Sailing in Turkey

Turkey's coastline is far from surrendering all its treasures. One of the most beautiful sailing spots in the Mediterranean is waiting to be discovered.

The 10 most beautiful places in Turkey 

10 best places in Turkey 

  1. Istanbul - one of the world's oldest cities straddling the Bosphorus 
  2. Cappadocia - a fairytale landscape with cities carved into the rocks 
  3. Ephesus - the metropolis of antiquity with the temple of the goddess Artemis   
  4. Bodrum - port and home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World 
  5. Side - ancient port conquered by Alexander the Great 
  6. Marmaris - a captivatingly picturesque seaside town 
  7. Antalya - a tourist centre with a stunning mountain panorama 
  8. Konya - ancient city and home of the dervishes, the dancing mystics 
  9. Mardin - a town of terrace houses on the edge of the Mesopotamian plains 
  10. Istanbul - because seeing it once is never enough 

Yachting regions 

Turkish waters are divided into two main regions: southern Turkey, which includes the so-called Turkish Riviera, and the southwestern to western Aegean Riviera. 

  

A frequent port of call for sailors is Antalya on the Turkish Riviera. However, due to the heavy tourist traffic, we recommend sailing from Marmaris or Bodrum. A popular route is to sail from Fethiye to Cesme near Izmir. What is known as the Aegean Riviera refers to the part of the coastline from the city and port of Izmir to the south. It has the closest proximity to Greece and all the larger islands in this area such as Rhodes, Kos or Samos are still part of Greece.  

 

The Turkish coast is an irresistible combination of stunning landscapes with deep wooded coves, warm sea, sunshine, very friendly, hospitable locals and good, cheap restaurants. All this makes it a promised land for many a sailor. 

  

The rugged coastline offers plenty of opportunities for sailors who simply want to experience something different than the often overcrowded Croatia or Greece. This difference is obvious at first glance, as Turkey has an oriental charm that is unmistakable even from on board a boat. The cities and ports are orderly, the marinas are well-organised and well-equipped (sometimes luxuriously so). 

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Marmaris

Originally a fishing village, Marmaris is now a yachting port with several marinas, such as Netsel Marmaris and Albatros, and a long and lively beach promenade. Marmaris can be found on the border between the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey. 

  

The view of the harbour, with its luscious pine-covered green hills and a mountain backdrop, is everything you dreamed of before setting sail in Turkey. Simply enchanting... and we've seen a lot of places.  

Marmaris will win you over with its maze of old town streets and a history dating back to the time of Alexander the Great. 

 

Sailing out of Marmaris 

The bay around Marmaris is well protected and the sea temperature is one to two degrees higher than the sea along the coast. 

 

Bodrum

 

Sailing out of Bodrum

 

 

 

Weather and climate and when to sail to Turkey?

The yachting season in Turkey runs from May to early December. At the end of October and November, it is the best place to be on the Mediterranean as there is stable weather, sunshine and the sea is still warm. Turkey is therefore a great destination to end the sailing season or begin a new one. 

Watch out for the Meltemi

The Meltemi, a powerful wind that blows from the northwest to the west, is a unique feature of the southwestern part of the Turkish coast and the Greek islands. It is more powerful in the open sea leading to large waves but grows weaker along the coast producing smaller swells. The strength of the Meltemi is influenced by the daytime thermals - the Meltemi is usually weaker in the morning but stronger in the afternoon and evening. At night it greatly dies down or is replaced by a night breeze. 

  

  

  

Keep this in mind when planning your voyage. If you are sailing west, you are actually sailing against the Meltemi, so it would be best to set off in the morning or mid-morning. If you are sailing east, you are sailing with the Meltemi behind you, so you can enjoy some excellent sailing in the afternoon. When the Meltemi blows 30 kn in Rhodes creating a big swell, along the Turkish coast it is barely half of that with hardly any waves. 

Antalya

Lying on the Mediterranean, this place is the bustling heart of the Turkish Riviera but definitely too lively for some. But it isn’t just packed with resorts, hotels, immaculate beaches, bars and restaurants, there is also the old district of Kaleici where you’ll discover ancient fortifications and Roman gates. In fact, in Antalya there is something for everyone, even mountain lovers. The breathtaking Taurus mountains loom above the city and their steep slopes fall practically straight into the sea creating an amazing panorama. They are perfect for a one-day hike and the view is stunning from the other side too.


Ephesus

Ancient Ephesus is located only about 20 kilometres inland from the port of Kusadasi. Until 100 B.C., Ephesus was one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire. The region is also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Temple of Artemis. Just the ruins of this once magnificent city remain, but they are very well preserved. These include a giant amphitheatre, the Temple of Hadrian and the fabled Library of Celsus, which once housed 12,000 scrolls.


Istanbul

There's only one Istanbul. Once the capital of the Byzantine Empire and now one of the world's largest cities. It straddles the Bosphorus Strait, making it the only city to span two continents. There are too many unique things about Istanbul to list here. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace... Istanbul is well worth seeing, and its oriental charm amidst the chaos of a metropolis of millions is unmissable.


 

Turkish cuisine is delicious. You'll find mouth-watering food at every turn, costing less than you'd expect, and the locals are hospitable and friendly. The cuisine is a blend of many influences: Arabic, Balkan and Indian. In coastal areas, it also includes elements typical of other Mediterranean cuisines. 

  

  

  

For example, tzatziki (cacık), cevabcici (kebab) and yoghurt (yogurt) all originate in Turkey, which gave them their name. Apart from tea, typical drinks include ajran,  and Turkish coffee brewed in a special metal teapot called a jezva. 

 

 

 

Transportation

The Turkish coast is easy to reach, and it depends solely on which port you choose as your starting point. Direct flights go to the bustling Antalya as well as Bodrum or Dalaman. 

Bodrum Airport - approx. 40 min. to the port of Bodrum, approx. 2.5 hrs to the port of Marmaris. 

Dalaman Airport - approx. 20 min. to the port of Gocek, approx. 3 hrs to the port of Marmaris.