S/YJane & Darcy

A convenient stop if you want to visit the caves

A lively and well-protected harbour that combines good facilities with plenty of local character. The waterfront is always busy, serving as the base for numerous tour boats heading to the Blue Caves and the famous Shipwreck Beach, while the ferry from Kefalonia also calls here regularly. The constant activity gives the harbour a vibrant atmosphere and makes for excellent people-watching.

The harbour offers excellent protection from most directions but should be avoided when northerly or north-easterly winds are expected. Even relatively light winds from these sectors can send an uncomfortable swell directly into the harbour, quickly turning an otherwise pleasant stay into a restless and potentially unsafe one. If you are moored in the south-west corner, Costas and his team are an excellent source of local knowledge. They keep a close eye on the weather and are usually happy to advise on the safest berthing options should conditions deteriorate.

For those preferring not to moor on the quay, a number of buoys are available in the northern and north-western part of the harbour. These are managed by La Storia Taverna. There is no obligation to dine at the restaurant when using the buoys, although it is a place we would happily recommend. The food is good, the atmosphere relaxed and the staff welcoming, making it a pleasant option after a day on the water.

During the day, the tour boats generate a fair amount of wake. While generally not dangerous, it can make the harbour uncomfortable at times, particularly for those sensitive to boat movement. For this reason, we found the south-west corner of the harbour to be the most attractive option. Here you can moor stern-to using lazy lines, with free water, electricity and showers available nearby. The area is also somewhat less exposed to the traffic-generated wash.

The south-west wall is also used by the ferries for their landings, so you must keep clear of the area marked in yellow. Outside that zone, however, there is some space where it may be possible to berth alongside. If you do, come prepared with plenty of fenders. The quay is high, approximately two metres above water level, which can make boarding difficult for yachts with lower freeboard. Tidal variations, although modest, can further complicate matters, so allowing sufficient slack in your mooring lines is important. Good spring lines are highly recommended, as they significantly reduce fore-and-aft movement caused by passing tour boats.

With the prevailing north-westerly winds common during the summer months, the south-west corner remains comfortable and benefits from a welcome cooling breeze. By contrast, the western wall tends to be more exposed to the wind and can become noisier and less comfortable, with short wind chop and hull slapping during stronger breezes.

Fuel is available by tanker delivery directly to the quay, making refuelling straightforward even for larger cruising yachts.

During our stay, we found the harbour to be an excellent base for exploring the northern coast of Zakynthos. While it can be busy during the day, the atmosphere, facilities and convenience more than compensate, provided you keep a close eye on the forecast and avoid remaining here during northerly weather. One of the great advantages of staying here is the possibility of an early morning departure to Navagio Beach. Leaving at first light allows you to enjoy one of the most spectacular views in Greece before the flotilla of tourist boats arrives and transforms the area into one of the busiest attractions in the Ionian. For cruising sailors looking for a practical stop with services, shelter and a genuine local feel, it remains one of the most useful harbours on the island.

You can call Costas from La Sosta to reserve a buoy tel:+30 2695031635

View of the harbour from La Storia