Filiates Channel Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Sheltered bay at the approach to the Kalamas River (river of the Filiates area). Excellent mud and sand holding in 4–8m. Well-protected from most directions. A little-known and rarely-visited anchorage offering genuine solitude on the Epirus coast north of Igoumenitsa. No facilities. The surrounding landscape is dramatic — mountains of the Epirus interior rising steeply from the coast.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Filiates Channel Bay 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 4–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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: CQR, Delta, Rocna, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Filiates Channel Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to NW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m radius for excellent mud and sand holding in 4–8m. Well-sheltered bay. The NW Maestro afternoon wind is the primary exposure — anchor in the more sheltered eastern sector. Note proximity to Albanian border (approx. 20nm N) — do not approach Albanian waters without clearance.

May–October passage anchorage. Not a destination stay — transit stop only. Best in settled May–June weather when the Maestro is at its lightest and the mountains of Epirus are at their most dramatic.

Navigation Hazards

• Albanian border approximately 20nm N — do not approach without prior clearance
• No facilities — carry all supplies
• Maestro NW afternoon wind penetrates from the W — anchor in sheltered eastern sector
• Remote location — nearest assistance at Igoumenitsa (8nm S)
• Approach in daylight only — unlit coastline

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Albanian border zone approx. 20nm N — do not approach Albanian waters. No facilities; self-sufficient stay only.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Igoumenitsa (8nm S) (8nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Igoumenitsa (8nm S) (8nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Igoumenitsa (8nm S) (8nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Best approached during the morning calm — the Maestro begins building around 12:00–14:00 and the approach from the north is more comfortable in the early morning.
2. Suitable as a one-night stop when transiting from Corfu to the southern Epirus coast — breaks the journey without the commercial atmosphere of Igoumenitsa.
3. Carry sufficient water and provisions — the nearest reprovisioning is Igoumenitsa (8nm S) or Corfu (18nm W).