Preveza Approach Anchorage Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in the roads N of the Preveza harbour entrance in 3–5m sand/mud. Good holding. Protected from W through S through N. Some exposure to E and NE. This is the staging anchorage for clearing customs at Preveza and waiting for the Amvrakikos Gulf tide window.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Preveza Approach Anchorage is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–5m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m 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 Preveza Approach Anchorage are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to E and NE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m radius in 3–5m. Comfortable staging anchorage in settled summer conditions. Exposed to E and NE — if Gregale is forecast, use Preveza marina or the town quay instead.

Year-round passage port. Anchorage is primarily used April–October for cruising. An important waypoint for yachts transiting between the Ionian Islands and the Corfu–Albania–Italy routes.

Navigation Hazards

• Preveza-Aktio strait — tidal current 2–3 kn in the narrows; enter on the right side of the channel
• Commercial and ferry traffic through the strait
• Exposed to E and NE in the roads anchorage
• Nikopolis shoal — submerged remains of the ancient city; follow the channel marks

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Port police for customs clearance in Preveza town. Keep clear of the ferry channel at the Preveza-Aktio strait.

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 restaurants in Preveza town
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Time your transit of the Preveza strait with the tide — enter on a favourable stream for safety.
2. Preveza is an excellent provisioning stop before heading into the Amvrakikos Gulf or departing for Corfu.
3. The ancient site of Nikopolis (where Augustus defeated Antony and Cleopatra in 31 BC) is 7 km N — worth a visit by taxi.