Antalya Old Harbour Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Historically significant Roman harbour cut from natural rock. EXTREME DRAFT RESTRICTION: maximum 2m draft. Very limited swinging room — stern-to berthing against the ancient harbour walls is the only practical option. VHF contact required before entry (Ch 16). Historically and architecturally extraordinary.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Antalya Old 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 1–2m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (14m chain at 2m 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. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Antalya Old Harbour are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 25m radius before going below for the night.25m in the tiny inner basin — this is one of the smallest and most draft-restricted harbours on the Turkish coast. Contact harbour master on VHF Ch 16 before entry to confirm berth availability and approach guidance. MAXIMUM DRAFT 2m. The harbour provides all-weather protection once inside.

April–November. July–August is extremely busy — book ahead if possible. Spring and autumn are more pleasant and the old city is less crowded. An unmissable stop for any cruise of the Turkish coast.

Navigation Hazards

• DRAFT RESTRICTION: 2m maximum — non-negotiable; deeper keelboats cannot enter
• Very narrow entrance: approach dead slow, contact harbour master first on VHF 16
• Limited berths — call ahead as the tiny harbour fills quickly in season
• Antalya is a major city — significant water and air traffic, noise, and urban environment
• Strong Poyraz (NE) in autumn can affect the outer approach — approach in settled conditions

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: No anchoring — stern-to berths only. Harbour dues apply.
• Maximum stay: 7 days
• Restrictions: CRITICAL DRAFT RESTRICTION: Maximum 2m draft. Deeper vessels cannot enter. VHF Ch 16 contact required before approach. No anchoring in the harbour basin — stern-to berths only. Speed limit: dead slow (1 knot) in the harbour entry. Heritage site — no modification to or damage of harbour walls.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Kaleiçi old city market (0.2nm)
• Restaurant: Extraordinary concentration of restaurants, cafes, and bars in the Kaleiçi old city — some of the finest dining on the Turkish coast
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Call on VHF 16 before entering — the harbour master will confirm berth availability and guide you in
2. If draft exceeds 2m, use Antalya's larger commercial marina (Setur Antalya) instead, and visit Kaleiçi by taxi
3. The Kaleiçi old city is exceptional — Roman towers, Ottoman mansions, Hadrian's Gate, and Yivli Minaret all within walking distance of the harbour
4. Antalya Museum (1km from the harbour) has one of the finest collections of Greco-Roman sculpture in the world
5. Provisioning: Antalya is the largest city on this coast — everything is available but allow time for the city