Experience the hidden bays, dive into refreshing blue waters, explore ancient ruins, and savour the Mediterranean and Aegean flavours on the Blue Voyage in Turkey.
While the Med has long been a popular destination for Asian travellers, many start their journey in Europe, plying the same routes with many other holidaymakers. However, the unique Blue Voyage route along Turkey’s Aegean or Mediterranean coasts also promises unforgettable memories for travellers looking for new horizons.
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Whether you’re sailing yourself on a charter yacht, or letting the crew do al the work, here are some of the route’s best locations and attractions.
Bodrum: The Birthplace of the Blue Voyage
Bodrum, one of the premier holiday destinations in Turkey (also known as Türkiye) offers endless blue landscapes and picturesque white houses. It is the birthplace of Turkey’s blue voyages, symbolising summer, the colour blue, and the classic Turkish gullet, a traditional wooden yacht that has plied these waters for eons.
Bodrum’s turquoise bays, luxury marinas, high-end shopping, vibrant night life, and Michelin-rated restaurants draw countless sailors and visitors each year. While you’re in town, explore Bodrum Castle and the Bodrum Underwater Archaeological Museum for a dive into history.
Datça and Marmaris: Routes Merging Green and Blue
The Datça Peninsula, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, boasts centuries-old olive and almond trees, magnificent bays, and historical treasures, while its stone mansions and cobbled streets preserve its past splendour.
From Datça, sail to Marmaris, a natural harbor city with stunning bays like Hisarönü Bay, Çiftlik Bay, Serçe Harbour, Bozukkale, and Sedir Island or explore ancient ruins at Physkas, Bybassas, Amos, and Kastabos.
Göcek to Fethiye: Turquoise Bays, Historical Discoveries
Muğla’s Göcek lures visitors with its sparkling bays. Sailing from Marmaris to Göcek, visit Dalyan, Ekincik, and the ancient city of Kaunos with its famous rock tombs. In addition to its sun worshippers, İztuzu Beach is a key breeding area for Caretta caretta sea turtles. Sailing from Göcek to Fethiye, explore Ölüdeniz, Kumburnu Bay, Gemiler Island, Kabak Bay, Kıdrak Bay, serene Knight Island, Kayaköy, and the verdant Butterfly Valley and if you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at paragliding at Babadağ or snorkelling the mesmerising blue waters of Cleopatra Bay (above).
Kaş-Kekova: Sailing the Turkish Riviera
The Turkish Rivera offers turquoise bays, hidden beauties, and fascinating archaeological sites as well as more than its fair share of luxurious resorts and world-class restaurants. From Antalya Kaleiçi to Kaş and Kekova, enjoy diving at Kaş, home to iconic Kaputaş Beach (above), one of the most photographed beaches in the world, and explore the Sunken City of Kekova.
You’ll also be able to relish the Mediterranean diet rich in olive oils, fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables at the many coastal restaurants.
Çeşme: A Natural Wonder in the Heart of the Aegean
A favourite playground of the Turks, İzmir, at the heart of the Aegean, combines country life with modern culture. Çeşme, its best blue cruise stop, features lovely bays and beaches like Boyalık Bay, Sakızlı Bay, and Aya Yorgi Bay. Here you’ll be able to explore the historical stone houses, windmills, and Aegean cuisine of Alaçatı, and the vineyards and field-to-table restaurants of Urla or even brave the winds at this popular windsurfing and kitesurfing spot.
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