Lefkada Marina Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Overview

Lefkada Marina (officially D-Marin Lefkas) is the main charter base in the Ionian Islands. Located on the island’s east coast, it’s one of Greece’s best-equipped marinas with 620 berths and excellent facilities.

Location: Just south of Lefkada Town, on the eastern side of the island Coordinates: 38°50.0’N, 20°42.5’E Capacity: 620 berths (accommodates yachts up to 70m) Depth: 2-6 meters

Facilities

Marina services:

  • 24-hour security
  • Free WiFi throughout
  • Fuel dock (diesel and petrol)
  • Water and electricity at all berths
  • Pump-out station
  • Waste disposal and recycling
  • Laundry service
  • Shower and toilet blocks (excellent condition)

Maintenance & support:

  • Chandlery (well-stocked)
  • Rigging and sail repair
  • Engine mechanics
  • Electronics repair
  • 50-ton travel lift
  • DIY boatyard area

Restaurants & provisions:

  • Marina restaurant/bar (good coffee and breakfast)
  • Tavernas within walking distance
  • Lidl supermarket: 800m walk (10 minutes), excellent for provisioning
  • AB Vassilopoulos: 1.2km, larger supermarket
  • Bakeries in nearby Lefkada Town (3km)

Other amenities:

  • Swimming pool (D-Marin guests)
  • Playground (great for families)
  • Free parking (long-term available)
  • Rental cars available at marina reception

Charter Check-In Process

Standard charter day is Saturday 16:00 - Saturday 16:00.

Arrival (Saturday 16:00-19:00):

  1. Office check-in: Register with charter company, show documents (license, ID, sailing CV)
  2. Payment: Settle final balance and security deposit (€2,000-4,000, credit card pre-authorization)
  3. Boat briefing: Typically 1-2 hours, covers:
    • Full inventory check
    • Systems walkthrough (engine, electrics, water, navigation, safety equipment)
    • Local charts and recommendations
    • Safety procedures
  4. First night: Most people sleep onboard in the marina on Saturday night, depart Sunday morning

Documents needed:

  • Valid sailing license
  • Passport or ID card
  • Credit card (for security deposit)
  • Sailing CV (if requested by charter company)

Pro tip: Arrive Friday and provision before check-in. Many charter companies offer free Friday night accommodation in a nearby apartment.

Provisioning Before Departure

Lidl (800m walk, highly recommended):

  • Full range of groceries
  • Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese
  • Wine, beer, spirits (much cheaper than tavernas)
  • Snacks, cereals, bread
  • Open 08:00-21:00 Monday-Saturday, 09:00-20:00 Sunday

What to buy:

  • Breakfast supplies (cereals, bread, coffee, milk, juice)
  • Lunch items (bread, cheese, cold meats, tomatoes, olives)
  • Dinner ingredients (pasta, rice, sauces, fresh meat/fish if cooking onboard)
  • Snacks (fruit, nuts, biscuits)
  • Drinks (water, soft drinks, beer, wine)

Budget: €100-150 per person for a week including taverna dinners 3-4 nights.

Water: Fill tanks at the marina before departure. Assume 150-200 liters per person per week.

Fuel: Fill up at marina fuel dock before departure. Budget €150-300 depending on yacht size and how much you motor.

Departure

Sunday morning is the best time to leave:

  • Sleep onboard Saturday night
  • Early start Sunday (07:00-09:00) beats the rush
  • Full day of sailing ahead

Check before leaving:

  • Engine running properly
  • Navigation electronics working
  • Water tanks full
  • Fuel tank full
  • Safety equipment aboard and accessible
  • Mooring lines and fenders stowed
  • Gas bottles checked

Returning to Base

Saturday morning/early afternoon:

  • Aim to return by 14:00-15:00 to allow time for check-out
  • Fuel up before entering marina (fuel dock available)
  • Call charter company on VHF or mobile for berth assignment

Check-out process:

  1. Berth the yacht at assigned location
  2. Charter company checks inventory and condition
  3. Engineer checks engine hours and systems
  4. Any damages/issues discussed (security deposit deduction if needed)
  5. Return keys, settle final costs

Typical check-out: 1-2 hours. Most finish by 17:00-18:00.

If you have an early Saturday evening flight: Discuss with charter company. Some allow Friday night return with Saturday morning check-out (for a small fee).

Getting to/from Marina

From Preveza Airport (30km):

  • Pre-booked taxi: €50-60 (recommended, 30-40 minutes)
  • Rental car: All major companies at airport

To Lefkada Town (3km):

  • Walk: 35-40 minutes (pleasant coastal path)
  • Taxi: €8-12
  • Bus: €1.50 (irregular schedule)

Nearby Attractions

Lefkada Town (3km):

  • Venetian architecture
  • Traditional tavernas
  • Supermarkets and shops
  • Fortress of Agia Mavra

Beaches near marina:

  • Kastro Beach (1km walk)
  • Gyra Beach (2km)
  • World-famous beaches (Porto Katsiki, Egremni) on west coast (30-40 minutes drive)

WiFi & Communications

  • Free WiFi throughout marina (reasonable speed)
  • 4G/5G coverage is excellent throughout Lefkada
  • Most cafes and tavernas have WiFi

Costs at Marina

  • Fuel: €1.85-2.10/liter (diesel), €2.00-2.25/liter (petrol)
  • Water: Free at berths
  • Electricity: Free at berths
  • Showers: Free for charter guests
  • Laundry: €5-8 per load
  • Coffee at marina bar: €2.50-3.50
  • Breakfast at marina restaurant: €8-12

Weather Information

  • Marina office provides printed weather forecasts
  • VHF weather broadcasts on Channel 16 (08:00, 14:00, 20:00)
  • Online: Poseidon.hcmr.gr (Hellenic Centre for Marine Research)
  • Apps: Windy, PredictWind, Windfinder

Emergency Contacts

  • Marina Office: +30 26450 29000
  • Coastguard: VHF Channel 16, or +30 26450 22322
  • Emergency (ambulance/fire/police): 112
  • Your charter company: 24/7 emergency number provided at check-in

Tips

  • Arrive a day early: Friday arrival gives you time to provision and relax before check-in
  • Provision at Lidl: Saves time and money
  • Leave early Sunday: Avoids marina congestion and gives you a full sailing day
  • Return early Saturday: Gives buffer time for check-out and transfer to airport