Sazlıköy Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Calm bay south of Foça. Clean sand throughout. Anchor in 5–8m well clear of the fishing boat moorings. Protected from the north by the peninsula. Exposed to the W and SW — check forecast for any westerly swell before overnighting.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Sazlıköy 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 4–10m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m 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 Sazlıköy are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to W and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below for the night.60m in the main village anchorage. The bay is well-protected from the dominant NW meltemi by the Foça headland to the north. W/SW exposure is the risk — check wind forecast before settling for the night. In typical meltemi conditions the bay stays quite calm.

May–October. Best in May, June, and September when winds are settled and crowds are low. July is warm and calm in the bay but can be uncomfortable if westerlies develop. A quiet, off-the-beaten-track stop.

Navigation Hazards

• W/SW exposure — westerly swell can make the anchorage uncomfortable; not ideal in SW weather
• Shallow water near the reed beds on the S side of the bay — stay in the N/centre portion
• Fishing boat moorings near the quay — anchor clear to avoid fouling their gear

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Keep clear of working fishing boat moorings near the village quay. Respect the reed wetland — no dinghy landing in the marsh 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: Foça town (4nm)
• Restaurant: Simple village restaurant/tea house — basic Turkish food and fresh fish when available
• Provisions: None on site — Foça town (4nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. A peaceful alternative to busy Foça town harbour — often you will have the anchorage to yourself
2. The wetland behind the beach has good birdwatching in spring and autumn
3. Foça town is a short dinghy ride north — combine both anchorages in a day
4. Avoid if westerly or SW weather is expected overnight