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Turkey lies at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and has a fascinating history stretching from ancient civilisations to the modern republic of today.
Historical background
Prehistory and ancient times: Turkey has been home to some of the world’s oldest civilisations, including the Hittites, the Phrygians and the Lydians. Ancient Greece had a number of colonies along the Turkish coast and cities such as Ephesus and Pergamon are evidence of a rich, classical history. The Roman and Byzantine empires: Parts of Turkey were very important territories within the Roman empire. These later became the centre of the Byzantine empire, with Constantinople (modern Istanbul) as its capital, a city which was of vital importance to trade, commerce, Christianity and much more. The Ottoman empire: From the 14th century until the beginning of the 20th century Turkey was at the core of the powerful Ottoman empire, which spanned three continents. Ottoman culture influenced architecture, art, music and food in the region. The modern era: After the first world war and the fall of the Ottoman empire the Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who modernised the country and created a secular and Western-oriented nation state.
Culture and traditions
Turkish culture is an exciting mix of East and West, where ancient traditions come face to face with modernity.
Important cultural highlights
Traditions and festivals
Summary
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.
Sailing regions in Turkey
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.
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.
Popular stops: Göcek, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kabak Bay.
7-day sailing itinerary in Marmaris and South West Turkey
| 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.
1. Bodrum and the Aegean coast
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.
2. The Datça peninsula
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.
3. Kaş and the Antalya coast
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.
4. Çeşme and the Izmir coast
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.
1. Bodrum and the Aegean coast – 7 days
| 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
2. The Datça peninsula – 7 days
| 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
3. Kaş and the Antalya coast – 7 days
| 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
4. Çeşme and the Izmir coast – 7 days
| 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. |
Total distance: ca 78 nm
