Cool breezes, sunny skies, warm turquoise waters, abandoned ports and peaceful bays are just a little bit of what you’ll encounter as you sail the coasts of Turkey. All of these, along with the warmth and sincere friendliness of the people, the amazing scenery, enthralling ruins from previous civilisations, and delicious food, you really couldn’t ask for more.
Republic of Turkey
The Republic of Turkey is a transcontinental nation in Eurasia. The country is encircled by seas on three sides – the Aegean Sea to the west, the Black Sea to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The Turkish Straits, consisting theBosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles, divide Thrace and Anatolia and separate Europe and Asia.
It is this abundance of beautiful seas that makes Turkey a perfect and popular location for sailing, coupled with its rich cultural heritage and over 7000 kilometres of coastline.The Turkish coast is ideal for cruising and it stretches from the Peninsula of Callipolis down to Antalya. Turkey occupies a geographical and cultural bridge, between Europe and Asia. It is indeed where the East meets the West.
Turkey is indeed the best destination for a gulletcruise, since the gullet boat is native to Turkish tradition. However, other types of yacht charter are also available. Wherever you sail in Turkey, particularly along the southern coast, you will always find sensational places to explore.
YACHT CHARTER AREAS ALONG THE TURKISH COAST
The Turkish coastline is divided into four different yacht charter areas:
- The Ionian Coast: Izmir-Kusadasi-Gulluk-Bodrum. It is ideal for holiday yacht charters like bareboats and gulets. Highlights are the harbours and anchorages of Izmir, Urla, Asin,Port Saip, Torba, Sigacik, Gulluk, Bodrumetc; as well as the archaeological sites of Teos, Ephesus, Latmos etc.
- The Carian Coast: Bodrum-Mamaris. It is known for its gentle sailing conditions, beautiful bays, sandy beaches, the famous rock tombs and other historical records. Bodrum and Marmaris, two of the largest yacht charter bases in Turkey, are situated here.
- The West Lycian Coast: Marmaris-Fethiye.It is named after the many Lycian cities dotted along its shores. It is wild and rugged, with massive mountain ranges, ravines and cliffs in abundance.
- The East Lycian Coast: Fethiye-Kas-Finike¬¬¬-Antalya. The most obvious features are the tombs and sarcophagi. The main yacht charter bases are in Fethiye and Antalya.
THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Beginning from Marmaris, Gocek, Fethiyeor Bodrum (the four main starting points for sailing along the Turkish coast), you will encounter the allure of beautiful bays, quiet coves and quiet anchorages. There are factually acres of ancient ruins from the ancient Greek to the Byzantine period, along the coast. You also do not wasn’t to miss historical tours ashore, visiting Ephesus, Kas, Caunus and Pergamos. The ruins of ancient Asia are the most scenic in the Mediterranean.
Turkish food is reputedly one of the greatest cuisines in the world. Restaurants serve delightful selections of delectable starters, known as mezes. The main dishes include freshly caught seafood, shish kebabs, kofte (spicy meatballs) and vegetarian dishes.
THE WEATHER – WHEN TO VISIT
Aegean Turkey’s climate fluctuates, but is characteristically Mediterranean with hot summers and mild winters. The Black Sea has more extremes and is more humid, with the most rain.
Turkey is warmer than most other sailing destinations, which allows for a longer season. May, June, September and October are the most perfect months to visit. July and august can get rather too warm, a little too sweltering for some. The wind is great for those looking to take it easy.