From
Bodrum to Marmaris
The undisputed hot-spot of the Aegean Coast, Bodrum is a
swinging, singing, dancing town and its bohemian atmosphere
gathers together Turkey's artists, intellectuals and lovers
of the good life.
An impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes
guards the entrance to Bodrum's dazzling blue bay, in which
the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas meet. The Castle of
St Peter (Bodrum Castle) now houses the Museum of Underwater
Archaeology.
Shopping here is a delight for souvenirs hunters, and the
Bodrum Turban Marina is one best-equipped in the region.
One of the best anchorages is the scenic Akbuk, hidden behind
a forested hill. Sedir Island (ancient Cedrai) boasts an
incredible beach with fine sand scattered with fossils,
and great views of the Kiran Mountains across the bay.
The town of Datca has become a popular stopover for yachts,
and offers many seafood restaurants, pubs and discos.
In the Gulf of Hisaronu is the peaceful Kecibuku Bay. The
mountains and forests surrounding the Korfez Marina has
a rich natural beauty, and the long Kizilkumu has a natural
sand formation. After the Gulf of Hisaronu, the town of
Bozburun is hidden away in its own exclusive inlet, and
famous as one of the gulette-building centres in Turkey.
Kumlubuk, a turquoise paradise, lies on the southern side
of the bay, and above the water on the northern side is
the Rhodian city of Amos. The natural harbour at Turunc
opens out into a wide expanse of spectacular blue water,
and Marmaris is next port.
From
Marmaris to Fethiye
Marmaris Bay resembles a calm lake and offers ideal mooring
for yachts. The Marmaris Netsel Marina, one of the largest
and best-equipped in Turkey, and the Marmaris Albatros Marina,
one of the best for wintering and maintaining yachts, make
Marmaris an excellent starting point for the Blue Voyage
tour of the Aegean Coast.
Delikli Island lies right off the coast, southeast of Ekincik.
Dalyan Delta, has a long, golden, sandy beach at its mouth
and is a nature conservation area and a refuge for sea turtles
(caretta caretta) and blue crabs. At a bend in the river,
high on the cliff-face above the fascinating ancient
harbour-city
of Caunos, magnificent tombs were carved into the rocks.
Sailing southeast from Delikli Island, the next destination
is Sarigerme.
The Gulf of Gocek is one of the Mediterranean's best sailing
spots. Dotted with islands and indented with many coves,
its land and seascapes are irresistible. The ruins of Arymaxa,
an ancient city at the southern tip of the gulf, lie at
the edge of the azure waters. Opposite on Tersane Island
stand Byzantine ruins, including those of the ancient shipyards.
From Fethiye to Kas
The resort town of Fethiye has an important marina and overlooks
a beautiful bay strewn with islands, and has great historical
interest with Lycian rock tombs cut into the cliff face,
reproducing the facades of ancient buildings. Belcegiz Bay
and Oludeniz are interesting to explore, where the calm,
crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming, diving and
other water sports. On Gemiler Island, Byzantine ruins lie
tucked among the pines.
From Kas to Antalya
An
ancient theatre on the long Kas Peninsula is within walking
distance of the town. The island of Kekova is a one hour
sail from Dalyanagzi (ancient Andriace), and there are many
more picturesque islands with numerous bays and ancient
cities. These bays provide natural harbours throughout the
year. Along the northern shore of Kekova Island, at Apollonia,
earthquakes once disturbed the land causing some of the
ancient houses to sink under the clear water and creating
a sunken city.
Demre (Kale) is the site of ancient Myra, 25 km west of
Finike, with many interesting carved rock tombs overlooking
the magnificent Roman theatre. St Nicholas (better known
around the world as Santa Claus) was the bishop of this
Mediterranean city during the 4th century and died here.
Slipping
around the Kirlangic Peninsula into the Gulf of Antalya,
the first sight is the ancient city of Olimpos, on the southern
side of Mt. Tahtali. Oleander and laurel bushes shade the
Olimpos Valley, which can be approached by land and sea.
The fully equipped Park Kemer Marina has facilities for
all activities and you can enjoy the unspoiled bays and
beaches south of the town.
Today Antalya’s palm-lined boulevards, beautiful parks,
historical buildings, monuments, museums and the picturesque
old quarter of Kaleici, (with the Kaleici Turban Marina)
blend together to create the ideal holiday atmosphere. The
Antalya Marina and Leisure Centre, which has won several
awards, is considered one of most beautiful marinas in Turkey.
Setur Antalya Marina is quieter, but either makes a suitable
break from a voyage around the Turquoise Coast.
Please
explore our suggested itineraries above to read more about
major spots from Bodrum to Antalya with details and pictures...