Turkey

Turkish culture is an exciting mix of East and West, where ancient traditions come face to face with modernity.

Language: The official language is Turkish, this is spoken throughout the country. English and other languages are spoken in tourist areas.
Food and drink: Turkish food is very varied and has rich flavours, with influences from the Middle East, the Mediterranean and the Balkans. Classic dishes include kebabs, meze (small dishes), börek and sweet dishes such as baklava and lokum. Both tea and Turkish coffee are important, everyday drinks.
Music and dancing: Turkish music comes in many diverse styles, from traditional folk music to modern pop. Sufi dancing and drumming are important components of cultural and religious expression.
Architecture: Turkey has impressive architecture from many different epochs and eras, such as the Hagia Sofia and the blue mosque in Istanbul, the Roman ruins at Aspendos and typical Ottoman palaces and hamams (bath houses).
Religion: The majority religion is Islam but Turkey is officially secular and practices religious tolerance. Important religious events such as Ramadan are celebrated throughout the country.
Social life and hospitality: Turkish culture is known for its hospitality and warmth and family and togetherness are important values.

Istanbul: Turkey’s largest city and historical centre, where Europe meets Asia. A unique combination of old and new, with impressive monuments and vibrant city life.
The Aegean coast: The region around Izmir, Kusadasi and Bodrum is known for its ancient ruins, beautiful beaches and charming coastal cities.
Cappadocia: Another world famous region, with unique caves, rock formations and history. This lies a little way inland from the coast and the sailing regions.
Pamukkale: The chalk terraces and ancient city of Hierapolis are a fascinating nature and cultural attraction near the coast.
Antalya and the Mediterranean coast: A popular region for beach life, swimming and culture, with Roman ruins, castles and modern resorts.

Ramadan and Eid: Important Islamic religious festivals, with specific traditions and festivities.
Nevruz: A festival for the spring equinox, celebrated in parts of Turkey with music, dancing and family gatherings.
Istanbul Filmfestival: An international cultural highlight for fans of films and art.
Kurban Bayram: A religious festival celebrated with family gatherings and charitable giving.
Local folklore festivals: Traditional dancing accompanied by music takes place in different areas throughout the year.

Turkey acts as a bridge between continents and cultures, where history and modernity meet in a fascinating way. Turkish culture is rich in tradition, art and gastronomy as well as with elements of ancient history and the best of modern hospitality. Sailing the Turkish coast and islands means experiencing the beauty of nature alongside a culture with deep roots and a very warm welcome.

1. Marmaris and the South West coast

Marmaris is one of the most popular sailing harbours in Turkey, offering easy access to the beautiful coast of the Aegean Sea. There are picturesque little villages, Turkish harbours, clear waters and historical ruins.

Wind and weather:

Season: April to October.
Wind: Meltemi winds from the North West in the summertime, 10–20 knots, creating ideal sailing conditions.
Temperature: 25–35°C, warm and sunny

Popular stops: Marmaris, Bozburun, the Datça peninsula, Knidos, Göcek.

2. Göcek and the Fethiye region

Known for its tranquil bays and many islands (the Göcek islands). This region is perfect for relaxed sailing and swimming in sheltered anchorages.

Wind and weather:

Season: May to October.
Wind: Resembles the Meltemi winds, often lighter in the bays and inlets.
Temperature: 25–33°C.

Popular stops: Göcek, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kabak Bay.

Sailing regions and suggested itineraries

Day	Route	Distance (nm)	Highlights
1	Marmaris → Bozburun	15 nm	A charming harbour, local bazaars and restaurants.
2	Bozburun → Datça	20 nm	Unspoilt beaches, historical ruins, a peaceful village.
3	Datça → Knidos	10 nm	Ancient city and archaeological excavations.
4	Knidos → Ekincik Bay	15 nm	Beautiful bay, opportunity to spot sea turtles.
5	Ekincik Bay → Dalyan	5 nm	River cruise, visit to ancient burial sites and thermal baths.
6	Dalyan → Göcek	25 nm	A marina with restaurants and shopping, beautiful islands.
7	Göcek → Marmaris	20 nm	Back to Marmaris, markets and nightlife.

Day to day description

Day 1: Marmaris → Bozburun (15 nm)
Sail from the lively city of Marmaris to the quiet and charming harbour at Bozburun, known for its relaxed atmosphere and boat building.
Activities: walks in the village, local food and handicrafts.

Day 2: Bozburun → Datça (20 nm)
Continue to the Datça peninsula, with untouched beaches and a genuine Turkish village atmosphere. Perfect for swimming and relaxation.
Activities: Swimming, visiting little villages and beach time.

Day 3: Datça → Knidos (10 nm)
Visit ancient Knidos, one of Turkey’s most interesting archaeological sites, with temple ruins and great views out over the sea.
Activities: Exploring ruins, photography.

Day 4: Knidos → Ekincik Bay (15 nm)
Sail to Ekincik Bay, a beautiful and sheltered bay where you can spot sea turtles in the clear water.
Activities: Snorkelling, swimming, nature experiences.

Day 5: Ekincik Bay → Dalyan (5 nm)
A short siling stage to Dalyan where you can take a river cruise to see an ancient burial site and have a thermal bath.
Activities: River cruise, historical sites, bathing.

Day 6: Dalyan → Göcek (25 nm)
Sail onwards for Göcek, known for its many islands and beautiful, natural harbours. Also exceptional for shopping and restaurant visits.
Activities: Explore the village, restaurant visits, snorkelling.

Day 7: Göcek → Marmaris (20 nm)
Back to Marmaris to end your cruise. There’s nightlife, markets and the opportunity to shop for local products.
Activities: Nightlife, shopping and sightseeing.

Total distance: ca 110 nautical miles.

Bodrum is a lively city with plenty of history and the surrounding region offers great opportunities to sail along the Aegean coast.

Highlights: Bodrum Castle, charming little islands such as Kara Ada, the opportunity to swim in beautiful bays and to experience restaurants and nightlife. Wind: Meltemi, North Westerly winds which are perfect for summer sailing.

Day	Route	Distance (nm)	Highlights
1	Bodrum → Kara Ada	8 nm	Beautiful beaches, snorkelling, a peaceful island.
2	Kara Ada → Orak Island	7 nm	Fantastic swimming and anchorages with privacy.
3	Orak Island → Turgutreis	10 nm	Harbour with restaurants and options for the evening.
4	Turgutreis → Ciftlik Bay	6 nm	A sheltered bay, swimming and kayaking.
5	Ciftlik Bay → Gümüşlük	8 nm	A charming fishing village, ancient ruins, good restaurants.
6	Gümüşlük → Yalikavak	10 nm	Trendy, with a marina and shopping.
7	Yalikavak → Bodrum	15 nm	Back to Bodrum, an evening walk and markets.

Total distance: ca 64 nm

Datça is a calmer region, with unspoilt beaches and genuine Turkish coastal life. There are also great bays and anchorages here.

Highlights: the ruins at Knidos, beautiful little beaches, small villages with local food and handicrafts.

Day	Route	Distance (nm)	Highlights
1	Datça → Knidos	10 nm	Ancient ruins with sea views.
2	Knidos → Palamutbükü	12 nm	Unspoilt beaches and small bays.
3	Palamutbükü → Mesudiye	8 nm	Calm, with great beaches for swimming.
4	Mesudiye → Bozburun	15 nm	Harbour and boat building.
5	Bozburun → Kargi Bay	8 nm	A private bay, snorkelling.
6	Kargi Bay → Datça	14 nm	Back to Datça, local markets.
7	Datça → Palamutbükü	10 nm	Relaxation and beach life.

Total distance: ca 77 nm

This section of the Turkish coast is less busy and lies further South, with clear waters and dramatic, mountain landscapes.

Highlights: Ancient cities such as Kaunos, great places for swimming and diving, good food in charming little harbours. Wind: Slightly more varied winds, often light winds during the summer.

Day	Route	Distance (nm)	Highlights
1	Kaş → Kekova	15 nm	The ancient city of Simena, snorkelling.
2	Kekova → Demre	10 nm	Lycian ruins and churches.
3	Demre → Finike	18 nm	A cosy harbour, small beaches.
4	Finike → Kemer	20 nm	Mountain landscapes, restaurants.
5	Kemer → Phaselis	7 nm	Ancient city and places for swimming.
6	Phaselis → Olympos	5 nm	Historical ruins and nature walks.
7	Olympos → Kaş	25 nm	Back to Kaş, local handicrafts and markets.

Total distance: ca 100 nm

A popular region near the Greek island of Chios. Good for a combination of sailing and cultural experiences in Izmir.

Highlights: Historical sites, thermal baths and a lively harbour in Çeşme. Wind: Meltemi winds during summer, often a little stronger.

Day	Route	Distance (nm)	Highlights
1	Çeşme → Alacati	6 nm	Known for windsurfing and kitesurfing, charming streets.
2	Alacati → Ildırı	8 nm	Ancient ruins and a peaceful village.
3	Ildırı → Urla	10 nm	Vineyards and good restaurants.
4	Urla → Mordoğan	7 nm	Fishing village, fresh fish and swimming.
5	Mordoğan → Karaburun	12 nm	Beautiful nature and a quiet harbour.
6	Karaburun → Dikili	15 nm	Thermal baths, ancient city of Pergamon close by.
7	Dikili → Çeşme	20 nm	Return to Çeşme, markets and nightlife.