Turkey
Sailing Holidays in Turkey
Sailing in Turkey
A crossroads between Europe and Asia, Turkey is an alluring and exotic location to explore with a sailing holiday. Discover beautiful bays and dreamy islands along Turkey’s coast with a yacht charter from Sailo.
Our Favorite Itineraries in Turkey
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1
Blue Cruise Yacht Charter from Göcek to Bodrum
8 day itinerary from Göcek-
Day 1
Göcek
Stop 1-
Göcek
Starting point
Known as the Mavi Yolculuk in Turkish, translated as Blue Cruise - this is a quintessential Turkish sailing holiday experience that makes the region famous. Upon boarding your Sailo yacht charter at Göcek Harbor, you will be informed of the cruise itinerary and the boat. The town of Göcek is a cool, truly sailors’ town that you can walk around and visit its little shops, galleries and restaurants on a stroll downtown before we set sail for the uniquely beautiful islands of Yassica. These islands are covered with pine and olive trees, have many sheltered and shallow bays and are ideal for water sports enthusiasts. We will set sail to Göcek Island in time for sunset, dinner and overnight stay.
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Day 2
Ekincik & Dalyan
Stop 2-
Ekincik & Dalyan
20 NM from last port
Ekincik is an unspoiled natural wonder, blessed with breathtaking beauty. We will wake up here in time for breakfast and a swim. Anchor here and call a small boat tol come to pick you up for an adventure and sightseeing filled day to nearby Dalyan and Kaunos. Firstly you will arrive in Iztuzu Beach where famous sea turtles called Caretta Carettas lay their eggs on this long white sand beach. You may feed the sea turtles and taste the delicious blue crabs yourself as your small boat starts cruising up the canal towards the remnants of the ancient Carian city of Kaunos which dates back to 10th century B.C. You can go on a hike to discover the agora, the city walls, the tombs carved into the rocky hills. Afterwards, you may want to take advantage of the thermal springs and enjoy the mud baths believed to remedy both the body and the soul. After your excursion through the canals of Dalyan and visit to the ancient port city of Kaunos, you will come back to your boat and spend the rest of your day at your own leisure. Anchor in Ekincik overnight.
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Day 3
Marmaris
Stop 3-
Marmaris
2 NM from last port
Sail over to the town of Marmaris to complete the formalities of exiting the Turkish Coast to enter Greece the next day. Marmaris is a port city, on the heavenly southwest corner of Turkey where the green hills harmoniously blend into the blue waters of the Mediterranean. You may walk around town, do some shopping while your captain is taking care of the paperwork. After lunch, we will cruise to Cennet Island and spend a leisurely day here taking in the nature at anchor before heading to Rhodes next morning.
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Day 4
Rhodes, GR
Stop 4-
Rhodes, GR
21 NM from last port
After breakfast and a morning swim, sail over to the island of Rhodes. This is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. The island is a very popular holiday destination as it has one of the best protected and the largest European Medieval city and has warm weather almost 300 days of the year. Rhodes has been home to many civilizations, starting with the knights of St. John in the Middle Ages, then Ottomans and Italians – the island therefore has a unique historical harmony of each culture that occupied this beautiful island. The main port is in the Rhodes town while the other popular areas are Lyndos and Kamiros. The city, which is still surrounded by 12-meter thick city-walls, gives you the feeling of travelling back in time to a medieval era, especially when you walk around its narrow, stone paved roads. After dinner, our guests are recommended to enjoy a night out in Rhodes.
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Day 5
Symi, GR
Stop 5-
Symi, GR
22 NM from last port
After breakfast and a morning swim, it’s time to set sail for the beautiful Greek Island of Symi. You can see the shoreline with its neo-classical houses and the peripheral districts. You are going to adore Symi for its pine and oak forests and unique bays. You can hire a vehicle to go to the Monastery of Panormitis located in a well-protected bay in the southern part of Symi. We recommend you spend the day in leisure onboard your yacht; and then go for a walk in the early evening discovering the lovely stores and quaint streets of this island. Symi has numerous restaurants that can rival your yacht chef’s cooking, if you’re interested in dining on shore.
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Day 6
Datca & Palamutbuku, Turkey
Stop 6-
Datca & Palamutbuku
7 NM from last port
Leave early morning for the cute Turkish village of Datca entering back into Turkish waters. This fascinating Mediterranean village consists of a small square and its surrounding streets. All the houses in the village are made of amber colored masonry. White garden walls are crawling with vines, shrubs, almond and olive trees. Kind-hearted people, who mostly moved here from larger cities, own the local art galleries and restaurants. We recommend you take a stroll through the bazaar and visit the local shops in the Old Town while your Captain is taking care of the passport formalities. You can find various stores selling honey, fish and almonds (the most famous products of the region). If you take a break at a coffeehouse in the village of Old Datca, don’t be surprised if the owner asks you, “would you like thyme, lavender flower, or watermelon tea?”. In the afternoon we will leave for Palamutbuku to enjoy the rest of the sunshine in this luscious green bay. We will anchor in Palamutbuku overnight.
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Day 7
Knidos & Mersincik
Stop 7-
Knidos & Mersincik
14 NM from last port
In the morning we will leave for the mythic city of Knidos so that you can explore these ancient ruins best accessed by sea. Knidos is an ancient Carian city rich with history and artifacts, where one can discover the preserved remnants of an outdoor amphitheater and an Acropolis and ancient temple built in honor of Aphrodite, the Greek God of Love. Here stands the famed statue of Aphrodite. It is said that in ancient times, pilgrims would travel thousands of miles to pay homage to Aphrodite in her temple. We will spend the day in and around here enjoying the sunshine and the crystal clear waters. Right before sunset, we will set sail towards nearby cove of Mersincik, chasing the sun setting in the Aegean as your yacht cruises northwest. Mersincik is a lovely little cove fronted by steep pine-covered slopes and pebble beaches. We will anchor in Mersincik overnight.
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Day 8
Bodrum
Ending point-
Bodrum
8 NM from last port
Set sail early in the morning towards Bodrum, making a breakfast and swimming stop in Karada or Tavsanburnu. Upon arriving in the coastal city of Bodrum, spend your afternoon and evening perusing the seaside shops, familiarizing yourself with Turkish culture and traditions, and dining along the water’s edge at one of dozens of outstanding restaurants. Bodrum is one of the Aegean Coast’s jewels, featuring natural beauty, ancient ruins, and a thriving nightlife. Bodrum has a history that goes back to the 12th century B.C. The city that was once called ‘Halicarnassus,’ was the birthplace of Herodotus: the ‘Father of History’ who lived in the 5th century B.C. The ‘Mausoleum’ of King Mausolus (350 B.C.), one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is in this city. The only structure that survived from the Classical Era is the Amphitheatre. It is one of the oldest theatres in Anatolia with a capacity of 13.000 guests and it is still hosting many shows and concerts for the art-lovers of Bodrum. Another place that you should visit when you arrive in Bodrum is the landmark of the city, the ‘Castle of Saint Peter’. It is one of the best-preserved pieces of architecture with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. ‘Myndos Gate’ through which Alexander the Great entered Halicarnassus is another place that you should not miss to visit. Most sophisticated of the Turkish Aegean, Bodrum offers fine dining, world-class nightlife and shopping. After breakfast onboard, it is time to say goodbye to your boat, her lovely crew and to the beautiful Turkish Coast.
2Bodrum Boat Trips - Explore the Gulf of Hisarönü
8 day itinerary from Bodrum-
Day 1
Bodrum
Starting point-
Bodrum
Starting point
Upon arriving in the coastal city of Bodrum, spend your afternoon and evening perusing the seaside shops, familiarizing yourself with Turkish culture and traditions, and dining along the water’s edge at one of dozens of outstanding restaurants. Bodrum is one of the Aegean Coast’s jewels, featuring natural beauty, ancient ruins, and a thriving nightlife. Bodrum has a history that goes back to the 12th century B.C. The city that was once called ‘Halicarnassus,’ was the birthplace of Herodotus: the ‘Father of History’ who lived in the 5th century B.C. The ‘Mausoleum’ of King Mausolus (350 B.C.), one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is in this city. The only structure that survived from the Classical Era is the Amphitheatre. It is one of the oldest theatres in Anatolia with a capacity of 13.000 guests and it is still hosting many shows and concerts for the art-lovers of Bodrum. Another place that you should visit when you arrive in Bodrum is the landmark of the city, the ‘Castle of Saint Peter’. It is one of the best-preserved pieces of architecture with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. ‘Myndos Gate’ through which Alexander the Great entered Halicarnassus is another place that you should not miss to visit. Most sophisticated of the Turkish Aegean, Bodrum offers fine dining, world-class nightlife and shopping.
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Day 2
Datca & Palamutbuku
Stop 1-
Datca & Palamutbuku
36 NM from last port
Your boat charter will begin in earnest with an early morning departure from Bodrum towards Palamutbuku arriving in time for breakfast and morning swim. This luscious green bay descending into blue waters is a perfect place to switch to the nature mode. After spending most of the day enjoying the sunshine and the sea, we will cruise over to the cute Turkish village of Datca for an early evening stroll among the bazaar and local shops. Datca is well known for its natural products and organic bazaar that is filled with local artisans. We will anchor near Datca overnight.
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Day 3
Symi
Stop 3-
Symi
7 NM from last port
After breakfast and a morning swim, you or your captain handle all passport formalities because it’s time to set sail for the beautiful Greek Island Symi. You can see the shoreline with its neo-classical houses and the peripheral districts. You are going to adore Symi for its pine and oak forests and unique bays. You can hire a vehicle to go to the Monastery of Panormitis located in a well-protected bay in the southern part of Symi. We recommend you spend the day in leisure onboard your yacht; in the early evening, go for a walk discovering the lovely stores and quaint streets of this island. Symi has numerous restaurants that can rival your yacht chef’s cooking, if you’re interested in dining on shore.
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Day 4
Orhaniye & Selimiye
Stop 4-
Orhaniye & Selimiye
10 NM from last port
After a long and delicious breakfast and swimming in the crystal clear waters, we will cruise to Orhaniye for lunch, the sea is always very still here. There is an island in the middle of the bay with the ruins of a castle that once belonged to the ancient city of Bybassos. The village offers several restaurants and a private marina. We will cruise to Selimiye for overnight stay.
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Day 5
Bozburun
Stop 5-
Bozburun
9 NM from last port
Breakfast onboard and departure for Dirsekbuku and Bozburun each of which have small yet lovely harbors; its pristine sea is surrounded by coves. Bozburun is also well known in the region for its construction of gulets. Anchor here overnight while you can go for an afternoon walk in either bay and enjoy one of the most secluded and beautiful sailing destinations on the Turkish coast.
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Day 6
Datca & Palamutbuku
Stop 6-
Datca & Palamutbuku
7 NM from last port
Leave early morning for the cute Turkish village of Datca entering back into Turkish waters. This fascinating Mediterranean village consists of a small square and its surrounding streets. All the houses in the village are made of amber colored masonry. White garden walls are crawling with vines, shrubs, almond and olive trees. Kind-hearted people, who mostly moved here from larger cities, own the local art galleries and restaurants. We recommend you take a stroll through the bazaar and visit the local shops in the Old Town while your Captain is taking care of the passport formalities. You can find various stores selling honey, fish and almonds (the most famous products of the region). If you take a break at a coffeehouse in the village of Old Datca, don’t be surprised if the owner asks you, “would you like thyme, lavender flower, or watermelon tea?” In the afternoon we will leave for Palamutbuku to enjoy the rest of the sunshine in this luscious green bay. We will anchor in Palamutbuku overnight.
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Day 7
Knidos & Mersincik
None-
Knidos & Mersincik
24 NM from last port
As we near the end of your trip, the next first destination will be the mythic Knidos, an ancient Carian city rich with history and artifacts. In Knidos, discover the preserved remnants of an outdoor amphitheater and an Acropolis and ancient temple built in honor of Aphrodite, the Greek God of Love. Here stands the famed statue of Aphrodite. It is said that in ancient times, pilgrims would travel thousands of miles to pay homage to Aphrodite in her temple. Right before sunset, we will set sail towards nearby cove of Mersincik, chasing the sun setting in the Aegean as your yacht cruises northwest. Mersincik is a lovely area fronted by steep pine-covered slopes and pebble beaches.
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Day 8
Bodrum
Ending point-
Bodrum
8 NM from last port
Set sail early in the morning heading back to Bodrum. After a leisurely breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to your yacht and the crew as they will prepare the yacht for her next charter. We hope to show you more of the Aegean coast next summer on your next Turkish sailing holiday!
3Turkey Sailing Holidays - Explore the Northern Dodecanese Islands
7 day itinerary from Yalikavak-Bodrum-
Day 1
Yalikavak
Stop 1-
Yalikavak
Starting point
Upon boarding your Sailo yacht charter from Bodrum at Palmarina, located in Yalikavak, a lively village on the Bodrum peninsula, complete port formalities to exit Turkey and set sail to Greece, entering from Kalymnos. Kalymnos is called The Sponge Fishers’ Island. The scenery is wild and dramatic with high rocky mountains sweeping down to the sea. It is a terrific island for those who want to do more than just lie on a beach all day. Though only 13 miles long and about 8 miles wide, the island has a dramatic wild beauty as well as several lovely uncrowded beaches and bays. Vathi town lies at the end of the deep fjord of Vathi. It is a charming little anchorage for a day or two. On the western side of the island lie the villages of Myrties and Massouri and the very much quieter hamlets of Arginondas, Skalia and Emporios. On the northeast coast is the wild and beautiful bay of Palionisou where it feels as if life has stood still for a very long time. If you walk the track to the 5-6 houses which constitute the village, you will find Nicholas’s house, where you will have the enchanting experience of being in the middle of nowhere, but will be able to eat an authentic yet cheap meal in his little garden.
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Day 2
Leros
Stop 1-
Leros, Greece
18 NM from last port
Start to cruise early in the morning to the beautiful island of Leros. The main port is Aghia Marina, or Pandeli, an attractive port dominated by a huge crusader castle and six windmills on the hill. Spreading up from the port is the area known as Platanos, the social hub of the island, which sits astride the saddle of the hill and merges with the picturesque fishing harbor of Pandeli on the other side. The setting is very pretty with white houses dotted around the bay. Leros has plenty of beaches and secluded coves. The lovely shingle beach at Vromolithos is just a twenty minute walk from Planos and is a long, gentle sweep of a bay with a small island in the middle. You should try the famous Mylos Restaurant, better known as Taki’s, for lunch or dinner, they have a sophisticated twist on the Aegean’s seafood dishes.
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Day 3
Lipsi
Stop 3-
Lipsi
14 NM from last port
Set sail to Lipsi Island after breakfast. Lipsi (or Lipsos locally) is a small group of islets near Patmos, offering a number of anchorages or a harbor at the capital (also called Lipsi). There are plenty of tavernas, cafes and shops in the village. Small churches and monasteries scatter the island, so many in fact that locals claim there is one for every family living on the islands. Have a swimming break in one of the many small islands in front of Lipsi. Visit the beaches of Platis or Giolos with crystal green waters. On the island, the Church of the Catopanaghia constructed in the 7th century deserves a visit, along with the Church of Panopanaghia from the 15th century.
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Day 4
Patmos
Stop 4-
Patmos
11 NM from last port
One of the highlights this charter route from Bodrum - cruise to Patmos early in the morning, with a breakfast and swimming break in a bay around the island. Patmos is not a big island, but it is one of the best known. It was here that St. John completed the last part of The Apocalypse of John, and this is why Patmos is sometimes called “The Jerusalem of the Aegean.” The Monastery of St. John’s towers above the capital, the Chora, and actually the island breathes faith and devotion. According to mythology, Patmos was a gift from Zeus to his daughter Artemis, the goddess of hunting and young women. She was worshiped here in antiquity, and the monastery of St. John was built on her temple. At your leisure, you may visit these monasteries and walk around the island of Patmos. Stay in the Patmos Port for dinner and overnight stay. We recommend Benetos restaurant, owned by a lovely American lady. Call early to reserve make sure you get first dibs on the catch of the day.
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Day 5
Arki & Marathi
Stop 5-
Arki & Marathi
5 NM from last port
Arki is probably one of the least visited islands in Greece, with a permanent population of only 40 people. With its beautiful and very picturesque harbor Arki constitutes a paradise for yachts in the summer. Nearby Marathi is another isolated paradise island with just two families living here in true Greek style. There are two tavernas here as well as a tiny church sitting atop the hill where you can observe breathtaking sunsets. If you chose to anchor here, make sure to visit Manolis at Bar Luv All.
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Day 6
Kos
Stop 6-
Kos
41 NM from last port
Early in the morning, set sail south towards Kos to ensure arrival in Bodrum for disembarkation the next day. Check out Pserimos for a lunch and swim break along the way. Asclepion in Kos, known to be the birth place of Hippocrates, who is “the Father of Medical Sciences” is located here. All the people from the east Mediterranean with health problems were treated in Kos, which is the 2nd largest island of the 12 Dodecanese islands. An island of very mild climate and fertile lands, Kos houses a 560-year old tree, a 211-year old fountain, a 14th century fortress and a 290 km beach. You may take a quick swim in Lambi Beach close to the Harbor and indulge yourselves in the nightlife this island has to offer. Nafklirou, a street full of bars, is always crowded, colorful and full of life.
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Day 7
Bodrum
Ending point-
Bodrum
5 NM from last port
After a leisurely breakfast in the morning, head back to Bodrum on a 45-minute cruise. It is time to say goodbye to your yacht charter and the crew as they will prepare the yacht for her next charter. We encourage you to stay in Bodrum and extend your vacation in paradise one more day. We hope to show you more of the Aegean Coast during your next sailing holiday in Turkey!
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Top Boating Destinations in Turkey
Things to do by Boat in Turkey
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1
Bodrum boat trips to Keçi Bükü bay
Rent a yacht in Turkey and set sail to this deep blue water bay that has a world class marina, ruins of a Byzantine fortress, and a lively bazaar. -
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The Natural Wonders of Turkey
Choose a sailboat rental in Turkey and explore the natural wonders along the Aegean coast.
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2
Yacht charter from Marmaris
Go for a romantic sunset cruise and stop for dinner at Captain Nemo restaurant. Enjoy the quiet breathtaking view of the secluded bay and an assortment of fresh fish or meats grilled to perfection. -
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The Best Beaches to Explore by Boat in Turkey
Explore some of the most amazing beaches in Turkey on a boat rental in Marmaris, or a yacht charter from Fethiye or Göcek! Check out our Bodrum boat trips and get ready to experience a memorable nautical adventure!
Most Popular Boat Rentals in Turkey
Survival Guide Turkey
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