Sifne Koyu Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Quiet, calm cove just south of Çeşme town. Sand and weed bottom gives good holding when anchor is set firmly. Anchor in 6–10m. The surrounding land provides solid protection from N and W winds. Check for Posidonia seagrass — seek out clear sand patches.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Sifne Koyu is primarily sand and weed with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–12m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (84m chain at 12m 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, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Sifne Koyu are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m covers normal overnight swing. This is the quieter alternative to Çeşme town harbour for those who want to stay close to Çeşme without marina fees or the ferry-traffic noise. S/SE exposure is the key limitation — if southerlies are forecast, move into Çeşme Marina.

May–October. Low crowds throughout the season. A quieter, more relaxed alternative to the main Çeşme anchorage — particularly good in May–June and September–October.

Navigation Hazards

• Posidonia seagrass patches — anchor only in clear sand to avoid damaging the protected seagrass
• S/SE exposure — if southerlies develop, the cove becomes uncomfortable; move to Çeşme Marina
• Local fishing boat moorings near the shoreline — keep clear

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Keep clear of any local fishing boat moorings near the shore. Posidonia seagrass areas — anchor only in clear sand patches.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Çeşme town (2nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Çeşme town (2nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Çeşme town (2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Good alternative to the busy Çeşme town anchorage if you want peace and quiet with the town nearby
2. Çeşme Marina fuel dock is 2nm north — easy motor in light conditions
3. Take the dinghy or call a taxi to Çeşme town for restaurants and provisions
4. Good snorkelling around the rocky edges of the cove
5. Check the Posidonia seagrass from the dinghy before dropping anchor — seek clear sand patches