The Northern Aegean Coast

The Turkish Northern Aegean Coast stretches from the Dardanelles Strait in the north to the Mycale Strait, the narrow channel separating the Turkish mainland from the Greek island of Samos. The area is notable for the concentration of significant classical sites, with Ephesus, Troy, and Pergamon all reachable from anchorages along the coast.

Towards the northern end of this section of coast, the Museum of Troy sits close to the ancient city and holds artefacts from the archaeology site.

On the island of Bozcaada, Bozcaada Castle has passed through Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman hands across successive rebuildings, with small displays of amphora and tombstones inside the walls. The island also has a small wine-producing tradition, and sit-down tastings are available at the Amadeus Winery. The Historic Windmills on the island ridge make for a pleasant walk from town.

On the mainland, the Ruins of Pergamon rise above the town of Bergama and are reachable by bus, with a cable car serving the upper site. Candarli Castle is a Genoese-restored fort that served the Black Sea trade route.

The Eski Foça Değirmenleri are a group of old stone windmills above Foça, reached by a short walk through terrain notable for its interesting geology. At Teos, a walled village with cafes and small shops occupies the site of the ancient city.

Ephesus is the major inland draw from Kusadasi, one of the largest and best-preserved classical sites in the region. The remains there include a theatre, a library facade, terraced houses, and a road that once ran to the sea.

The Meltemi blows from the northwest from June to September, reaching full strength during July and August. Winds, currents, and commercial shipping traffic make navigation in the Dardanelles and Mycale Straits demanding. Allow extra margin for current set and wind shifts in both areas.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Sarpdere north ★ 4.8 The anchorage features clear water and a sandy bottom, with good shelter from northern winds. Depths around 6-7 meters are common, and holding conditions are generally reliable. Visitors may find annoying flies present, and access to the inland area is limited.
	Kalem/Garip sound ★ 4.8 Depths range from 3 to 5 meters with good holding on sand. The anchorage is susceptible to wind shifts, particularly from east to northeast in the evening. Clear waters facilitate good visibility for checking anchor placement.
	Çandarli ★ 4.4 Anchoring in Çandarli is generally reliable, with good holding in mud noted by multiple visitors. The town provides essential services including supermarkets and local produce markets. While appointments for provisioning are easy, finding a dinghy docking space can be challenging.
	Dalyan Koyo ★ 4.4 Anchorage conditions can be calm and well-protected, especially with good holding in sand. During busier periods, it may become overcrowded due to local power boats, particularly on weekends. Facilities for ashore access are available, enhancing overall experience.
	Ayvalik North ★ 4.3 A large shallow anchorage provides good holding in mud. Reviewers experienced calm conditions even with strong winds. The town of Ayvalik, with its cobbled streets and amenities, is a short distance away.
	Cunda Village Anchorage ★ 4.2 Anchoring conditions appear favorable, with good holding in mud noted by multiple visitors. The village atmosphere is charming with local dining options, although the water clarity is less appealing. Ferries do operate closely, but they cease at night.
	Paşa Koyu ★ 4.0 Anchoring in Paşa Koyu offers good holding in thick mud and shelter from waves with northerly winds. Visitors report variable gusty conditions at times, particularly in the NE corner, impacting boat stability. Access to public transport and amenities nearby is noted.
	Altınkum ★ 4.0 Clear waters and good holding in sand are noted by visitors, with depths around 4 to 5 meters. The area is generally quiet at night, though afternoons can attract power boats, increasing swell and noise from beach bars. Beach bars are present nearby, enhancing the experience.
	O. CENNET ★ 4.0 The anchorage provides good holding over mud, offering shelter from NE winds. Visibility may be limited, but the water is reported clean and suitable for swimming. Care should be exercised due to submerged wrecks in the vicinity.
	Karaada ★ 4.0 Anchoring is available in a peaceful bay with depths around 4 meters. The area features clear waters and interaction with local wildlife, such as goats. Recent damage to the jetty from storms is under repair but does not impact anchoring.

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Marinas

	Çeşme Marina ★ 4.7 Staff provided efficient support for Covid19 requirements, including filming arrivals for documentation. Many restaurants are available nearby, with local dining praised. Some users reported minor swell issues during certain wind conditions.
	Bozcaada Limani ★ 4.7 Power and water are available at the marina. Visitors mention friendly assistance for docking and the proximity to local attractions. Swimming is enjoyed adjacent to the docks, enhancing the experience.
	Kuşadası Setur Marina ★ 3.7 Staff assist with check-in procedures. Showers are large and clean, and the location allows for easy access to the town and nearby services. The berthing fee is charged separately for water and electricity.
	Ayvalık Setur Marina ★ 3.5 Service efficiency appears satisfactory, with friendly staff noted across multiple Reviews. Guests mention clean amenities, including bathrooms and showers. Access to nearby shopping is convenient, although the black water pump out may present challenges during operation.
	Sicacik Teos Marina ★ 3.5 Pricing for services varies, with discounts available for longer stays. Many visitors cite friendly staff and a nearby bazaar, while boat repair services are noted as unreliable. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.

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Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Chandlers

AGANTA Marine ★ 4.0 AGANTA Marine is a chandlery with a solid stock and reasonable prices. Visitors mention a friendly manager who speaks English. This combination makes for a positive shopping experience.

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Turkey: