My Turkish Top 5 Cruising Highlights
Author: Emma Watson
Top five spots on Turkey's Turquoise Coast
Extending over 600 NM between the major harbours of İzmir and Antalya this stretch of the Turkish coastline is arguably one of the best cruising areas in the Med. With such a wide variety of towns, harbours and anchorages to explore it is hard to narrow it down to just a few recommendations, but here we go anyway with a Top 5 that reflects the different environments to be discovered as you enjoy the original Blue Cruise.
İassos/Kıyıkışlacık – The Ionian Coast
This peaceful fishing village is only a few miles from the fashionable resorts and harbours of the Bodrum Peninsula, but has retained a low-key atmosphere that is a pleasant contrast to what you will find elsewhere. As you approach the village quay you will sail past a ruined Byzantine Fort before mooring up amongst the local fishing fleet. The village’s few restaurants specialise in fresh, locally-caught seafood, including lobster, calamari and crab, and if you have the energy to go exploring then you can stroll around the ruins on the small peninsula opposite the village.
Gümüşlük – Bodrum Peninsula, The Carian Coast
Gümüşlük means ‘like silver’ and the village is named after the moon’s reflection on the waters of this protected bay. This small village on the western end of the Bodrum Peninsula is only a couple of miles away from the resort and marina town of Turgutreis, and is home to many local artisans who sell their work from stalls lining the road behind the harbour. The village is a popular evening destination for visitors staying in the surrounding area, who come to browse the artists’ stalls and sample the catch of the day from the many fish restaurants lining the seafront. If you come ashore for an early supper you can do some leisurely shopping for souvenirs whilst others are busy in the restaurants, then retire to your boat anchored at the quiet end of the bay to enjoy an after dinner drink and to watch the moon moving across the water.
Yedi Adalar – Gököva Körfezi, The Carian Coast
The name translates as ‘Seven Islands’, and refers to a collection of protected bays, creeks and inlets on the southern side of the Gulf of Gököva. If complete isolation is your thing then you need look no further than here. Although the islands provide good protection from the prevailing winds only a few boats venture this far up the Gulf so it is easy to find all the peace and quiet you should wish for.
The Gulf of Hisarönü (Hisarönü Körfezi) – The Dorian Coast
Is it cheating to include an entire gulf in a list of my Top 5? Maybe, but I hope you will forgive me. This area has everything you could wish for: charming villages, secluded bays, isolated beachside tavernas, a bustling town and a well appointed marina. Wherever you want to spend the night, you can relax after a day spent enjoying the brisk breezes that are found blowing up the central part of the gulf during the afternoons.
Kekova Roads – The Lycian Coast
The Lycian coast is littered with the ancient remains of half forgotten civilisations, but the best area to explore these from your boat has to be the Kekova Roads between Kaş and Finike. You can easily pass a week or two here, as there is a choice of protected anchorages from where you can explore shoreside ruins and the remains of a commanding castle. You can top up with provisions either either of the two small settlements, or eat ashore if you prefer, and after lunch take a glass-bottomed boat trip over the remains that have tumbled into the sea along the coast of Kekova Island.
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