Lefkada Canal (Lefkada Town) Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Lefkas Canal, Λευκάδα Κανάλι
The Lefkada Canal is a unique feature of the Ionian — a narrow, shallow waterway running along the NE coast of the island, connecting the open Ionian Sea (N entrance via the swingbridge) to the protected inner lagoon near Lefkada Town. The town itself is well worth a visit: a characterful working town with a weekly market, good provisions, chandlery, and excellent local tavernas. The canal was improved by the British in the 19th century, and the swing bridge at the N entrance is the defining feature — it opens on a schedule (approx. 0700–0900 and 1630; confirm on VHF Ch 12 before arrival). The canal offers a sheltered, calm overnight berth in the heart of a Greek town — a real change from open anchorages. The DEKPA port police office is conveniently located on the town quay.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
38°49.9'N 20°42.3'E
Depth
2–4m
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
Small quay fee may apply
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
40m radius for quay berth with lines. The canal is all-weather — once inside you are completely sheltered. The bridge schedule is the primary operational challenge: call on VHF Ch 12 well before arrival. Bridge openings are approximately 0700–0900 and 1630 (verify locally — times vary by season). Minimum charted depth 2.5m.
Lefkada Town quay (N of the canal): 40m recommended — Stern-to or alongside on the town quay just inside the N entrance of the canal.
Canal anchorage (S section, free-swinging): 45m recommended — Free-swinging in the wider sections of the canal S of the town quay.
Anchoring Zones
Lefkada Canal (Lefkada Town) 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: Lefkada Town quay (N of the canal)
- Depth: 2–4m
- Bottom: mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 40m
Stern-to or alongside on the town quay just inside the N entrance of the canal. Depth 2.5–3.5m at the quay face. Mud bottom, excellent holding. Very well sheltered — the canal provides all-round protection. Bridge wash and local boat traffic create some movement but overall very calm.
Zone 2: Canal anchorage (S section, free-swinging)
- Depth: 2–4m
- Bottom: mud
- Holding: Excellent holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 45m
Free-swinging in the wider sections of the canal S of the town quay. 2.5–4m mud throughout. Canal is narrow — do not anchor where you would obstruct transit traffic. Note: charted depth in the shallowest section is 2.5m; silting occasionally reduces this.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Lefkada Canal (Lefkada Town) 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 2–4m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (28m chain at 4m 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: Delta, Rocna, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Lefkada Canal (Lefkada Town) are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 40m radius before going below for the night.40m radius for quay berth with lines. The canal is all-weather — once inside you are completely sheltered. The bridge schedule is the primary operational challenge: call on VHF Ch 12 well before arrival. Bridge openings are approximately 0700–0900 and 1630 (verify locally — times vary by season). Minimum charted depth 2.5m.
Year-round canal access subject to bridge schedule. July–August the canal and town are busy but not overcrowded. Good base for exploring the northern Ionian.
Navigation Hazards
- Swing bridge — must call VHF Ch 12 and wait for bridge opening; never attempt passage when closed
- Shallowest section of canal charted 2.5m — may be less due to silting; proceed at bare steerage and sound continuously
- Canal is narrow — give way to oncoming traffic; do not anchor in the fairway
- Local ferry from Nidri passes through the canal — be aware of its schedule
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Small quay fee may apply
- Restrictions: SWING BRIDGE at N entrance — call on VHF Ch 12 for opening schedule. Bridge opens approx. 0700–0900 and 1630 (verify locally). Do not attempt to transit when bridge is closed. Canal is narrow — proceed at bare steerage and monitor depth continuously.
For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Available
- Restaurant: Full range of tavernas and cafes in Lefkada Town
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Call the bridge keeper on VHF Ch 12 well before arrival — standard practice is to call when about 1 nm from the bridge.
- If you miss the morning window (0700–0900), you'll wait until the afternoon opening (~1630). Plan your day accordingly.
- Lefkada Town is excellent for provisioning, DEKPA clearance, and local market day.
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 Lefkada Canal (Lefkada Town)
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 North Ionian anchorage.
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