Why Turkey?
The best kept secret of yachting
Turkey is one of the best-kept secrets in sailing — and the secret is getting out fast. The Turkish Aegean and Mediterranean coastline stretches over 8,000 kilometers, dotted with ancient ruins, hidden coves, and crystal-clear turquoise water that rivals anything in the Caribbean.
The sailing conditions are ideal: steady Meltemi winds in summer, warm temperatures from May through October, and short passages between anchorages that mean you're never far from your next discovery. One day you're anchored in a deserted bay with nothing but pine trees and goats for company, the next you're stern-to at a waterfront restaurant eating the freshest grilled fish of your life.
The history is everywhere. You can anchor in the shadow of a 2,000-year-old Lycian tomb, swim through ancient ruins barely visible under the surface, and walk the same harbors that Greek and Roman sailors used centuries ago.
Then there's the food. Turkish coastal cuisine — fresh meze, grilled octopus, gözleme, cold Efes at sunset — is reason enough to book the trip.
It's affordable, stunningly beautiful, culturally rich, and still uncrowded compared to Croatia or Greece. If Turkey isn't on your sailing bucket list yet, it should be at the top.
Sunset in Bozburun
7 Day Sample Itinerary
Board in marmaris, Turkey
Day 1 — Marmaris to Selimiye (~20nm)Depart late morning, head southwest into the Gulf of Hisarönü. Selimiye is a quiet traditional village with a calm anchorage and good waterfront restaurants. Easy first day.
Day 2 — Selimiye to Bozburun (~8nm)Short sail to one of the most authentic villages on the coast. No cruise ships — just handbuilt gulets, fresh fish, and old men drinking tea on the quay. Tie up at the town dock or anchor in the bay.
Day 3 — Bozburun to Keçi Bükü (~12nm)Explore the tip of the peninsula and anchor at Keçi Bükü (Orhaniye) — famous for a shallow sandbar you can walk across at low tide. Protected, calm overnight anchorage.
Day 4 — Keçi Bükü to Datça (~22nm)Cross the Gulf of Hisarönü to Datça town. Good provisioning, lively harbor, and the charming old town of Eski Datça a short taxi ride inland.
Day 5 — Datça to Knidos (~20nm)Sail to the tip of the peninsula where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. Ancient Greek and Roman ruins sit right at the water's edge, walkable from the anchorage. Often a fast, windy sail out to the cape.
Day 6 — Knidos to Palamutbükü (~25nm)Begin heading east. Palamutbükü is a pine-backed bay with crystal water and a few simple beach restaurants. Last proper night at anchor.
Day 7 — Return to Marmaris (~25nm)Morning sail back. Return the boat by early afternoon, then cold Efes and mezze to close out the week.