Turkey

The only city in the entire world that is situated in both Asia and Europe, Istanbul balances the ancient and modern. Enjoy the famous Turkish breakfast, then sail along the shore. On a charter yacht you can rest feet, exhausted from sightseeing, drink Turkish tea, or eat a grilled-cheese sandwich while taking in some of the most stunning views in the world. There are so many reasons why visitors repeatedly return to visit Istanbul: the setting is exceptional, and from the Sea of Marmara you can admire Istanbul’s skyline a stunning mix of domes, minarets, mediaeval towers.

From the time when writers and artists were exiled there in the early twentieth century, the city of Bodrum, the ancient Halicarnassus, obtained a somewhat Bohemian reputation. Now Bodrum is renowned for its nightlife and its special atmosphere.

Since the sixties, Bodrum has attracted tourists owing to the efforts of the famous writer Cevat Şakir. Today it is very popular, in particular with the bourgeoisie of Istanbul and by foreign tourists. Bodrum is also the departure or arrival base for many sea cruises, yachts, superyachts, mega yachts and catamarans.

The castle of St. Peter, built by the knights of St. John, is home to the best underwater archaeological museum in the whole Mediterranean Sea. Most of the artefacts displayed come from shipwrecks dating from the Bronze Age.

Türkbükü is a coastal town in Muğla Province in southwestern Turkey, located on the Turkish Riviera on the opposite side of the Bodrum peninsula, facing the town of Bodrum. Türkbükü is known as the St Tropez of Turkey with its well protected harbour, surrounded by high hills supporting luxury hotels and holiday villas. Anchor in the harbour and dive or snorkel in the calm clear crystal waters, before the afternoon breeze sets in. In the evening, enjoy the nightlife in the various bars and restaurants where Turkey’s elite like to gather.

Located on the north-east tip of Bodrum’s peninsula, the desirable town of Yalikavak is considered one of the most elite in the area. Yalikavak’s cosy city centre, many beaches, magnificent bays and high class restaurants are sure to delight yacht, mega yacht and superyacht guests.  The beautiful modern Palmarina is the perfect place to anchor your yacht and explore the treasures this seaside town can offer.

Knidos was a Greek city in ancient Caria and part of the Dorian Hexapolis, in south-western Asia Minor. It was situated in the area now known as Gulf of Gökova. Above the ancient harbour, the solitary ruins of Knidos are scattered about the slopes. The nearby bays of Palamut and Kargi are adored by lovers of tranquility for its serene beaches  featuring crystal clear waters in an unspoiled coastline.

Knidos was built partly on the mainland and partly on the Island of Triopion or Cape Krio. Owing to the fact that in ancient times it was connected to the mainland by a causeway and bridge there is a longstanding debate as to whether it is a cape or an island. Today the connection is formed by a narrow sandy “isthmus” and the causeway results in the formation of two small harbours.

Fethiye used to be a small rural port and it is an ideal place if you like artisan markets and local stores. With its natural harbour dotted with islands and typical energetic Ottoman life, Fethiye fills you with cheer.

At the end of the 1950s it was razed to the ground by an earthquake, and apart from the Tomb of Aminta, the ruins of the Crusader fortification and the mosque, there is little to see. But it has a positive energy, which can be breathed in as you wander through the alleys of the historic centre. Fascinating Paspatur  with its many small shops and restaurants, offer the opportunity for a peaceful evening walk along the waterfront. You will find the atmosphere is not destroyed by mass tourism.

In the past most people in Fethiye worked in fishing, farming, and mining, but more recently many have decided to offer yacht charter tourism, building traditional boats and gulets, an industry that has grown year after year. Now, Fethiye is one of the most successful ports in the yacht charter world and the perfect winter home port for luxury yachts, mega yachts, gulets, sailing yachts and catamarans. Settled in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, its natural bays, protected anchorage, peaceful mooring places, boatyards and maintenance areas make it an ideal destination.

In Fethiye don’t miss the Tuesday local market, Lycian tombs carved into the rock, and the small square with flowers cascading from the windows in the historic centre.  If you want a little break from the coast, visit the hidden Valley of SakliKent National Park, one of the deepest canyons in the world with an ancient settlement. It is located just 30 Km away.

In the Gulf of Fethiye we can find Göcek, a natural harbour and a small town. It is only 22 Km from Dalaman International Airport, a location that is easy to reach. Sheltered by lush pine forests and the Taurus Mountains, its waters are home to countless hidden and sheltered islets and bays.  An absolutely perfect setting for a gullet, catamaran or yacht cruise, Göcek has a distinctive Turkish village atmosphere and boasts an abundance of fresh fish restaurants and is an environmentally protected area and major yachting centre. Göcek bay has a myriad of protected anchorages, coves , rocky quiet bays with crystal clear  water to explore, and the marina. Take time to savour the local delicacies provided by the restaurants in this charming village. There are enough small bays and anchorages with rustic tavernas to spend several days exploring this spectacular area.

Datça is a popular location with a pleasant harbour with adjacent shops and restaurants. Here you can discover the picturesque local market, savour fresh fish dishes and explore places of historical interest, testimony to the human presence over the centuries. Datca itself is a small but lively town with good shopping facilities and is famous for its carpet shops.

Near the city you will find enchanting coves with sandy beaches, where you can sunbathe in peace. Stepping out toward the sea you will be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of the Datça Peninsula, which you can explore by taking a walk through the fragrant pine forests, eucalyptus and almond trees.

Third-largest city of Turkey, Izmir is proudly liberal and deeply cultured. Rounded by an azure-blue bay, Izmir has been a central Aegean port since ancient times, when it was known as Smyrna and ruled by the Greeks. The city’s rich and fascinating heritage reflects the fact that it has been the home of Greeks, Armenians, Jews, Levantines and Turks over the centuries.

The International Arts Festival, held in June, has a rich and exciting program, and many dilapidated industrial buildings are becoming active once again, providing spaces to the community and artists.

Not to be missed: the clock tower designed by the French Levantine architect Raymond Charles Père, and the Museum of Masks which, hidden inside an old house overlooking a street full of bars, exhibits an interesting collection of ceremonial and decorative masks from all over the world.

It was here in 1798 that Britain’s Admiral Nelson organized his fleet to attack the French at Abukir, northern Egypt.

The translation of Marmaris is “shining” and she can be considered a microcosm of modern Turkey. The city is a labyrinth of bazaars, fine dining restaurants and chichi bars and clubs.

Initially a fishing village, in the Mugla Province of southwest Turkey, Marmaris is framed by rugged mountains with wild terrain and dense pine forests, it is also a paradise for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore on mountain bikes, quad bikes or horse ride through the countryside, and experience the scenery at a slower pace, with both easy and more challenging routes to choose from.

This famous town, that swells to over a quarter of a million people during Summer, has a reputation for being a cosmopolitan hub offering a great choice of shops and restaurants, many with an international flavour.

Marmaris boasts one of the most impressive natural harbours in the world, which is crowned by a castle and lined with wood-hulled yachts and the vessels of visiting sailors. Marmaris harbour is the home of the famous Marmaris Yacht Charter Show which takes place every May.

The coast around Marmaris is known for beautiful beaches, with Cleopatra Beach, being the most famous. The icing-sugar sand beach of Iclemer is an ideal spot for families and groups of friends, with its gentle slopes and shallow waters. For example, Ekincik Bay, located east of Marmaris, is beautifully surrounded by pine trees and spectacular sheer cliffs with the small village of Ekincik a short walk from the bay. From Ekincik Bay you can board a local river boat and be taken up the Dalyan river to the ancient city of Kaunos, passing the beach famous for its breeding turtles. In Dalyan village there are several restaurants by the river specialising in mullet and bass dishes, where in the evening after dinner, you may ask to be entertained by a belly dancer!

The Kekova region is host to some of the most beautiful ruins on the Turquoise Coast. Kekova is a paradise where nature unites with history and turquoise waters are adorned by countless coves and bays. Kekova includes the village of Ucagiz (formerly Theimussa), Kalekoy (Simena) with its famous fortress, and Kekova Island that stretches out to the ancient sunken city opposite Kalekoy.

Kekova is one of the favorite destinations for honeymooners with myriad bays and coves  where couples can choose their own place to enjoy the romance on a motoryacht, sailing yacht or catamaran in private.

Named after a small 4 Km square uninhabited island, the region is home to many Lycian settlements, some of which are now submerged in the crystal-clear waters. Kekova’s submerged Lycian city sank after an earthquake in the second century AD. See submerged ancient walls and ruins while on shore, sun-bleached rocks dip into the water towards the ruins of doorways.

We suggest anchorage in front of the small town of Kaleköy, and walking to the Byzantine castle for a spectacular view, passing by some of the many ancient sarcophagi of the Roman era. The Kekova region was declared a Specially Protected Area in 1990 to protect the geographic, cultural and natural richness of Kekova Island and surrounding coastline.

Kas is one of the best locations in Turkey where natural beauty remains unspoiled. Its crystal clear waters and its pure beautiful underwater treasures are fascinating. The bays around Kas are unusually captivating with their bright blue sea. Kas is an unrivalled place to holiday, and is popular among sea, yacht and mega yacht lovers.

For those in search of the perfect vacation, Kaş is the place to visit.

The most popular activities are trekking, mountaineering, rafting, as well as deep-sea diving. Known as Turkey’s hub for “underwater exploits”, there is excellent shipwreck diving to be found just offshore. Alternatively, bring out the yacht’s seabob or seadoo and enjoy a marine adventure in these waters.

You can also choose to go for a hike around the 6 Km long Çukurbağ Peninsula where you will find the ancient theatre and several Lycian tombs built into the mountain, offering a unique spectacle at night when they are illuminated.

There are 6 caves well worth visiting near Kas, such as the Blue Cave and the Pigeons Cave.

The Kas Marina is a fully equipped harbour for those who like to explore different routes along the Aegean and Mediterranean. With its marina services and a variety of businesses, it is one of the best ports in Turkey. There are many rich and famous visitors to Kas and it is known as one of the favourite stops for mega yachts and superyachts. Here where the sun shines 300 days a year, guests can enjoy souvenir shopping, a vibrant nightlife and Kas’s fresh fish restaurants.

Averaging 300 days of sunshine a year, Kalkan a small fishing area, is located near the western borders of Antalya. Most of the visitors favour Kalkan for its beautiful landscape and the healthy fresh air without humidity.

The historic town of Kalkan is an enchanting place and one of the most beautiful locations of the Lycian Coast in Turkey. Famous for its white-washed houses descending towards the sea and brightly coloured bougainvillea, Kalkan remains an unspoiled and charming paradise of lush nature, bright blue and crystal-clear water, historic architecture, ancient history and warm traditional Turkish hospitality.

A must-see is the famous Kaputas beach with its white sand and turquoise waters, the blue cave and 18 Km long Patara beach. From here, modern-day pirates used to load ships with stolen archaeological remains for sale to museums: the most prestigious pieces of Lycian art.