Turkey

• Currency: Turkish Lira
• Language: Turkish – English widely spoken
• Pilot Guide: Rod Heikell Turkish Waters & Cyprus pilot guide
• Marina fees: Minimal – nil for town quays, and bays
• When to visit: May to October
• Normal starting day: Saturday
• Visa: E-Visa required
• Tipping etiquette: 5-10% in casual restaurants, 10-15% in luxury restaurants
• Create your Turkey yacht charter now

Enjoy sailing through the Gulf of Fethiye, the most popular area for yachting holidays in Turkey, beginning from either the charming and excellently provisioned village of Gocek or the vibrant Fethiye. Dramatic cliff edges, wooded hillsides and archaeological ruins characterise the spectacular and ever-changing shoreline, and mountainous pine-forested bays with stunningly crystal clear water are aplenty.

What will your yacht charter entail? Whether you want to anchor up in a secluded bay, rub shoulders with locals in a waterside taverna, dive into a sunken city or even paraglide off a 1650m cliff, this area offers something for everyone.

Be sure to take in the imposing remains of ancient Telmessos, explore the fascinating ghost village of Kayakoy (the inspiration for Louis de Bernieres’ fictional Eskibahce in “Birds without Wings”) and visit Fethiye’s famous fish market where your selection will be expertly cooked up by a nearby restaurant.

Protected by the Turkish coast, this area is sufficiently sheltered to provide ideal conditions for both novice and experienced sailors. Choose between a bareboat, skippered or crewed yacht charter for the ultimate sailing holiday.

• Fly to: Dalaman Airport – 30 minutes from Gocek and 50 from Fethiye
• Protected sailing for less experienced sailors
• Lycian Rock tombs, stunning bays and friendly tavernas.
• Paragliding from Mount Babadağ down to Ölüdeniz Beach
• Ancient ruins and ghost towns to explore
• See a typical itinerary for a Gocek yacht charter here
  

Leave behind the bustle of Marmaris and sail towards the serenity of the Bozburun Peninsula. Enjoy serene anchorages, authentic restaurants, numerous historical sites and the live music that emanates from Datca's amphitheatre throughout the summer. For a contrast of culture visit the picturesque Greek island of Symi where pastel Venetian houses surround a pretty harbour.

Alternatively, head east out of Marmaris and sail the Turquoise Coast towards Dalyan. Take in the ancient tombs carved into the cliff by the Dalyan River, keep your eyes peeled for the protected Caretta Caretta turtles and discover the rejuvenating effects of a mud bath.

Straddling both the Carian and the Turquoise coasts, a Marmaris yacht charter gives you the choice of either of these two idyllic sailing grounds. Or if you happen to be on a two-week yacht charter holiday, why not do both!

Afternoon breezes average force 3-5 but can reach 6-7. The Meltemi dies down in September while the weather remains rain-free and warm making this the ideal destination for a late season sailing holiday.

• Fly to: Dalaman Airport – 90 minute transfer
• Lively streets of Marmaris and open air clubs
• Undeveloped coast surrounded by pine-forested mountains
• Choice of either the Carian or the Turquoise Coast

Start your Bodrum sailing holiday in style by departing from the ritzy marina in Yalikavak, or from the lively market towns of Turgutreis and Bodrum.

Bodrum itself is a beautiful old town built around the grand Castle of St Peter and a large glittering marina; endless streets of shops, lively bars and great restaurants make it the ideal place to start a yacht charter holiday.

Sail away from the bustle of Bodrum, Turgutreis or Yalikavak and you will find yourself immediately immersed in a tranquil world of pine-forested mountains that fall precipitously to turquoise waters.

Enjoy the single restaurant bays in the peaceful Gulf of Gokova, or sail further south to the Datca Peninsula, home to the ancient site of Knidos where you can explore the famous temple of Aphrodite and a Hellenistic amphitheatre.

Situated just eight miles to the east of Kos, a Bodrum yacht charter also allows for the possibility of exploring the Greek Dodecanese. Whichever direction you head in you will find idyllic sailing grounds offering secluded anchorages, vibrant towns, and breath-taking beaches.

The Meltemi wind reaches force 6-7 in July and August but dies down in September making a Turkish yacht charter the ideal choice for a holiday later in the season.

• Fly to: Milas Bodrum Airport
• Consistent breezes and warm weather late into the season
• Explore ancient ruins of Knidos
• Visit the Greek Dodecanese Islands
• Mix of busier harbours and secluded anchorages