Marmaris - Göcek - Marmaris

We will start our journey in Marmaris, an important tourist destination located in southwestern Turkey in the province of Mugla. The city has two important marinas and other smaller marinas making it one of the most solicited Turkish cities in terms of catamaran, gulet, yacht and sailing boat charters. Only a few decades ago, Marmaris was just a small fishing village but today it is an important centre of leisure that incites visitors to take a stroll along its seaside promenade brimming with bars and restaurants. If you prefer, you can enjoy all that the Turkish nightlife has to offer by having a drink on a terrace or watching a belly dance or Turkish folk dance show. Near the port there is also a covered bazaar which is worth visiting if we feel like doing some shopping.

 

The name means Bay of Sand and it suits it right as it has the longest stretches of beach on the peninsula. Even in the height of summer you will always find a lot of empty space on the beach. The inviting turquoise waters are clean and clear thus owing up to the name of these coasts. If we’ve chosen to charter a gulet with crew, we can enjoy a nice meal prepared by “our” chef. Don’t forget that Turkish cuisine just like Chinese and French is among the most important in the world!

This area is considered to be one of the most beautiful sections of the Turkish coast. Even though we’ve been cruising in a sailing boat or other type of boat for three days, the crystalline waters and lush forests covered in pine and olive trees will never cease to amaze us. This is beauty at its max!

Located only 12 kilometres from the airport of Dalaman, Sarsala Cove is today one of the most popular stops for yacht charters cruising the Mediterranean coasts of Turkey, known as the Blue Cruise. In keeping with the trend of the cruise, we will find clean and inviting waters perfect for a calm swim or practicing water sports such as surfing, scuba diving or water skiing. Tip: Don’t miss out on walking to the top of the cove where you will enjoy a wonderful panoramic view.

After four days of peace and quiet discovering the coast of Turkey in a catamaran or cruising in a gulet, we will most certainly enjoy a walk through the lively streets of Göcek, located on the north end of the Gulf of Fethiye and only 30 kilometres from the airport of Dalaman. According to legend, Göcek is where Icarus fell into the sea after he took to his famous flight as an attempt to escape from the tower where he was locked up. In times past, Göcek was just a small fishing village, but today it is a modern marina with excellent restaurants and bars where we can savour some typical Turkish dishes or have an afternoon tea served with cakes or cookies which are sure to delight the palate of any lover of good food.

On the way back, we will anchor in Ekencik, a popular spot for all boats cruising from Marmaris to Gocek or Fethiye. Nearby is the mouth of the Dalyan River, a natural channel that links the sea to Lake Köycegiz. You can rent a boat and go upriver to visit the ruins of Caunos which include the important Lycian rock tombs, the ancient theatre and other prehistoric remains.

After seven idyllic days of cruising in a gulet or travelling in a yacht between caves and bays and enjoying nature, we will dock again in Marmaris. This city offers luxury hotel resorts, beautiful beaches, places of relaxation and many things to see such as the Medieval fort or the nearby Asartepe Hill. However, this seven day experience will most certainly leave you wanting more!