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 to read more about major
spots from Bodrum to Antalya with details and pictures...