Lichnos Beach Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Lichnos, Λίχνος, Lichnos Bay
Lichnos Beach is a beautiful sandy bay 2nm south of Parga town — a better-sheltered and less crowded alternative to the main Parga anchorage. The bay has excellent holding in clean sand in 4–8m with good protection from the prevailing NW Maestro. The beach itself is one of the finest on the Epirus coast — clear turquoise water, golden sand, and pine-covered hills. A small taverna operates seasonally on the beach. Less crowded than Parga town bay and significantly more comfortable in the afternoon Maestro. Still exposed to S/SW — monitor southerly forecasts carefully.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
39°15.8'N 20°23.0'E
Depth
4–8m
Bottom
sand
Holding
Excellent holdingProtected From
N, NE, NW, E
Exposed To
S, SW
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m radius appropriate for 4–8m excellent sand holding. The bay curves NE providing reasonable shelter from the NW Maestro. Maintain a watch for SW swell — in southerly conditions, evacuate to Preveza (22nm SE). Excellent sand means reliable holding once set.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Beautiful sandy bay with excellent holding sand in 4–8m. Better-sheltered from NW afternoon Maestro than the Parga main bay. The bay curves eastward providing some protection from NW. Still exposed to S/SW — in southerly conditions, leave for Preveza or find shelter further north. Stunning beach, very clear water, less crowded than Parga town.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Lichnos Beach is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- 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).
- 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, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Lichnos Beach are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below for the night.75m radius appropriate for 4–8m excellent sand holding. The bay curves NE providing reasonable shelter from the NW Maestro. Maintain a watch for SW swell — in southerly conditions, evacuate to Preveza (22nm SE). Excellent sand means reliable holding once set.
Comfortable May–October. July–August sees day-tripper boats on the beach but fewer yachts than Parga town bay. September water is the warmest and the bay is at its most peaceful.
Navigation Hazards
- Exposed to S/SW — southerly swell builds quickly; evacuate in any southerly forecast
- Shallow at the beach head — anchor away from the beach in 4m+ water
- Day-tripper boats from Parga visit the beach 09:00–17:00 in July–August
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Restrictions: None. Respect beach swimmers — do not anchor in the shallow beach zone.
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: Parga town (2nm N) (2nm)
- Restaurant: Seasonal beach taverna (open June–September)
- Provisions: None on site — Parga town (2nm N) (2nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Best alternative to Parga town bay when Maestro is building — the bay curve gives better NW shelter.
- Arrive here in the evening after visiting Parga town by dinghy or water taxi for dinner.
- Excellent sand holding — set firmly in reverse, then relax. One of the most reliable anchorages on this coast.
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 Lichnos Beach
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 Epirus anchorage.
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