Turkey

Bodrum

Situated on the balmy Aegean coast of Turkey, Bodrum is a popular destination for a yachting holiday and considered the Turkish home of sailing. This area boasts a diverse range of landscapes to explore, from traditional villages to bustling night clubs to sheltered bays that sparkle with phosphorescence at night.

The Bodrum Peninsula juts out into the Aegean Sea and is surrounded by the islands of Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Kos. The town itself is on the south coast of the peninsula, at the entrance to the Gulf of Gökova. As such, it is an ideal destination from which to charter a yacht and explore the surrounding waters. Bodrum is a town steeped in historical interest. Home to the Mausoleum of Halikarnassus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), a medieval castle, and an underwater museum, it’s well worth docking at one of the town’s many marinas and exploring the sights.

Bodrum is also famous for its nightlife. In the eastern half of the town, a strip of open-fronted bars run along the beach alongside some enormous night clubs where dancing continues well into the small hours. Meanwhile, in the more sedate west, nightlife revolves around the marinas and yacht club.

Plenty marinas and good sailing conditions

From a Bodrum yacht charter, sailing opportunities abound. The area is resplendent with small bays and the waters are crystal clear with plentiful anchorages. As you follow the coastline of the Bodrum Peninsula, you will discover a series of relaxing beaches and interesting local villages. Amenities for yachters are plentiful, with a number of full marinas around the coast, and conditions for sailing are generally good. However, in summer sailors should remain aware of the Meltemi Winds, which can reach F6 or 7 as they whip round the headland, creating gusts on the lee side. On the coast of the peninsula, the village of Gümüşlük offers a peaceful alternative to the hustle of Bodrum. Built on the ruins of an ancient city, it’s protected from development and gives a window into how life in Turkey used to be and has a well-sheltered anchorage for boats. Meanwhile, Aspat Cove is particularly popular with yachters as it is sheltered from the north-west winds that make sailing in this area a challenge. In fact, the cove is famous for having provided a refuge for pirates in days gone by.

Numerous inlets and islands with many attractions

In the other direction, the Gulf of Gökova enjoys excellent sailing conditions. On the north coast, there are few attractions, but opportunities for docking exist around every ten nautical miles, often with a restaurant attached. The south coast has much more to see, with numerous inlets and islands, and anchorages here are plentiful. One such island, Cleopatra Island or Sedir Adasi, lies 38 nautical miles from Bodrum and is well worth a visit. The island is scattered with Roman ruins, including an impressive amphitheater, and the beaches are made of smooth white sand that, according to legend, was imported specially from Egypt for Anthony and Cleopatra’s honeymoon.

Climate & Weather in Bodrum

Bodrum enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The best sailing season in this region is between April and October, with hot summer days and average highs of up to 34º in July and August. However, even in the coldest months average highs are around 15º. The winds here blow from the north and north-west and reach around 11–16 knots. During the hotter months, these powerful winds can provide a welcome relief from the baking sun.

Marmaris

Marmaris is a lively tourist city that delivers striking contrast to the remarkably undeveloped Carian Coast to which it provides access. Leave the hustle and bustle of Marmaris' bars, beaches and markets behind as you sail the idyllic Carian Coast it's with serene swimming spots, authentic quayside restaurants, lovely sailing breezes, and as always, numerous heritage sites to discover.

The lively tourist town of Marmaris is of stark contrast to the rest of the serene and beautiful Carian Coast with its empty bays and traditional villages. The summer season is the longest of any of our sailing areas, with good weather and warm temperatures from late April right through to the start of November. Expect small villages, quayside restaurants, idyllic bays, serene swimming spots and discover numerous heritage and cultural sites to explore.

How to get to Marmaris

Marmaris is accessed via Dalaman Airport. Dalaman is serviced by airlines from at least 10 airports around the UK, so it is very well served. Marmaris is a 90 minute transfer from Dalaman Airport and we can recommend airport transfers for you as well, no problem.

Weather in Marmaris

The summer season is long hot and dry. During May and October expect temperatures already into the mid-20s, while during August temperatures average in the mid-30s. As temperatures can peak at around 40 degrees(!), we often advise that Turkey isn't the place to take children in the peak season.

The prevailing winds on the Southern Carian Coast are from the northwest through to the west in the main. However, the Turkish coastline will affect the wind strengths and directions considerably. During the mornings, expect the winds to be lighter and off the land, but as the day progresses expect the winds to become sea breezes slowly building strength from midday to early evening.

However, the prevailing winds from midday onwards in the Rhodes strait, will be from the west to south west and can produce a reasonable swell from .5m to 1.12m, with a Meltimi wind expect up to 2 meters. For the Hisarönü Körfezi (bay) the midday to early evening breezes will generally blow from the southwest directly up the bay from Datça, again these can produce some swell from .5m to 1m and sometimes a little higher. The sea area between the island of Simi and the Yeşilova Körfezi can be light and variable in direction for much of the time.

Gocek

Göcek has grown from a small agricultural town 15 miles NW of Fethiye into one of Turkey’s premier yachting locations, rivaling Marmaris and the Bodrum Peninsula. This is largely as a result of its natural advantages, being at the top of a deep gulf sheltered by the island of the same name. The town hosts a total of no less than seven marinas, D Marin Göcek, Club Marina, Göcek Village Port, Göcek Exclusive, Skopea Marina, Göcek Municipal Marina, and MUÇEV Marina. It is also a place where virtually every conceivable yachting need can be met, including liferaft servicing. Since the completion of a one kilometer tunnel in 2006, the journey from Dalaman International Airport takes only 20 minutes.

Göcek is an excellent base for exploring the wonderful (and popular) cruising area of Skopea Limani a few miles to the south, which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful yachting destinations in Turkey, and the so-called Twelve Islands of the Gulf of Fethiye. Göcek is not a permanent port of entry. A temporary office may open in season. The closest permanent office is Fethiye.

Göcek is a relatively sheltered bay, although an unpleasant short chop sets into the bay whenever there are strong winds with anything south in them. This particularly affects Göcek Village Port, Skopea Marina and Göcek Municipal Marina, which are uncomfortable in these conditions. During the winter, when there are occasional southerly gales, most berths in these marinas are effectively untenable.

Fethiye

Fethiye, located on the Lycian and Carian border was called Telmessos in ancient times. The city was very prominent and the center of prophecy, pledged to Apollon. That the city life was very rich and highly cultured during the Hellenistic and Roman periods is evident from the existing monuments. Today the majority of ancient ruins in Telmessos are rock-tombs, Lycian - type sarcophagi, the fortress and the Roman Theatre. The peninsula lying between Fethiye and Antalya was known as Lycia in the ancient times. Fethiye Archaeology Museum exhibits numerous archaeological findings from Hellenistic, Roman and Ottoman periods as well as ethnological works of art typical of the region.