Plataria Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 3–5m on good holding mud and sand in the main bay in front of the village. Comfortable overnight stop with tavernas on the quay. Less crowded than Sivota — a favourite of cruisers who find Mourtos too busy. The bay is open to NW afternoon Maestro wind chop but the fetch is limited and the anchorage remains comfortable.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Plataria 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 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: CQR, Delta, Rocna. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Plataria 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 appropriate for 3–5m mud and sand. Maestro afternoon chop from NW creates gentle swinging — holding is reliable but confirm the anchor is set before going ashore. No significant overnight hazards in settled summer conditions.

Good from May–October. Uncrowded by Ionian standards. September–October sees occasional NW frontal systems — monitor forecasts. Tavernas may have limited hours outside July–August.

Navigation Hazards

• Maestro NW afternoon wind creates chop across the bay — anchor well before 14:00
• Shallow shoals reported toward the beach head — approach in 3m+ water
• Commercial ferry traffic through the Corfu Channel (5nm W) — not a direct hazard but monitor AIS

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: None. Small fishing port — keep clear of the inner quay reserved for working boats.

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: Plataria village (0nm)
• Restaurant: 2–3 local tavernas on the quay, mainly seafood
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Good overnight stop when Sivota is too full — try Plataria first on a northbound trip to avoid the Sivota madness.
2. The local fish tavernas here serve fresher fish at lower prices than the tourist tavernas at Mourtos.
3. Useful as a fuel/provision run to Igoumenitsa (9nm N) without committing to the full ferry port experience.