Anchorage· Zakynthos· Greece — Ionian, Saronic & Argolic
Agios Nikolaos (Skinari) Harbour
37° 54.4′ N · 20° 42.3′ E
A small ferry port and village at the northern tip of Zakynthos, guarded by its own islet, where yachts go stern-to the high quay. It is the Kefalonia ferry port and the base for trips to the Blue Caves.
Practical
SailingIssues: the bay is open to NE–ENE; in the prevailing NW expect strong gusts down the valleys in the late afternoon and evening; SE winds make it untenable. The seabed rises quickly: dig the anchor in well and lay as much chain as possible. The high quay and triangular mole give excellent berths, but the mole is used by ferries and Blue Cave tripper boats, so most yachts go stern-to the quayside. The Greek Waters Pilot chartlet is outdated and shows the port shallower than it is. A partly artificial reef north of the islet is marked by a red buoy. Guest moorings: Kostas of the family-run La Storia taverna runs a growing number of buoys (+30 69 79 94 32 54); showers and laundry (no dryer) are free if you take one, and you are invited to eat at the taverna. Showers next to the Mooring cafe. The supermarket is well stocked. Fuel: ELINOIL road station in the village, 37.9059, 20.7059 (OpenStreetMap); no fuel berth. Ferries cross to Pessada on Kefalonia in about an hour (zanteisland.com). The islet's light is Fl 2s, 7 nm (OpenStreetMap).
Best for
Last stop before crossing to Kefalonia, and the Blue Caves by dinghy
Season
May–Oct; untenable in SE, gusty late afternoon in NW
Nearby
- Agios Nikolaos Coastguard Station (Skinari)Right here
- Agios Nikolaos Islet Anchorages0.2 NM away
- Agios Nikolaos Tavernas & Provisions0.2 NM away
- Blue Caves (Zakynthos)1.5 NM away
- Cape Skinari Lighthouse1.5 NM away
- Makris Gialos & Mikro Nisi1.5 NM away
- Makris Gialos Anchorage2 NM away
- Xigia Anchorage & Pelagaki Bay2.7 NM away