On our first visit to Greece, last autumn, we took very seriously the importance of calling first at a port of entry to deal with the Port Police and other authorities. We accordingly made a landfall at Paxos, and went into the harbour to check in (and that story has already been told). We were sent away until the next day, and on the following day were told that the person we needed to see was not available. We should go away, and call somewhere else! We made our way to Levkas, and went once again to see the Port Police. After waiting for some time without receiving any attention, we were eventually taken notice of, and then told after a further wait that the person was not available! We could report somewhere else, in view of our urgent need to leave for Nidri. We left Greece a week later without completing any formalities.
This time we found our way to the Port Police at Prevezas. A very pleasant young lady with gold stripes on her arm came and enquired whether it really was our first visit, and seemed reluctant to perform the tasks as we were anchored just outside the port. I had to sign a form asserting that I was competent to sail a sailing yacht, citing my father's and my mother's full names. It seems they are still responsible for my lack of formal education! Having duly paid the fee (just under 30) to a second official, a third completed the details on the enormous multi-page transit log. The young lady explained that having formally entered Prevezas, we must equally formally depart, and that on calling at another port with Port Police, we must register our presence with them, and do this in any case at least once a month. She also warned us to take care of the shallow water. We have since learnt that boats less than 10m in length are issued with a simpler paper, rather than the multi-page transit log, and do not have to pay a fee.
We came to Prevezas from Malta, because we had heard that the Port Police and authorities there were reasonably approachable, and it was very little further than Nidri, our originally planned destination. Had we not done so, we might have missed out on enjoying the Gulf of Amvrakia, and that would have been a great pity. The gulf is an inland sea, 20 nm long by 10 nm wide at its widest points. There is no tide, and therefore no swell, although the fetch across can be quite long. The water is salty and warm, and mostly deep. We have sailed from one end to the other, encountering few other yachts on our way, and enjoyed some fabulous sailing. To the north, there are shallows, salterns, and the entrances of three rivers, the principal one being the River Arta. This is no longer navigable because of a hydroelectric dam. To the south, the shore is clean and steep to. However, you need to be aware of the few hazards and shallows, and keep an eye out for the fish farm pens. The backdrop to the unspoiled rural scenery is extensive bare-topped mountains.
Prevezas is on the north bank, at the entrance to the Gulf, and is approached by a dredged channel. The channel is used by some moderately large ships that can dock not only at Prevezas, but can continue up to the oil distribution depots and to Amfilokhia, about 20nm at the south eastern extremity of the Gulf.
Opposite Prevezas, on the south bank opposite the entrance, there are three extensive boat yards offering lift out, storage and services to yachts, as well as one to the north of Prevezas. The 'marina' appears to have been stunted in its development: there are no facilities as such, and it seems to have attracted some static liveaboards. Also, to the south of Prevezas it the summer airport of Aktion through which the Ionian charter companies bring most of their customers.
Prevezas itself is a pleasant town. The harbour front is lined with a number of bars, behind which there are narrow streets leading back with many eating places. You have to penetrate beyond these before coming across two shopping streets, the first of which is 'touristy', but the second is the main business centre of the town.
Around the gulf are a number of settlements, of which Vonitsa is perhaps the most attractive. The small town is well provided with bars and eating places, and is dominated by the ruins of a Venetian castle. On the west, just north of Prevezas, lies the ruined town of Nikopolis, built by Octavian when his fleet had seen off that of Anthony and Cleopatra.
Heikel's pilot guide (2004) refers to works in progress, regarding the development of marina facilities including toilets, electricity and water points, at Prevezas marina. There is an active Scandinavian club operating there: with predominantly Swedish boats tied up 3 abreast alongside. No electricity. Water by courtesy of a Swedish guy in a caravan parked beside the marina. No facilities and no charges. Yachts mooring off the main town quay opposite, and alongside. Two commercial quays in use for offloading moderate sized coasting vessels.
The following contacts may be useful if you find yourselves in the Nidri area:
| Breakdown cover, Rigging, maintenance, engineering, brokerage | Kelvin | Ionian Boat Assistance |
| Inflatables, outboards | Nidri Marine | |
| Stainless steel work | Stainless steel Phil | Steel Marine |
| Boat covers | Orkide Todd | Gheco Boat Covers, 105 Vliho (next to YC), 26450 95184 |
| Yacht management, surveys | Horatio C Todd | 105, Vliho as above |