Destination

Turkey

The Turquoise Coast — Sailing's Best-Kept Secret

Why Turkey?

Pine-forested mountains plunge into impossibly blue water. Ancient Lycian ruins sit above empty bays. A gulet captain grills fresh-caught sea bass on the stern while you float in water that earned this coast its name. Turkey's Turquoise Coast offers the best value in Mediterranean sailing — and arguably the most beautiful coastline.

Best Season

April through November. Summer (June–September) brings reliable 10–20 knot northwesterlies and zero rain. Water temps peak at 82°F. Shoulder seasons are warm, calm, and uncrowded.

Perfect For

History buffs, anyone who wants a high-end feel without the high-end price tag, and travelers after Mediterranean beauty without Mediterranean prices. Turkey offers crewed gulet charters that include a private chef — often for less than a bareboat in Greece. Perfect for groups of 6-12.

Must-Visit Spots

Where to Drop Anchor

Göcek & the 12 Islands

The premier charter base on the Turquoise Coast. Twelve islands and countless bays, all within a day's sailing of Göcek marina. Tersane Island has a Byzantine-era boatyard ruin in a perfectly sheltered bay.

Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi)

A steep canyon opens to a hidden beach accessible only by sea. Hundreds of Jersey tiger butterflies inhabit the valley. Anchor in the bay, swim ashore, and hike into the canyon.

Ölüdeniz — Blue Lagoon

The most photographed bay in Turkey. Turquoise water trapped behind a sand spit with forested mountains above. The anchorage outside the lagoon is stunning — paragliders launch from the 6,500-foot Babadağ mountain above.

Kekova — Sunken City

Sail over the partially submerged ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Simena. The stone staircases and walls are visible beneath crystal water. Anchor at Kaleköy village, climb to the Byzantine castle for sunset.

Kaputaş Beach

A tiny turquoise cove at the base of a dramatic gorge between Kaş and Kalkan. Anchor offshore and dinghy in — it's one of the most photogenic spots in the entire Mediterranean.

Sample Itinerary

7 days in Turkey

Day 1: Göcek → Tersane Island

Depart Göcek marina. Short sail to Tersane Island — anchor in the ruined Byzantine boatyard bay. Swim, snorkel the clear water, and enjoy the pine-scented silence.

Day 2: Tersane → Tomb Bay (Cleopatra's Bath)

Sail to Tomb Bay, named for Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs above. Swim in the warm, mineral-rich waters once attributed to Cleopatra.

Day 3: Tomb Bay → Gemiler Island → Ölüdeniz

Visit Gemiler Island's Byzantine church ruins and mosaic floors. Continue to Ölüdeniz's Blue Lagoon — anchor and watch paragliders spiral down from Babadağ.

Day 4: Ölüdeniz → Butterfly Valley → Faralya

Morning at Butterfly Valley — swim into the beach, hike the canyon. Afternoon sail to the tiny clifftop village of Faralya for dinner at a terrace restaurant.

Day 5: Faralya → Kaş

Sail east to Kaş, a charming coastal town with bougainvillea-draped streets, rooftop bars, and excellent diving. Visit the ancient Lycian sarcophagus right in the town center.

Day 6: Kaş → Kekova (Sunken City)

Sail to Kekova Roads. Glide over the sunken city ruins in the dinghy. Climb to Kaleköy castle for the best sunset on the coast. Fresh fish dinner in the village.

Day 7: Kekova → Göcek

Final sail back to Göcek. Stop at Wall Bay (Duvar Koyu) for a last swim in pristine turquoise water. Return to marina for checkout.

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