Alaçatı

About This Spot

Alaçatı's Çark Koyu (Surf Bay) on Turkey's Çeşme peninsula is the Aegean's flagship flat-water spot. The bay is a roughly 500m x 400m shallow lagoon (depth typically ~1–1.5m, knee-to-waist deep up to ~500m offshore) protected by a headland, giving glassy butter-flat water — ideal for beginners, freestyle/freeride progression, and waterstart-free learning. It opens to deeper open sea to the south for stronger riders. Wind: powered by the summer Meltemi thermals. Season runs roughly mid-May to October; July–August are the most reliable with ~215 days/yr over 12kt and the bay's funneling/Venturi effect adding up to ~5kt over forecast. Typical days build through the afternoon (light 12–15kt mornings rising to 18–25kt+, gusting 30). Prevailing direction is N/NNW, which is cross-/cross-onshore in the main bay (safe — blows you back to shore). Spring (Apr–May) and Oct give cleaner 18–24kt thermals but cooler water. NE 'Gerence' wind is gusty and poor here. Water is warm: boardshorts/spring suit Jun–Sep, 3mm shoulder season. Layout: the dedicated kite zone is separate from the very crowded windsurf/school bay — the official kite beach is ~1km away but a ~20min drive around. North flat zone for freestyle; Pırlanta beach (south side) gets wave/chop in strong wind for wave riders. Hazards: shoreline is rocky in places — use the sandy launch inlet and wear booties (sea urchins in shallows). Summer crowds are intense with kite schools; get local help launching/landing in the busy, rocky entry. Independent kiting is permitted in Alaçatı Bay but stay in designated kite areas, separate from dense windsurf traffic. Watch afternoon overpowering and weekend congestion.