Çeşme Harbour Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Çeşme Harbour has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics. Choose the zone that matches your boat size and the expected overnight conditions.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Çeşme Harbour is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on the anchor.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator to confirm you have adequate chain for the depth.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Delta, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Çeşme Harbour are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m in the town anchorage NE of the ferry terminal. Reduce to 30m if secured in Çeşme Marina. The town anchorage is exposed to SW/W — if meltemi swings westerly, the marina is the safer overnight option. Keep the ferry channel completely clear at all times.

May–October. July–August sees very strong meltemi and packed marina. May–June and September–October are significantly more pleasant with lighter winds and fewer crowds.

Navigation Hazards

• Çeşme–Chios ferry: large ro-ro ferry operates daily; keep 200m clear of approach channel and manoeuvring area
• Meltemi NW/W blows hard Jul–Aug; town anchorage becomes exposed — use the marina instead
• Strong SW exposure in the town anchorage — avoid anchoring here when westerlies are forecast
• Very busy marina in July–August; reserve well in advance or arrive before 14:00

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free in town anchorage. Marina berth fees apply in Çeşme Marina.
• Maximum stay: 14 days
• Restrictions: Keep 200m clear of Chios ferry approach channel. No anchoring in the designated ferry manoeuvring area. Marina reservations recommended July–August.

For a full overview of Turkish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Full range of restaurants, cafes, and bars in Çeşme town; Alaçatı is 8km by road
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. The marina has full fuel dock — top up here before heading south; this is the last reliable fuel on the Karaburun Peninsula
2. Çeşme–Chios ferry booking is recommended in summer; great day trip to a Greek island if properly cleared out
3. İlica thermal baths are 5km east by road — famous for the natural warm springs
4. Alaçatı food and bar scene is accessible by taxi; one of Turkey's most vibrant dining destinations
5. Strong meltemi is the norm here in July–August — plan passages for early morning before 09:00