Sailing Meganisi: Complete Island Guide

Overview

Meganisi is the closest island to Lefkada (just 6nm from the marina), making it the perfect first or last stop on an Ionian charter. Despite its proximity to the busy Nidri channel, Meganisi offers quiet anchorages, dramatic sea caves, and authentic Greek village life.

Best for: First-time charterers, families, anyone wanting easy sailing from Lefkada

Main attractions: Spilia sea caves, traditional villages, sheltered anchorages

Facilities: Limited shops in Vathy, tavernas at most anchorages

Main Anchorages

Vathy Harbor

GPS: 38°44.0’N, 20°45.5’E Depth: 3-8m, sand and mud (excellent holding) Protection: Sheltered from all directions Facilities: Tavernas, small shops, bakery, water

Vathy is Meganisi’s main harbor — a deep inlet with good protection and several waterside tavernas. You can stern-to on the quay (water and electricity available) or anchor in the bay.

Approach: Easy, deep water right up to the quay. Watch for ferry wash if Med-moored.

Tavernas: 4-5 options, all good quality. Spitiko is recommended for traditional Greek food.

Provisioning: Small shop, bakery (fresh bread in morning), limited supplies.

Best for: Overnight stop, provisioning, village atmosphere

Spilia Bay

GPS: 38°42.8’N, 20°44.5’E Depth: 4-10m, sand and mud Protection: Excellent from north through east to south, exposed to west Facilities: Taverna at head of bay

Spilia is Meganisi’s most dramatic anchorage — a deep bay with spectacular sea caves at the head. You can explore the caves by dinghy or swimming (bring a torch for the largest cave).

Approach: Straightforward, favor the north side. Depth 4-10m throughout.

Caves: Three main caves at the head of the bay. The largest has a small beach inside and stalactites. Beautiful echo — sing or shout!

Taverna: Single taverna at the head of the bay. Good food, can get busy in peak season (book ahead if eating there).

Best for: Swimming, cave exploring, spectacular scenery

Note: Can be rolly in strong westerlies — check forecast before overnight stay.

Abeliki Bay

GPS: 38°44.2’N, 20°45.0’E Depth: 3-6m, sand Protection: Good from most directions, slight swell possible in strong southerlies Facilities: Taverna ashore

A quieter alternative to Vathy harbor. Abeliki is a pretty bay with a small taverna and good holding. Less crowded than Vathy.

Approach: Easy, good depth throughout. Anchor in middle of bay.

Taverna: Family-run, simple Greek food, reasonable prices.

Best for: Quiet night, good holding, taverna without crowds

Atherinos Bay (South Coast)

GPS: 38°42.2’N, 20°46.0’E Depth: 5-12m, sand Protection: Open to south, sheltered from north Facilities: None (bring provisions)

Atherinos is a beautiful, deserted bay on Meganisi’s south coast. No tavernas or facilities — just clear water and peace. Popular lunch stop but quiet overnight.

Approach: Open bay, anchor anywhere. Favor the east side for best holding.

Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, peaceful overnight (if forecast is calm)

Note: Exposed to southerlies — only use if forecast is northerly winds.

Getting to Meganisi

From Lefkada Marina: 6nm, 1-1.5 hours sailing Route: Exit marina, head south past Nidri, cross the channel

Common mistake: Don’t confuse Vathy (Meganisi) with Vathy (Ithaca) — very different islands!

Provisioning

Limited provisioning on Meganisi:

  • Vathy: Small shop, bakery, basics only
  • No supermarkets
  • Fresh bread daily at bakery (€2-3 per loaf)

Tip: Provision fully at Lefkada (Lidl) before heading to Meganisi.

Villages

Spartochori: Traditional hilltop village, 20-minute walk from Vathy. Beautiful views, few tavernas, very quiet.

Katomeri: Main village (inland), sleepy, authentic Greece.

Swimming & Snorkeling

Water around Meganisi is crystal clear:

  • Spilia Bay: Excellent snorkeling around rocks near caves
  • Atherinos: Sandy bottom, great for children
  • Vathy: Good swimming from yacht or taverna docks

Weather Shelter

Meganisi is well-protected from prevailing NW winds:

  • Vathy and Abeliki: Sheltered in all common conditions
  • Spilia: Avoid in strong westerlies
  • Atherinos: Avoid in southerlies

Typical Visit

Day trip from Lefkada: Sail to Spilia, explore caves, lunch at taverna, swim, return to Lefkada (or stay overnight).

Overnight stop: Vathy for village atmosphere and taverna choice, or Spilia for drama and caves.

Multi-day: Vathy Day 1 (arrival, explore village), Spilia Day 2 (caves), Abeliki Day 3 (quiet relaxation).

Tips

  • Spilia caves are best explored mid-morning (sunlight penetrates then)
  • Vathy can be busy with flotillas Saturday-Sunday
  • Fresh fish at Vathy tavernas is excellent value
  • Walk to Spartochori village for sunset views
  • Mobile coverage is good throughout Meganisi

Meganisi is the perfect introduction to Ionian sailing — close enough to Lefkada to feel safe, far enough to feel like you’re exploring. Don’t miss it.