Preveza Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 3–5m good holding mud off the town waterfront, south of the ferry dock. Preveza is a pleasant small town with good facilities — a useful base for the Ambracian Gulf. The narrow entrance channel to the Gulf (Preveza Strait) runs close by — significant current on the ebb. Marina berths available at Preveza Marina (E side of the strait).

Setting Your Anchor

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

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m radius for 3–5m mud. Holding is reliable. The main hazard is the strong tidal current through the Preveza Strait (entrance to Ambracian Gulf) — do not anchor in or near the channel. The current reaches 2–3kt on the ebb. Stay south of the entrance channel in the calmer water.

Open year-round. Best May–October for cruising. Preveza Marina is a popular winter layup location. The town is active throughout the year — a good base for provisioning before a Ionian passage.

Navigation Hazards

• Strong current through Preveza Strait (entrance to Ambracian Gulf) — 2–3kt on ebb; do not anchor in channel
• Ferry crossing the strait (Preveza–Actium) — keep clear of ferry route
• Commercial shipping in the strait — maintain watch when transiting
• NW afternoon Maestro creates chop in the approach — plan arrival before 14:00

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free for swinging; marina berths available at Preveza Marina (~€30–50/night)
• Restrictions: Do not anchor in the entrance channel (Preveza Strait) — strong current and commercial traffic. DEKPA check at Preveza port authority if entering from abroad.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Good range of restaurants and tavernas in the town
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Take the small ferry across the strait to visit the ruins of Nikopolis — the city Augustus built to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Actium (31 BC). Outstanding Roman ruins, often overlooked by tourists.
2. Preveza Marina offers all facilities including fuel — a good point to fill up before heading north toward Corfu or south toward the Lefkada Canal.
3. The town waterfront has excellent fish tavernas — try the local Ambracian Gulf prawns (gambari) which are famous throughout Greece.