Logistics of sailing to Izmir Airport, Turkey?

[LifePart2]

We have to meet several flights at Izmir, including one early morning departure.

What is the best way to achieve this? We are allergic to going into marinas, so is there somewhere nearby that we can anchor and go ashore? eg can we actually anchor off Izmir town itself? Or do we have to go farther afield? If so, is there a good spot that has good transport to the airport?

Would welcome any suggestions!

Thanks,
Noel

[MarkJ]

Hi Noel,

This is a really interesting question because Izmir can be a LONG way from anywhere if you are on a one week charter. From Kusadasi its 126nms but by bus only 33nms! It may be best to shove your friends on a Dolmus.

But if you are cruising the area and are north of Izmi you might look at Foca [called Eskifoca (Old town)] 38 40.0560 N 026 44.8343 E what a pretty town! 30nms by bus from Izmir. Foca is also a bus ride from Ephuses.

We didnt sail into Izmir and I dont remember if there was a good anchorage there, I believe its industrial. But its a full day sail to the entrance of the bay so its a long way to anywhere.


I hope this helps

[LifePart2]

Thanks, it does indeed help.

As you say, Izmir is a long way down that inlet, so if it isn't a nice place to be, maybe it is best to avoid it.

A couple of other people have recommended Foca (and also Sigacik) as a place to go that has easy links to Izmir. Didn't realise it was that easy to get to the big town from there.

Noel

[jckb]

Probably Sigacik. It's the same side as the airport.

The easterly corner of the Gulf of Izmir is not very pleasant - very dirty and smelly water. And getting out of the gulf is a beat to windward against the regular northerlies - hard work!