10-Night Bodrum to Fethiye — The Full Turquoise Coast
Route Overview
The Route
Day 1 — Bodrum: Embarkation
Board at Bodrum Yat Club or D-Marin Milta. Bodrum's twin bays, the Crusader Castle of St Peter and the vibrant waterfront set the tone. Welcome dinner at Kosta restaurant, right on the marina.
Day 2 — Gökova Gulf: Cleopatra Island
Sail into the Gulf of Gökova — a long, narrow bay surrounded by pine-forested mountains. The famous Cleopatra Beach on Sedir Island has sand that (allegedly) was brought from Egypt by Mark Antony as a gift; the fine-grained white sand is geologically unique to this location.
Day 3 — Gökova: Inner Bay Anchorages
The inner Gulf of Gökova is one of the most spectacular sailing grounds in Turkey — dozens of hidden bays, no marinas, complete tranquility. Anchor at English Harbour (İngiliz Limanı) or Çiftlik Bay, with a backdrop of mountains rising to 2,000 metres.
Day 4 — Knidos (Ancient Cnidus)
The ancient Greek city of Knidos at the tip of the Datça Peninsula — a remarkably well-preserved site including two harbours, a theatre and the site of the famous statue of Aphrodite (the first life-size nude female sculpture in Greek art). An extraordinary place to anchor for the night.
Day 5 — Marmaris & Bozburun
Sail east to Marmaris for provisioning and fuel, then into the stunning Bozburun Peninsula — traditional wooden gulet-building, isolated bays and some of the clearest water in Turkey.
Day 6 — Göcek & 12 Islands
Arrive at Göcek and spend the afternoon exploring the 12 Islands — Yassıca, Kızılada, the Byzantine shipyard at Tersane. Overnight in Göcek with dinner ashore.
Day 7 — Ölüdeniz & Blue Lagoon
One of the most photographed spots in Turkey — the turquoise lagoon at Ölüdeniz, sheltered behind a sandy spit. The paragliders launching from 1,960m Babadag mountain above create a constant sky show. Anchor in the outer bay; entry into the inner lagoon is by dingy only.
Day 8 — Butterfly Valley & Gemiler Island
Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi) is accessible only by boat — a dramatic canyon full of endemic Jersey Tiger butterflies in season. Continue to Gemiler Island, covered in Byzantine church ruins and connected walkways. One of the most evocative historical sites on the Turkish coast.
Day 9 — Kaş & Kekova
Arrive at Kaş for a morning of diving or exploration, then continue to Kekova — the sunken Lycian city visible through the water, the rock-cut tombs of Simena castle above. An overnight anchorage at Üçağız under a sky full of stars.
Day 10 — Fethiye
Sail into Fethiye Bay — a large natural harbour surrounded by islands and the Taurus Mountains. The Rock Tombs carved into the cliff above the town, the Amyntas Temple (4th century BC) and the covered bazaar. Final dinner at Mozaik restaurant.
Day 11 — Disembarkation
Disembarkation at Fethiye or return to Dalaman Airport (1 hour). Alternatively, continue the itinerary south towards Rhodes and the Dodecanese.