The Aegean (western) coast of Turkey is perfect for yachting, as Bodrum — the country’s best resort — is situated there. By a yacht, you can explore many more interesting places without missing out on anything. Here is an example of a route that will allow you to see luxurious and fashionable places, historic sites, the best beaches, and secluded bays of the picturesque Gulf of Gökova.
Yalikavak Marina
Yalikavak Marina, one of the largest Mediterranean marinas with world-class infrastructure, can be the starting point of your journey. It has more berths for superyachts than any other Turkish marina, as well as excellent restaurants, hotels, many boutiques with luxury goods from all over the world, and a buzzing nightlife. It’s worth visiting the beach club Xuma Village nearby.
Türkbükü
This town on the northern side of the Bodrum peninsula was originally a fishing village. Surrounded by hills, its bay is comfortably sheltered from the wind. There is a multitude of luxurious villas and hotels in its vicinity. One of those is Macakizi.
Göltürkbükü
This area 23 km north of Bodrum has been famous as early as 5000 years ago, where stood the ancient city of Kariand. Today you can take a walk by the ruins and the neighboring hills and admire one of the greenest landscapes in Bodrum. Later you can visit the beaches of the Mandalay Gulf, bathe, and enjoy fresh fish and seafood. Mandarin Oriental will be an excellent choice: there is a beach and six wonderful restaurants nearby. Behind the hotel is the lovely Cennet Koyu bay where you can anchor and swim in the clear turquoise waters far from other tourists.
The bay near Gümüşlük
Gümüşlük, a place on the western coast of the Bodrum peninsula, has the best sandy beaches and excellent holiday opportunities. It’s a quiet, undeveloped place, as large-scale construction is forbidden and there is no nightlife. You can find many seafood restaurants here, Mimoza and Melengech being the most renowned. For those interested in history the ancient city of Mindos will be an interesting site to visit.
Gümbet
Gümbet, on the other hand, is the “party center” of the whole Bodrum peninsula. It has a wide variety of bars, clubs and discos, as well as comfortable beaches. The yacht can anchor in front of the Caresse spa hotel. On the shore you can find Barbarossa restaurant to enjoy Greek cuisine and Buddha-Bar Beach which specializes in Asian fusion.
Anchorage near Bodrum castle
Saint Peter’s Castle in Bodrum is a medieval fortress in place of the ancient city of Halicarnassus. There once existed one of the Seven Wonders — the mausoleum of Mausol, ruler of Caria, who gave the name to the word “mausoleum”. Today in this castle you can find a fascinating underwater archeology museum, the biggest collection of Mediterranean amphoras in the world, and an ancient gold and coin exhibition. Bodrum never ceases to amaze visitors with its numerous restaurants. Among the most popular are Memedoff (fish and meze) and Gemibaşı (meat and kebabs). The Black Island (Kara Ada) is situated across from Bodrum. The southern side is excellent for anchorage and swimming.
Gökova Körfezi
Gökova is the gem of the Aegean Sea and one of its biggest gulfs. It is the most romantic and picturesque location in the region with an abundance of calm bays, perfect for exploring on a yacht.
Pabuç Burnu
Pabuç Burnu is a scenic bay with bright blue water and a rocky beach. There is a hotel there, but the place itself is rather secluded and quiet.
Orak Adasi
Orak Adasi is a small island with a hilly, rugged coastline, overgrown with olive trees. On its northern side you can find sheltered bays for anchorage, and on the eastern side the sand is white, and the water is azure and filled with lush marine life. This is the reason why Orak is referred to as the «Turkish Maldives».
Çökertme
Anchorage near the small village will be perfect for getting acquainted with Turkish and Mediterranean cuisines, as here you will find many restaurants and taverns with excellent local food.
Ingiliz Limani
The name originated during World War II when the British had a military base here for attacking German forces on the Greek islands. This place can only be accessed by sea, and the bay is sheltered from the wind by the surrounding mountains, making the sea here calm and peaceful.
Akyaka
This quaint little village is an unusual place in Turkey. There are no all-inclusive hotels, as only small white two-story houses with tiled roofs are allowed to be built here. Akyaka is a part of the international organization “Citislow”, the purpose of which is to preserve the traditions and the slow standard of living of small towns. Akyaka is clean and peaceful and its streets are overgrown with flowers.
Cleopatra beach
According to popular legend, the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra used to conduct meetings with the Roman general Mark Antonius here, on the island of Sedir. They say that the white sand of those beaches was imported from Africa by Mark Antonius’s orders, and the tests show that the sand is indeed from somewhere else. This is one of the most picturesque places on the Aegean coast with the ruins of the ancient city, crystal clear water, and the scent of pines.
