Full Description & Details
Maden is a small cove on the southeastern side of Maden Island, an uninhabited island in the Ayvalik archipelago off the northwestern Aegean coast of Turkey. The island takes its name from past iron ore extraction. The cove is calm and affords adequate shelter from northerly and westerly winds, with good protection from the meltemi. A prehistoric stone watchtower, renovated from an older ruin, stands on the hill above the island and is a notable landmark for those ashore.
Anchoring is typically done in 3 to 4 meters of water, though depths range from 2 to 5 meters. The seabed is vermicelli with very little sand, and the anchor holds poorly in this bottom. In some parts the bottom is weed and sand. The beach area on the north side of the cove shoals to 2 meters, where the bottom is sand. There is limited space for maneuvering, so care is required when the prevailing wind blows stronger.
There are no marina facilities, fuel docks, or shore services at Maden. The cove is a pure anchorage. A beach on the north side of the cove offers a landing spot for a tender. The nearest town with full services, including markets, restaurants, and transport links, is Ayvalik on the mainland, roughly 40 km from Edremit Airport.
In north and west winds, the cove becomes sheltered, but in harsh weather, squalls can descend and create danger given the limited maneuvering area. The best conditions are during the summer meltemi season, when protection is good. There are no reported restrictions on overnight anchoring, though the poor holding and limited space make it a stopover for settled weather rather than a storm refuge.
How to get there
Approach Maden Cove from the sea, entering the southeastern side of Maden Island. The cove offers limited space for maneuvering, so approach slowly and be ready to anchor quickly. Depths range from 2 to 5 meters, with anchoring typically in 3 to 4 meters. There is no VHF channel reported for the anchorage; the nearest harbor services are in Ayvalik.
Land access is by tender to the beach on the north side of the cove. The nearest town is Ayvalik, about 40 km from Edremit Airport. Ayvalik offers ferry connections to Lesvos and Alibey (Cunda) Island, and bus service to Balikesir and Izmir. No formalities are reported for the anchorage itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the holding like at Maden anchorage?
The bottom at Maden is vermicelli with very little sand, and the anchor holds poorly. In some parts the bottom is weed and sand.
What depths can I expect at Maden anchorage?
Anchoring is typically done in 3 to 4 meters of water, with depths ranging from 2 to 5 meters. The beach side on the north shoals to 2 meters.
Is Maden anchorage protected from the wind?
Maden affords adequate shelter from northerly and westerly winds, with good protection from the meltemi. In harsh weather, squalls can descend and create danger due to limited maneuvering space.
Are there any facilities at Maden anchorage?
No, Maden is a pure anchorage with no facilities, fuel, or shore services. The nearest services are in Ayvalik on the mainland.
What is the holding ground at Maden anchorage?
The holding is poor, as the bottom is vermicelli and very little sand. In the beach area on the north side, the bottom is sand, but depths decrease to 2 meters.
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