Gouvia Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Gouvia Marina, Γούβια
Gouvia Bay houses the main yacht marina on Corfu — the largest and best-equipped in the northern Ionian. With around 1,000 berths, full fuel dock, chandlery, haul-out facilities, repair yards, supermarkets, and several tavernas, it is the primary services base for yachts cruising the northern Ionian. The bay itself is the site of a Venetian ship-canal, and the ruins of the old Venetian boathouses are visible at the head of the bay. The marina is open year-round and offers reliable shelter in all weather. Most visiting yachts use Gouvia as their provisioning and base-of-operations stop between island cruises. DEKPA transit logs can be obtained here. 6 nm north of Corfu Town by sea.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
39°38.2'N 19°51.2'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
mud
Holding
Excellent holdingProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Exposed To
None (all-weather)
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Marina berth fee applies (~€40–90/night depending on season and size)
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
40m is appropriate for a marina berth with lines and springs. If anchoring in the outer bay, use 70m radius to account for scope in 3–5m and wind shift from NW afternoon breeze. Gouvia is the safest all-weather base in the northern Ionian.
Gouvia Marina (all berths): 40m recommended — Fully enclosed marina with ~1,000 berths.
Outer anchorage (N of marina entrance): 70m recommended — Free-swinging anchorage to the N of the marina entrance in 3–5m mud/sand.
Anchoring Zones
Gouvia Bay has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics. Choose the zone that matches your boat size and the expected overnight conditions.
Zone 1: Gouvia Marina (all berths)
- Depth: 2–5m
- Bottom: mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 40m
Fully enclosed marina with ~1,000 berths. Mud bottom throughout. Excellent shelter in all conditions. Berths assigned by marinero on arrival — stern/bows-to Mediterranean style. Depth 2–3m at inner berths, 3–5m in outer fingers. All-weather refuge, even in the rare NE Gregale.
Zone 2: Outer anchorage (N of marina entrance)
- Depth: 3–6m
- Bottom: mud, sand
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: S, SE, E, SW, W
- Exposed to: N, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 70m
Free-swinging anchorage to the N of the marina entrance in 3–5m mud/sand. Good holding once set. Exposed to NW — the prevailing afternoon breeze causes chop. Not ideal for overnight in strong NW conditions. Most yachts prefer to take a marina berth for peace of mind.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Gouvia Bay is primarily mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 2–5m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m depth).
- 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.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
- 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: CQR, Delta, Rocna. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Gouvia Bay are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 40m radius before going below for the night.40m is appropriate for a marina berth with lines and springs. If anchoring in the outer bay, use 70m radius to account for scope in 3–5m and wind shift from NW afternoon breeze. Gouvia is the safest all-weather base in the northern Ionian.
Open year-round. July–August is fully booked — pre-book berths. May, June, September, and October offer good availability and pleasant conditions. Winter storms are best weathered in the marina.
Navigation Hazards
- Entrance shoal — follow the buoyed channel carefully; depth 2.5m at the entrance bar
- Ferry and commercial traffic in the Corfu Channel (1.5 nm W) — maintain watch
- Strong NW afternoon breeze creates chop in the outer bay if anchoring outside the marina
- Holiday flotillas fill the marina in July–August — call ahead on VHF Ch 12
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Marina berth fee applies (~€40–90/night depending on season and size)
- Restrictions: DEKPA transit log obtainable at marina office. Marina VHF Ch 12.
For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Available
- Restaurant: Several tavernas and a supermarket within the marina complex
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Call Gouvia Marina on VHF Ch 12 before arrival in July–August to reserve a berth.
- DEKPA transit logs and TEPAI tax receipts can be obtained at the port police office near the marina.
- Haul-out facilities available — one of the few places in the northern Ionian with a travel lift.
- Excellent provisioning base: large supermarket, chandlery, gas/diesel dock.
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions — including depth, holding, and local regulations — can change. Before visiting, always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather bulletins, and consult your up-to-date charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Gouvia Bay
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius — so you can relax and enjoy the Corfu & Paxos anchorage.
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