu Town are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to N and NE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m for swinging in 2–3m. The main alternative is the New Port (ferry terminal) quay for larger yachts, or the anchorage area NE of the Old Fortress. Check for ferry wash and NE exposure. The Old Port anchorage area to the S of the causeway offers good shelter but is busy with local boats.

Year-round access. July–August is extremely busy with cruise ships and ferries. The Old Town is equally beautiful in May, June, and September.

Navigation Hazards

• Ferry wash from the New Port (cruise ships, car ferries) — significant motion at quay
• Open to N and NE — NE Gregale makes anchorage untenable
• Commercial and ferry traffic in the Old Port approach
• Very crowded in July–August — limited space for visiting yachts

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Small quay fee may apply
• Restrictions: Port police office for DEKPA/TEPAI clearance. DEKPA transit log required for all foreign yachts >7m. UNESCO Old Town — respect the setting.

For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Corfu Town Old Port (0nm)
• Restaurant: Full range of restaurants, bars, and cafes in Corfu Old Town (5 min walk)
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Obtain your DEKPA transit log at the port police office near the New Port if entering Greece at Corfu.
2. Consider basing yourself at Gouvia Marina (6 nm) and taking a water taxi to the Old Town — far more comfortable.
3. Corfu Old Town is one of the finest in the Mediterranean — explore the Venetian Liston, Old Fortress, and backstreets.