Sailing in Turkey: a 6-day itinerary from Göcek
From delectable cuisine to Cleopatra's legendary bath, Turkey presents a rich tapestry of experiences for those who explore its charms. Turquoise waters, picturesque bays, and untouched landscapes blend seamlessly, culminating in a mosaic of natural beauty that shines as a sublime sailing destination.
Sailing in Turkey: what’s the weather like?
Turkey's diverse climate varies across regions, with the Mediterranean coast enjoying gentle and favorable weather. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures typically ranging from 25°C to 35°C, while winters are generally mild, rarely seeing temperatures drop below 10°C. Sailing conditions in this area are particularly inviting; Spring and autumn present the most pleasant conditions - the sea is calm, temperatures are moderate, and crowds are fewer. Plus, the 'Meltemi' winds provide advantageous breezes, perfect for exploring Turkey's stunning coastline and rich cultural heritage.
Choosing the best yacht model
For a sailing adventure along Turkey's picturesque coastline, look for yachts that provide a combination of luxury, speed, and ease of sailing. Models like the compact Hanse 315, sporty Hanse 348, and versatile Hanse 388 are excellent choices for smaller groups due to their streamlined design and efficient handling. Larger families may prefer options like the Hanse 548 and Hanse 588, both known for their ample space and lavish amenities.
Can I charter a yacht in Turkey?
Yes! Göcek is the base for a young charter company - Saysail, established by the seasoned sailing yacht dealers Trio Deniz and Croatia Yachting. Embracing the motto "That's all you need" the company combines Trio Deniz's local expertise with Croatia Yachting's extensive experience in sailboat chartering.
The fleet features nine pristine Hanse yachts, ranging from the 3-cabin Hanse 418 to the luxurious Hanse 675 - all docked at the upscale Village Port Marina - which can be booked as a bareboat charter (without a crew) or as a fully crewed experience.
Best sailing trip in Turkey: a 6-day itinerary from Göcek
Göcek is a quaint marina town in the Fethiye district of Turkey - only a mere 25-minute ride by car from Dalaman Airport. Sailing enthusiasts are drawn to its tranquil ambience, away from mass tourism's crowds, and find its sheltered harbor a peaceful haven. Its serene coves, crystal-clear waters, and gentle breezes heighten its appeal, making it an ideal starting point for both brief excursions and extensive voyages.
Things to do in Göcek
Inland, make sure to:
Stroll through the bustling local market for fresh produce and crafts.
Visit the Maritime Museum.
Sample traditional Turkish delights and baklava at local bakeries.
Once you're out at sea:
Sail to the serene Cleopatra's Bay for a swim in crystal-clear waters.
Drop anchor at Yassica Islands for picturesque beaches and picnics.
Explore the underwater ruins near Kızıl Island.
Enjoy snorkeling and diving in the vibrant waters of Göbün Bay.
Visit the secluded Bedri Rahmi Cove, famous for its rock paintings.
Anchor at Gemiler Island to see ancient Byzantine ruins.
Savor the flavors at D Breeze Restaurant or Adaia Restaurant, both renowned for their exceptional seaside dining experiences.
Day 1 (6 NM) Base Göcek - Boynuzbükü Cove
Surrounded by pine forests, Boynuzbükü is a secluded cove on the west side of Fethiye. The voyage from Göcek should take around an hour under normal conditions, offering a serene sail through the gorgeous waters of the Turkish coast.
What to do in Boynuzbükü Bay?
Experience the thrill of parasailing for a bird's eye view of the stunning coast.
Relax amidst sweetgum trees and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
Explore the natural trails.
Where to stay overnight?
Boynuzbükü Bay features a wooden pier facility that can accommodate up to 20 boats. It offers electricity and water connections, with a depth extending to 3 meters along the gentle coastal strip.
What to eat in Boynuzbükü Bay?
The main culinary attraction is the Boynuzbükü Restaurant. Situated at the bay's end near the jetty, it offers facilities for stern-to mooring, along with electricity and water. Diners can enjoy a variety of local dishes amidst the bay's natural beauty, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and traditional Turkish cuisine.
Day 2 (14 NM) Boynuzbükü Cove - Fethiye
Fethiye is located in a picturesque cove at the foot of the mountains, protected by green pine and cedar forests. It's known for its natural harbor, blue waters, and numerous rock tombs, including the 4th-century BC Tomb of Amyntas carved into a bluff overlooking the city. Leaving at around 10:00 AM would typically bring you into the charming marina by around 12:30 PM, assuming an average cruising speed of 5 knots and favorable wind conditions.
What to do in Fethiye?
Bustling streets. Turkish delights. Spice shops. Wander through the historic and colorful Fethiye Old Town.
Watch stunning sunsets at Çaliş Beach.
Climb to the ancient and impressive Tomb of Amyntas.
Sailing with kids? Enjoy water fun at Sultan's Aqua City.
Engage in thrilling water sports like snorkeling, diving, and jet skiing.
Where to stay overnight?
Fethiye has several excellent options for overnight stays. The most popular include Marina ECE Saray and Marina Yes, both known for their safety, cleanliness, and amenities. Fethiye Marina is another superb option - 465 berths along 6 piers and a VIP pier - for medium-sized boats and those seeking luxury. Additionally, the Yacht Classic Hotel, located on the marina, is highly recommended for its excellent services, dining options, and beautiful views of Turkey's southwestern Turquoise Coast.
What to eat in Fethiye?
The choices are plenty! Mori is renowned for its delectable Turkish cuisine, combining fresh local produce with Middle Eastern flavors. Mayikas Restaurant on Sovalye Island provides a unique getaway experience, perfect for a day or evening meal with stunning sunset views. Nefis Pide offers a quick alternative with delicious Turkish pide, while The Fish Market allows guests to choose their catch and have it cooked to their liking. Lastly, Mancero Kitchen serves Italian dishes and a range of meats on the grill, set by the water's edge for a neat Mediterranean dining affair.
Day 3 (15 NM) Fethiye - St. Nicholas Cove (Gemiler Island)
St. Nicholas Cove, also known as Gemiler Island, is a historically rich land measuring just 1 km in length and 400 m wide. It's filled with Byzantine ruins, including remains of four churches and various buildings dating back to between the 4th and 6th centuries AD. Many believe the site to be the original burial site of Saint Nicholas, with his tomb located in a rock-hewn church at the island's highest point.
What to do on Gemiler Island?
Visit the church carved directly from rock at the island's highest point.
Experience the beautiful sunsets from the island's peak or along the processional walkway.
Marvel at the preserved Byzantine architecture and over fifty Christian tombs.
Where to stay overnight?
The northwest side of the island, known as Gemiler Bay, is an ideal location for overnight anchorage. The bay features a sandy bottom, allowing you to either be pushed off or drop anchor at a depth of 6-9 meters. The area is surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of woodlands dotted with olive trees. However, it's important to note that during summer, both the beach and the hillsides, as well as the anchorages, can become quite crowded with visitors and boats entering and exiting the bay.
What to eat on Gemiler Island?
On Gemiler Island, dining options are pretty limited due to its protected status and the focus on historic preservation. Visitors typically bring their own provisions or rely on basic offerings from the small makeshift shops and restaurants that operate during the summer months for sailors and tourists.
Day 4 (14 NM) St. Nicholas Cove (Gemiler Island) - Göbün Cove (Kapi Creek)
Göbün Cove, also known as Kapi Creek, stands as a captivating cruising ground within the Skopia Limani area. While it remains somewhat hidden from mainstream tourists, it is a treasured spot among sailing yacht owners, cherished for its serene ambience and untouched appeal. The cove presents a natural harbor where crystal-clear blue waters meet intriguing rock formations, all whispering tales of the region's rich history.
Departing from St. Nicholas Cove in the morning, one can anticipate reaching the enchanting marina of Göbün Cove by early afternoon, covering a distance of around 14 nautical miles.
What to do in Göbün Cove?
Walk up the hill to reach the summit, where you can take in the perfect expansive views and watch the beautiful red sunset.
Experience a magical night stargazing under clear skies.
Take a refreshing dip in the clear blue waters.
Explore Tersane Island, a nearby isle with historic shipyard ruins and opportunities for secluded beach picnics.
Where to stay overnight?
Due to the minimal space for maneuvering, Göbün Cove is only ideal for small to medium-sized boats. The bay has a depth of 5 to 7 meters, with its west side being notably shallow. On the starboard side, a low dock accommodates several yachts, allowing boats to anchor in the center and secure a spot at this dock. Nearby, the restaurant offers floating moorings and a single pier that can berth up to 40 boats. However, caution is advised near the pier head as the area is rocky.
What to eat in Göbün Cove?
The dining options in Göbün Cove promise a captivating culinary journey. There are two options; the first is Gobun Restaurant. It has been gracing the bay since 1972 and is owned by a couple from the historic village of Kayaköy. Equally enchanting is Muammer'in Yeri, which is strategically positioned with its back embraced by fragrant pine forests and its front opening up to the mesmerizing cyan-colored waters.
Day 5 (3 NM) Göbün Cove – Cleopatra Hammam Cove
Cleopatra Cove (Hammam Cove) is worth a detour before heading back to Göcek. On the way there, you can discover the ruins of a Byzantine church or sip a cocktail at the hip but quiet "Adaia restaurant" in Monastery Bay.
Apart from its palette of vivid hues and calm scenery, Hammam Bay is rich with myth and romantic tales. Legend holds that the cove was once the site of ancient baths, a marital gift from Mark Antony to Queen Cleopatra. Those wandering its grounds today can uncover these historical fragments while reaping the benefits of essential minerals like magnesium and calcium, naturally infused into the bay's healing waters.
What to do in Hammam Cove?
Explore the clear, turquoise waters of the cove and snorkel over the sunken ruins of the ancient baths.
Enjoy a rejuvenating swim around and in the ruins of the age-old Roman bath, experiencing the thermal waters that flow from a volcanic crater north of the bay.
In the early hours, observe the sand moving at the bottom of the water, a phenomenon indicating the presence of hot water in the bay.
Where to stay overnight?
Hammam Bay offers sufficient mooring space for a diverse array of yachts. Two docking facilities are situated along its northwestern shoreline, with depths extending up to 10 meters at the further pier and shallowing to 2-3 meters closer to shore. Upon arrival, yachters receive a warm welcome from local restaurant staff, who provide mooring assistance, guaranteeing a seamless and hospitable experience.
What to eat in Hammam Bay?
In its serene seclusion, Hammam Bay doesn't feature conventional restaurants, making it ideal for visitors to stock up beforehand and enjoy a peaceful meal onboard their yachts. Occasionally, small eateries with charming wooden pergolas may be found nestled along the shoreline, offering a simple yet delightful dining experience.
Day 6 (8 NM) Cleopatra Hammam Cove - Göcek
It's time to start heading back to Göcek! The distance is about 8 nautical miles, and with average sailing conditions and a gentle breeze, the journey should take approximately two hours to complete. Along the way, consider visiting Akvaryum Koyu, a tranquil bay with a sandy seabed, ideal for a refreshing swim. Tersane Island, or Dockyard Island, is another noteworthy stop. Rich in history, its clear waters are perfect for snorkeling among the ruins of Greek houses and sunken ships. Lastly, Göcek Adasi, with its chic atmosphere and beach club, offers a sophisticated and relaxing vibe for a delightful final stop before reaching the Göcek marina.
Find more about Hanse Yachts:
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