Port Atheni

Port Atheni is a sheltered bay on the northeastern coast of Meganisi, a small island in the Ionian Sea just east of Lefkada. Reached as the third inlet along the coast from Port Vathi, the bay is ringed by olive groves and hills that keep it calm even when the open sea turns choppy. A quay at its southern end holds around 10 to 12 yachts, with additional mooring available from a taverna pontoon further into the inlet.

Despite its popularity with cruising sailors, Port Atheni rarely feels crowded. The water on the western side of the cove is especially clear, with summer temperatures averaging about 77°F (25°C), making it a favourite for swimming and snorkelling, though the absence of a real beach means young children should be watched closely. From the anchorage, a thirty-minute walk inland leads to Katomeri, a traditional Ionian village that offers a glimpse of everyday island life away from the water.

For yacht crews cruising the inner Ionian, this quiet corner of Meganisi is best reached during a gulet cruise along the Greece coast, combining a secure overnight anchorage with easy access to hiking trails through the island's pine-covered hills.