The Best Anchorages in the Mediterranean: A Practical Guide for Sailors

The Mediterranean is one of the world’s most rewarding cruising grounds, offering thousands of bays, coves and natural harbours. But not every beautiful bay makes a good anchorage. A truly great anchorage combines scenic beauty with reliable holding, protection from prevailing winds and enough space to anchor safely overnight.

This guide focuses on the best anchorages in the Mediterranean for sailors looking for both inspiration and practical seamanship advice. From calm Ionian waters to the dramatic Adriatic, from the turquoise Balearics to the sheltered bays of Turkey, these anchorages are ideal for sailing holidays, charter itineraries and relaxed cruising.

1. Abelaki Bay - Greece

2. Cala Portals Vells - Mallorca 

3. Uvala Stiniva - Croatia 

4. Cala Coticcio - Italy 

5. Bedri Rahmi Bay - Turkey 

6. Cala Junco - Italy 

7. Plage Notre-Dame - France 

8. S’Amarador - Mallorca

1. Abelaki Bay – Meganisi, Ionian Sea (Greece)

Abelaki Bay is a textbook example of an Ionian anchorage: calm, green and deeply sheltered. Surrounded by olive groves and low hills, the bay feels almost landlocked, offering peaceful nights and mirror-flat mornings. It’s a favourite stop for sailors cruising Lefkada and the surrounding islands.

Technical notes:
The bay offers excellent protection from most wind directions, especially the typical summer north-westerlies. The seabed is mainly sand and mud, providing good holding once the anchor is properly set. Depths are generally comfortable for charter yachts, allowing anchoring at a safe distance from the shore. Occasional light katabatic winds can descend from the hills at night, so a correct scope (5:1 or more) is recommended.

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2. Cala Portals Vells – Mallorca (Balearic Islands)

Located on Mallorca’s south-west coast, Cala Portals Vells offers classic Balearic beauty: turquoise water, pine-covered cliffs and sandy shallows. Despite being close to Palma, it retains a relaxed atmosphere, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

Technical notes:
The anchorage features a mostly sandy bottom with patches of seaweed. Best holding is found on clear sand in depths of around 2–4 metres. The bay is generally well protected, though afternoon sea breezes can funnel in during summer. In high season, crowding requires careful positioning and attention to swing radius.

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3. Uvala Stiniva – Dalmatia (Croatia)

Uvala Stiniva is one of the most dramatic anchorages in Croatia, hidden behind towering limestone cliffs and accessible through a narrow entrance. The contrast between the white rock walls and deep blue Adriatic water makes this anchorage unforgettable.

Technical notes:
Depths increase quickly, and anchoring is usually done in 6–15 metres. The seabed offers good holding once the anchor is well set, but sufficient chain is essential. Due to limited swinging room and frequent traffic, stern-to anchoring or careful positioning is often used. Protection is good in settled conditions, but strong winds can reflect off the cliffs and create gusts.

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4. Cala Coticcio – Caprera, Sardinia

Often referred to as the “Tahiti of the Mediterranean”, Cala Coticcio is one of Sardinia’s most iconic anchorages. Granite rocks, crystal-clear water and unspoilt nature define this extraordinary bay within the La Maddalena archipelago.

Technical notes:
The seabed is primarily sand, offering good holding when anchoring on clear patches. Environmental protection is strict, and anchoring is regulated to protect Posidonia seagrass. Mooring buoys are often the safest and most responsible option. The bay is exposed to stronger northerly winds, so weather forecasts should be carefully monitored.

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5. Bedri Rahmi Bay – Göcek (Turkey)

Bedri Rahmi Bay is a classic stop along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, surrounded by pine forests and calm, sheltered waters. It perfectly represents the spirit of the Turkish “Blue Cruise”, combining nature, culture and excellent shelter.

Technical notes:
The anchorage is very well protected and suitable for overnight stays. The seabed is mainly mud, providing excellent holding in depths of around 5–8 metres. In peak season, boats often anchor relatively close to each other, making correct scope and alignment essential. Local regulations may apply, especially in protected areas.

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6. Cala Junco – Panarea (Aeolian Islands, Italy)

Cala Junco is a natural amphitheatre of volcanic rock, offering one of the most atmospheric anchorages in the Aeolian Islands. At sunset, the bay glows with warm colours, creating a unique Mediterranean atmosphere.

Technical notes:
Anchoring depths typically range between 5 and 15 metres, with mixed sand and rock on the bottom. Holding is generally good when the anchor is set on sand. The bay offers decent protection in calm conditions, but the Aeolian Islands are exposed to sudden weather changes. Strong northerly winds can make the anchorage uncomfortable, requiring an alternative plan.

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7. Plage Notre-Dame – Porquerolles (France)

Porquerolles offers a quieter, more natural side of the French Riviera. Plage Notre-Dame is surrounded by pine forests and clear water, creating a peaceful anchorage within a protected environment.

Technical notes:
The seabed is mostly sand with patches of seagrass, and anchoring should be done carefully to avoid protected areas. Holding is good on sand, in moderate depths suitable for cruising yachts. Regulations can change seasonally, and the use of designated anchoring zones or buoys is often recommended.

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8. S’Amarador – Mondragó Natural Park, Mallorca

Located inside a protected natural park, S’Amarador offers a more untouched anchoring experience in Mallorca. The beach, dunes and surrounding nature make it ideal for sailors seeking tranquillity and clear water.

Technical notes:
The seabed is predominantly sand, with anchoring depths up to around 6 metres. Holding is good in settled weather. The bay is exposed to easterly and south-easterly winds, so it is best used in stable summer conditions. As with all natural parks, anchoring responsibly is essential.

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The best anchorages in the Mediterranean are never just about beauty. They are about understanding wind, seabed, depth and local conditions. Always choose your anchorage based on the forecast, protection and holding — because the most memorable nights at anchor are the ones spent sleeping peacefully.