Akyarlar Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Sandy shelf extending from beach. Patchy posidonia on eastern edges — anchor in sandy centre lane. Keep clear of fishing harbour approach on NW side. Depths shallow rapidly near beach head.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Akyarlar 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, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below for the night.80m radius in the open bay. Swing can be unpredictable near the fishing harbour entrance on the NW side — keep 80m clear. In morning Meltemi gusts that curl around Hüseyin Burnu, boats may swing unexpectedly.

Viable April–October. July–August viable but crowded and can get afternoon Meltemi gusts around the cape. May–June and September–October are the best balance of weather and crowds.

Navigation Hazards

• Rocks awash on the eastern headland — give 50m clearance on approach
• Do not obstruct fishing harbour entrance on NW side
• Depths shallow rapidly toward beach head — ease chain carefully
• Morning Meltemi gusts can curl around Hüseyin Burnu cape — check wind direction before settling
• Patchy posidonia on eastern edges of bay — drop anchor in sandy centre lane only

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Fishing harbour on NW side charges berth fees alongside mole; anchoring in bay is free. Do not obstruct harbour entrance.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Turgutreis (3nm)
• Restaurant: Several restaurants along shore; fish and Turkish meze
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive from the east along the south coast — the approach from the west around Hüseyin Burnu can have acceleration gusts in afternoon Meltemi
2. The windsurf beach is on the western side; anchor to the east for a quieter berth
3. Turgutreis (3nm) is the nearest fuel and full provisioning; use Akyarlar for overnight then provision in Turgutreis
4. Best overnight May–June and September — peak season is busy with gulets and local charter boats from Turgutreis