As a result of overall strategy of Turkish tourism development, another exciting nautical destination appeared on the map of must-visit destinations. Port Alaçati refers to a luxury marina in the town with the same name. It is located on westernmost Izmir peninsula on the Aegean Sea, just few miles away from Greek island Khíos which is a natural wave breaker to Alaçati.
The marina was built as a part of broad tourist facilities project which includes, besides the marina, a tourist resort equipped with lounges, bungalows along with restaurants, bars, watersports, shopping and wellness centers. The idea for such a project came from French architect François Spoerry which created similar tourist resort Port Grimaoud near Saint Tropez back in 60’s and 70’s.
Let’s get back to Alaçati… The town was founded by Greeks from Khíos some 200 years ago who settled here in order to grow grapes and produce wine. At the same time numerous windmills were built. Nowadays they are a recognizable landmark of Alaçati. Logically, if there are windmills – there should be some wind as well.
Therefore, this spot was recognized by windsurfers who, in fact, made the first promotion of Alaçati as a sailing destination. Quite shallow and sandy Alaçati bay constantly refreshed by 20 – 25 knots northerly winds is almost all a decent windsurfer or kite-surfer needs. Picturesque landscape, authentic architecture, great offer of traditional food and the vicinity of Çeşme, administrative, traffic and economic center of the region; made Alaçati extremely attractive to both domestic and foreign leisure lovers.
The management of marina business in Port Alaçati was taken over by Camper & Nicholsons Company. They have a reputation of a worldwide expert in marine business so the marina is being managed in line with international standards. There are some 260 berths in the sea along with 100 dry berths appropriate to accommodate vessels up to 35 m of LOA.
Besides private vessels, Port Alaçati is a home to a charter base, while visitors can count on the gas station within the marina, yacht service and refit workshops, a yacht wash up, waste water treatment plant, 100 t travel lift, laundry, ambulance and a beach club. The charter company that operates from Port Alaçati as the home base has its branch offices in Bodrum and Marmaris, also top destinations of nautical tourism in Turkey. Once you charter a yacht here, you may book the other two attractive locations at once…
Despite of allegedly disputable relations between Turkey and Greece, these two countries has an agreement on nautical border crossing. Once you declare exit form Turkey and entrance to Greece (on one of Greek islands in the vicinity) you are allowed to do it repeatedly. You just have to repeat the vice-versa process when you go back to Turkey (or Greece) the last time – on your return to the base.
There is much more to tell about Port Alaçati and its surroundings but I think this is quite enough to make you think about visiting this pearl of the Aegean Sea when planning your next holiday. Explore this spot and share with us what you have seen and experienced.
For more information on sailing in Turkey visit A Yacht Charter Turkey and find out what places to visit, what are the featured charter yachts and our special offers for your sailing holiday.
I wish you a calm sea, a fine wind and a strong mast!