Değirmen Bükü Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 6–8m in the bay and dinghy to the wooden jetty. Clean sand bottom with good holding. Well-sheltered from meltemi on all sides except S/SW. The 'English Harbour' epithet dates from WWII when Royal Navy vessels concealed themselves here from German aircraft — the inlet was invisible from the air.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Değirmen Bükü is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 6–8m, 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, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 50m radius before going below for the night.50m in the main bay. Excellent meltemi shelter on all sides except the S/SW. The inlet's excellent concealment quality that protected Royal Navy vessels in WWII also makes it very calm — a genuinely secluded overnight in settled weather.

May–October. Restaurants are seasonal (June–September). Best in May–June and September–October when day boats are fewer and the anchorage is genuinely quiet.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SW exposure — leave immediately if southerly weather develops; conditions deteriorate quickly
• Completely remote — no shore assistance; carry full safety kit
• Day boats from Knidos and Datça occasionally call — rarely crowded

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: S/SW exposure — must depart if southerly weather develops. Remote location — no shore rescue. SEPA area.

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: Datça town (12nm)
• Restaurant: 2–3 rustic restaurants under olive and pine trees — fresh local fish; seasonal (June–September)
• Provisions: None on site — Datça town (12nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. The 'English Harbour' WWII story makes this one of the most historically atmospheric anchorages on the coast — ask the restaurant owner about it
2. Perfect intermediate stop between Knidos (6nm west) and Palamut Bükü (6nm east) on the south-coast passage
3. The strong prevailing winds that power up the valley inspired the mill (değirmen) that gave the bay its Turkish name
4. Dinner at one of the rustic waterfront restaurants is the highlight — simple, fresh, and unhurried
5. Arrive from the SE for the clearest approach line into the bay