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Exploring Turkey
If you’re interested in an East Mediterranean yacht charter, few places can match the diverse and beautiful coastlines of Turkey.
When you yacht charter Turkey, you can enjoy the benefits of quick, easy travel between beautiful locations and marinas as you please. Building an itinerary for Turkey is an exciting opportunity to include spots based on your interests, but there are some key cities and towns you won’t want to miss.
To help you see the best of Turkey on your yacht charter, we’ve listed some must-see places below:
Places to visit
Bodrum
One of the main cities on the Turkish coast is Bodrum. A popular starting point for a Turkey yacht charter, offering luxurious marinas, an energetic atmosphere and fantastic nightlife.
You can enjoy yachting hotspots like Yalıkavak Marina, famed for being the ‘best superyacht marina’. It has exceptional facilities like gyms, spas and pools. There are also world-famous and Michelin-starred restaurants here to enjoy, such as Maçakızı Restaurant, Zuma, Novikov and Bagatelle.
Designer boutiques, fashion events and art installations can be enjoyed around the city, all set against a backdrop of beautiful hills and beaches. The artistic nature of Bodrum sets it apart, with galleries and festivals frequently showcasing local and international exhibits, folk dances and celebrations of everything from ballet to jazz.
The nightlife in Bodrum is also legendary, with a wide range of bars and clubs, said to rival any European city. You can easily relax in a cocktail lounge, enjoy live music at a beachfront bar, or dance all night long in clubs. With unique spots, like rooftop parties, karaoke and jazz bars, there is always something new to experience.
Bodrum is also a fascinating place to explore if you enjoy history. You can visit the 15th-century fortress of Bodrum Castle, which overlooks the central marina and greets you with its dramatic, rugged grandeur. Inside, you can find the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which showcases artefacts from historical shipwrecks and finds from across the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
Across the marina, you can also view the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. This ancient mausoleum was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, due to its impressive architecture. Today, you can visit the site, see its remains and experience the vision of this famous landmark.
If you’re keen to see more historical sights and enjoy stepping in the footsteps of the ancients, you might want to extend your trip to yacht charter Greece. With incredible islands steeped in history, and just a short sail across the Aegean Sea, Greece shares cultural influences with Turkey, but offers even more exceptional ruins and mythical areas to discover.
Göcek
For a natural, tranquil setting, head to the southwest Turkish coast and enjoy the stunning coastal town of Göcek. Considered one of the best yachting destinations in the East Mediterranean, you’ll find luxury marinas here, like D-Marin Göcek and Skopea Marina.
Surrounded by an archipelago known as the ‘Twelve Islands’, you can sail between private beaches, enjoying hidden bays and lush greenery. Travelling in this area means swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing are possible at any moment.
Amongst this idyllic setting, you can find intriguing sites like Byzantine ruins at Tersane Island, or the legendary Sunken Bath – a submerged Roman bath ruins said to have been visited by Cleopatra herself (also known as Cleopatra’s Baths).
You can also enjoy hiking the Lycian Way Trail, finding ancient ruins, or discovering nature parks and spotting wildlife like loggerhead turtles and seals in protected bays.
Göcek is praised for being a peaceful town, with stunning scenery and natural elements, whilst also offering some of the best marina facilities in Turkey.
If you enjoy natural, wild beauty, you should consider a yacht charter in Montenegro. Here you can explore multiple national parks, with everything from rugged mountains, dense forests, glacial lakes and rare wildlife. It’s ideal for quiet retreats or adventurous activities.
Fethiye
For those seeking a traditional Turkish experience, a short sail from Göcek is the vibrant city of Fethiye. Here you can enjoy a blend of incredible natural scenery with historical sights and authentic local culture.
If you’re looking for more than just sun and sea, Fethiye offers ‘variety’ in bucketfuls. For outdoor lovers, there are world-famous spots to visit, like the Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon). This protected reserve is perfect for water sports like snorkelling and paddleboarding, in its enticing turquoise waters. It’s also a popular paragliding spot from the nearby Mount Babadağ.
Travel to Butterfly Valley and experience the canyon, with waterfalls, rich plantlife and of course, its rare variety of butterflies! There are many opportunities around Fethiye to enjoy hiking trails or visit historical sites.
The Lycian Rock Tombs, carved into the cliffs, or the Roman ruins with an amphitheatre and local museum, offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich past of the area.
In addition to beautiful surroundings and unique experiences, Fethiye also has a vibrant local culture. Visit some of its many bustling markets, sample delicious foods in harbour restaurants or absorb the atmosphere of its traditional bazaars.
If you enjoy outdoor adventures in inspiring surroundings, you would love a yacht charter in Croatia. With eight national parks, adventure and wildlife are just waiting to be found. Speak to our team at Princess Charter to find out more.
Antalya
If you’re looking for more energy and entertainment, you can sail to the large coastal city of Antalya. This is the spot for upscale restaurants and buzzing beach clubs, with a stunning natural backdrop and historic heart.
You can enjoy a range of pastimes here, whether you enjoy exciting nightlife, relaxing beaches, fine dining and shopping, or cultural arts and historical sights.
One of Antalya’s key features is the Old Town (Kaleiçi), with its cobbled streets, boutiques, cafes and Ottoman-era mansions. Here you can also enjoy the old harbour, Kaleiçi Marina, with galleries and shops. This area is a wonderful mix of lively activity, set among historical structures.
The scenic marinas, such as Antalya Marina (Yat Limanı), offer waterfront bars and restaurants, while luxury spa resorts offer top-class wellness treatments. You can also escape to beautiful sandy beaches, like Konyaaltı and Lara Beach.
Visit important sites, like Hadrian’s Gate, 2nd-century Roman-era gates and ancient walls that still stand in Antalya’s Old Town. Take a tour of the many other ruins around the city to see some of the world’s best-preserved structures, or explore the Antalya Archaeological Museum, where you can view artefacts from over 5,000 years ago.
Culture, History and Art
With such a large stretch of coastline, Turkey has some incredible places you can easily reach on a yacht charter. To help you plan the sights and activities for your trip, we’ve listed some of the best things to see and do on your Turkey yacht charter below.
History
If you’re interested in gaining an insight into the historical parts of Turkey, then you may enjoy these fascinating features.
Ancient ruins
All along the coast of Turkey, there are ruins and structures (above and below the sea) that have inspired visitors for centuries. These span the Greek, Roman, Lycian and Byzantine eras.
Some of the top places to see include:
Ephesus (Efes), near Selçuk
This ancient city, and UNESCO World Heritage site, was once a great Greek, then Roman, site, with over 200,000 inhabitants. Today, you can see the ruins, with some reconstructions, of iconic structures like the ancient Library of Celsus with its ornate marble and statues; the Great Theatre, a vast Roman arena for plays and gladiator shows; and many more!
Visit here to step back in time, walk through ancient streets, visit the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), or wander the many temples, baths and museums to see fascinating artefacts.
Knidos, near Datça
The ancient Greek city of Knidos is home to extensive ruins, including the Temple of Aphrodite, a grand seaside theatre, marble statues and walls that mark the city’s landscape. You can arrive directly in the ancient harbour at Knidos by yacht, and experience the approach that sailors have taken for millennia.
Kekova Island (“Sunken City”)
Visit the northern shore of Kekova Island to glimpse the “Sunken City”, a partially submerged settlement from the Lycian-Roman period. After a series of earthquakes, the city was left underwater, and today you can spot houses, staircases and roads through the clear waters. This mysterious site is a popular place to witness history in situ, frozen in time.
Turkey is scattered with incredible remains of the past, and there are numerous stops you can take on a yacht charter. Speak with your Princess Charter team member about including more of these amazing places on your itinerary.
Old Towns
Experience history as part of today’s world, with a visit to some of the best preserved ‘Old Town’ areas of places around Turkey’s coast. You’ll find houses, churches and structures from across the centuries as well as local traditions that still live on.
For example, Kaleiçi in Antalya is home to Ottoman-era mansions, Roman gates and ancient city walls. In Bodrum Old Town, you can visit the castle and explore the narrow alleyways winding their way to the harbour.
Old Towns offer a connection between the past and the present, often home to local markets and bazaars serving cuisine and goods in the same ways as generations before them.
Museums
There are some brilliant museums to visit, which showcase artefacts from across Turkey. The Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Bodrum is great for maritime history, with shipwrecks and treasures on display. Antalya’s Archaeological Museum also hosts a fascinating collection of artefacts from many of the region’s ancient cities, like Roman statues, mosaics and tombs.
Ancient walking trails
You can also enjoy the history of Turkey while exploring its hiking trails. The Lycian Way and Carian Trail are legendary trade routes, great for walking enthusiasts due to the coastal views and lush forests, but they’re also scattered with ancient relics, remote ruins and old villages.
Traditional baths
When in Turkey, why not take the opportunity to try the country’s oldest tradition and visit a bathhouse? A Turkish bath (or hammam) stems from the ancient Roman and Byzantine era, when bathhouses were part of the daily routine, to maintain health and wellbeing.
Today, you can enjoy an authentic experience in hammams across the coast. Some of the highest rated locations include:
Tarihi Fethiye Hamam (The Old Turkish Bath), Fethiye
A historic, 16th-century bathhouse in the Old Town of Fethiye (Paspatur). Its Moorish architecture transports you back in time, with traditional domes, arches and brass. Enjoy a full treatment including steam, scrub, and an olive oil soap foam massage.
Balbey Hamam, Antalya
One of the oldest surviving Ottoman-era bathhouses, this hammam offers marble features, domes and an authentic atmosphere. Rituals you can enjoy include slow steaming, exfoliation and foam massage.
Events and Festivals
Fethiye Market
One of the largest you will find on the coast, with a mix of local produce, leather, jewellery, street food and much more.
Kaş Market
For a more laid-back, smaller affair, the Kaş market offers a slightly quieter experience with goods from handmade silver jewellery to woven textiles.
Local bazaars
Turkey’s lively bazaars are world famous. Their vibrant, bustling atmosphere is a cultural experience you simply cannot miss. These bazaars offer everything from textiles, spices, and produce to handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Some of the great bazaars you can visit on a Turkey yacht charter include:
Bodrum Old Town Bazaar
You can visit this bazaar located by the marina. While it offers traditional goods, it also includes high-end shops and rare artistic pieces.
Antalya Old Bazaar (Kaleiçi)
Set in the historic centre of Antalya, this traditional bazaar presents carpets, antiques and copperware among its treasures.
Beaches and Coastline
If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors, swimming in the sea or trying new sports, there are many opportunities along the Turkish coast. Some key spots to visit include:
Blue Lagoon, Ölüdeniz
This impressive lagoon, near Fethiye, is iconic. Its vibrant blue waters and sheltered, crescent shape offer visitors a luxury environment to enjoy swimming, kayaking and relaxing on the nearby beaches. The area is protected and is known for its marine life, peaceful atmosphere, and paragliding.
Hamam Bay (Cleopatra’s Bath)
For a sense of romantic intrigue, take a trip to Hamam Bay, near Fethiye, to visit “Cleopatra’s Bath”. This site is a beautiful bay for a yacht anchor, with tranquil blue waters perfect for swimming. What makes this place extra special, though, is the legend attached to the partially submerged ancient ruins located near the bay.
The ruins are said to be ancient Roman baths, once used by the visiting Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. Some tales suggest they were built especially for her, and that the waters here are therapeutic. Whether either is true, this is still a spectacular place to swim, snorkel or hike the nearby forests and let your imagination run free.
The Göcek Gulf and the Gulf of Fethiye
For any yacht trip in Turkey, the Göcek Gulf is a must! This protected area is a Special Environment Protected Region (SEPA) due to its natural beauty and ecological significance.
By yacht, you can explore the countless coves and bays here, with many secluded spots to enjoy. The waters are crystal clear and you can enjoy a truly private experience, whether you wish to picnic, swim, snorkel or dive.
The nearby Gulf of Fethiye also offers the popular ‘Twelve Islands’, with incredible scenery and more spots to explore.
Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi)
This protected nature reserve is set in a vast natural canyon near Ölüdeniz and Fethiye. Here you’ll find a deep blue bay, surrounded by steep, enclosing cliffs, giving the area a secluded, yet magical atmosphere. As it’s only accessible by boat, you can take advantage of this unique area on your yacht charter.
The valley is rich in biodiversity and gets its name from the many species of butterflies that can be found here (nearly 100 in total!). For the adventurers, there are hiking trails in the nearby hills and opportunities to explore this unspoiled environment.
Beach Clubs
Bodrum is home to many of the top beach clubs, including Macakizi and The Bodrum Edition. They offer sunbeds, world-class restaurants and DJ sets, all with a sophisticated atmosphere – perfectly paired with cocktails.
Outside of Bodrum, you’ll find plenty more nightlife. In Antalya, for example, the Kalypso Beach Club is popular for its fire-dance shows and incredible menus. Alternatively, head over to Göcek for the Yazz Collective. While this exclusive, eco-retreat offers a luxury escape among beautiful, untouched nature, its weekend nightlife brings lively international DJ sets and a relaxed scene.
Cuisine and Nightlife
One of Turkey’s standout features, and greatest draws for travellers, is its exquisite food. If you love exploring new regions with your taste buds, there are many delicious stops you must make on your yacht charter in Turkey. Here are some of the delights you can expect.
Nightlife
All along Turkey’s coast, legendary clubs and bars offer a range of exciting nightlife. In the city of Bodrum, you’ll find one of the best party scenes in the Eastern Mediterranean. Some key spots to enjoy include:
Bar Street (Cumhuriyet Street)
A mile-long stretch of beachfront bars and clubs with a variety of entertainment. Stop here for her Halikarnas Night Club, Kule Rock City Bar, and Reef Beach Bar.
Gümbet Bar Street
High energy club scene, with karaoke bars and dancefloors. Drop in to Club Posh or Club Mood.
Cuisine
With a wonderful fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, Turkish food offers a great assortment of traditional and local dishes. You can sample:
Meze
Small, hot and cold appetisers that typically come in a platter and can include cacık (yoghurt with cucumber and garlic), patlıcan salatası (eggplant salad), hummus, and acılı ezme (spicy tomato and pepper paste).
Fresh seafood
While travelling the coast, you can enjoy fresh seafood like levrek (sea bass), kılıç (swordfish), and barbunya (red mullet). Grilled octopus and calamari are also local specialities.
Kebabs
The Turkish kebab is legendary (and far from the late-night street food you find at home!). These rich, savoury kebabs come in many varieties, like the Adana kebab, a spicy minced meat kebab cooked on a skewer, or a Testi kebab, a stew cooked in a sealed clay pot.
Desserts
When it’s time for something sweet, enjoy the classic Turkish dessert like Baklava, with its flaky pastry layers and honey syrup, or lokma, a fried dough soaked in syrup.
Restaurants
Some of the highest-rated restaurants along the coast include:
Scorpios, Maçakızı, and Orfoz Restaurant – Bodrum
Göbün Restaurant, Adaia Restaurant and Blues Café & Restaurant – Göcek
Lukka Restaurant, Vati Ocakbaşı – Kaş
Vineyard and wine tasting tours
For the wine connoisseurs, there is a rich history of production across the Turkish coast, with vineyards across the region, such as the Bodrum Peninsula and Antalya Wine Country. Tours and tastings can be enjoyed as part of your Turkey yacht charter.
Some highly rated tours include:
Karnas Vineyards (Bodrum)
An award-winning vineyard, producing Turkey’s first Zinfandel. Here you taste organic wines, sample local produce and enjoy ancient surroundings, in the Karia lands.
Likya Winery & Üzümlü Village (near Kalkan/Fethiye)
Visit here to taste award-winning indigenous Turkish grape varietals and tour the rustic, yet scenic vineyard.
Dalyan Wine Tasting Boat Trip (Dalyan/Köyceğiz Lake)
This unique tour offers a different way to experience Turkish wine tasting on a double-decked boat. Enjoy wines, gourmet food and a magical setting on this floating tour.
Plan your trip
Before any trip, there are some key bits of information to know about your destination so you can make the most of your time away. To help you plan the perfect Turkey yacht charter, we’ve outlined some of the essential travel details below.
Best season to visit
The best season to yacht charter Turkey is between May and October, when the sailing conditions are optimal.
Ideal travel months would be May, June, September, and October. Temperatures are between 23 and 28°C, creating pleasant sea conditions for sailing and swimming. This is also a less busy period, meaning fewer crowds in tourist areas.
Peak visiting times are between July and August, when temperatures reach highs of 32 to 38°C. These are the busiest months, and you are likely to experience more crowds and fuller beaches. However, this is ideal for those seeking lively nightlife.
Currency
The official currency is the Turkish Lira (₺, TRY or TL)
Languages
Turkish is the main language of the country. However, English is widely spoken in most major tourist areas, such as marinas and restaurants.
FAQ
What do I need to know before booking a Turkey yacht charter?
It’s good to know some details, like when you want to travel and who will join you. For everything else, our yacht charter team can help! We can plan a fully bespoke itinerary, select the perfect yacht and crew your charter. We’re also available 24/7 to help with any special requests.
How do I secure my booking for a yacht charter in Turkey?
All you have to do is get in touch with our friendly team at Princess Charter, and we’ll start planning every detail. You contact us through our enquiry form, give us a call on +44 (0) 1489 557 755 or email info@princessyachtcharter.com.
How do I find the right yacht for a Turkey yacht charter?
With all your travel details in hand, our team will select the perfect yacht from our luxury collection. We’ll ensure it’s large enough for your party, the length of your travel and has any other accommodations you need.
Why choose Princess Yacht Charter for my charter?
With over 50 years of experience, Princess Charter knows yachts! And we understand what makes a standard trip into an extraordinary one. That’s why our yachts are always the highest standard, offering supreme comfort and privacy. Our crews are highly experienced, and our teams are on hand to support our travellers throughout their journey with us. We believe every charter should be as unique and memorable as the beautiful places you visit.