Turkish Riviera

Turkey's Aegean and Mediterranean coastline — the Turkish Riviera — is one of the great undiscovered charter destinations of the Mediterranean. Ancient Lycian ruins rising from pine-forested cliffs, turquoise bays so clear you can see the anchor thirty metres below, hamams and bazaars, exceptional food — and prices that make the Western Med look extravagant. Turkey offers extraordinary value without sacrificing beauty or culture.

Why Charter Here

• Some of the most beautiful turquoise bays in the entire Mediterranean
• Extraordinary history — Ephesus, Lycian rock tombs, ancient Greek and Roman ruins at every anchorage
• Outstanding value — significantly more affordable than French Riviera or Balearics
• Exceptional Turkish cuisine — mezze, grilled fish, local olive oil and wine
• Less crowded than Western Med with more remote anchorages available
• The Göcek and Bozburun peninsulas offer world-class protected sailing
• Bodrum — the St Tropez of Turkey, with a vibrant nightlife and iconic castle

Key Facts

• Best season: May – October
• High season: July – August
• Typical APA: 25–30% of charter fee
• Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY) — most marinas accept EUR
• Language: Turkish

Key Ports & Anchorages

• Bodrum — The most cosmopolitan town on the Turkish Riviera. The Crusader Castle of St Peter dominates the twin harbours. Excellent restaurants, bars, and a vibrant scene. The base for most western Turkish charters.
• Göcek — Small, elegant town surrounded by twelve protected islands. World-class marinas, excellent provisioning, and the gateway to the most beautiful anchorages on the Turkish coast.
• Olu Deniz — The famous Blue Lagoon — a natural sheltered bay with a beach spit and extraordinary turquoise water. One of the most photographed spots in Turkey.
• Kekova — Sunken Lycian city — ancient ruins visible through the clear water below your keel. A truly unique and atmospheric anchorage. No swimming allowed over the ruins — snorkelling by tender only.
• Marmaris — Large, well-equipped marina town with good provisioning and easy access to the beautiful Bozburun peninsula with its secluded bays.
• Dalyan — Inland river town with remarkable Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliff face and the famous Iztuzu turtle nesting beach.

Local Highlights

• Snorkelling over the sunken city of Kekova — an ancient world beneath your feet
• Sunset in Göcek Bay with the pine-forested islands silhouetted against the sky
• Traditional Turkish breakfast on deck — olives, white cheese, honey, tomatoes, fresh bread
• A hammam (Turkish bath) in Bodrum or Marmaris
• Local Aegean wine — Turkish viticulture is excellent and largely undiscovered internationally
• Fresh sea bass (levrek) and sea bream (çipura) grilled over charcoal at a harbourside restaurant

Practical Tips

Foreign-flagged vessels require a Transit Log (Transit Log) obtained from the first Turkish port of entry. Turkey is not an EU member — customs clearance required on arrival. Göcek, Bodrum, and Marmaris all have excellent provisioning and technical support. Note that some protected areas (particularly around Kekova) have restricted anchoring — always use the mooring buoys provided. Turkish marinas are modern, well-run, and very competitively priced compared to the Western Mediterranean.