Türkiye is blessed with a wealth of romantic locations, from bays dishing-up dreamy red sunsets to romantic island resorts. If you’re looking for the ideal setting to rekindle love, or merely a candlelit meal in a fabulous restaurant under the stars, here’s our second batch of suggestions in part two of the 360 Yachting list of Türkiye’s most romantic locations.

TURKEY’S MOST ROMANTIC LOCATIONS (2)

ASSOS / BEHRAMKALE.

The ancient city of Assos, 66 km south of Troy, sits in a spectacular hillside location above the picturesque village and resort of Behramkale. The area is famed for its ruins, with the acropolis dating back to the 7^th century BC. Aristotle once lived in Assos, and the Doric-style Temple of Athena, Goddess of War, is the ideal place to watch the sunset.

Although much of the ancient city of Assos lies in ruins, the columns and remaining defensive walls and structures give an insight into the cities checkered past – a guide can be arranged to talk you through the history. Assos is a “must-see” if you’re cruising in the area, and a romantic one at that, with the fishing village of Behramkale boasting several good restaurants and boutique hotels, many affording fabulous views over the Aegean and countryside.

ASSOS HIGHLIGHTS

Assos 3 Oda Hotel

The adult-only Assos 3 Oda Hotel lies in a protected historic area just 5 minutes from the village of Behramkale. It is a stylish, family-run boutique hotel with a courtyard, terrace and restaurant offering fabulous views – ask us for a reservation.

DIKILI & KALEM ISLAND

Dikili is the point where the blue sea meets the emerald green in the north Aegean. For those cruising, it’s a joy of a coastline and home to a vast array of pretty forest-backed coves, remote bays, hidden beaches and isolated anchorages ideal as a backdrop for a romantic evening on board.

Dikili town lies in a broad bay framed by pine trees with a long stretch of rough sandy beach for those wishing to spend time ashore. It attracts in-the-know foreign and Turkish tourists, property investors and those cruising the coast. Dikili is developing fast and has a good array of shops and restaurants. Thankfully, it has thus far escaped the frantic beer and chip brigade, so it is a decent place to spend an evening or afternoon exploring. However, for many superyacht guests, the highlight of this coastline is undoubtedly Kalem Island and the private Oliviera Resort.

Oliviera Resort, Kalem Island

Oliviera Resort on Kalem Island is Türkiye’s only private island resort and boasts a phenomenal location and a fascinating history dating back to 406 BC. The resort is “special class”, with a stunning blue-flag beach, 44 stylish minimalist rooms and suites, several fabulous restaurants serving the Mediterranean and world cuisine, a beach club and a spa. If you’re seeking a superb romantic retreat sure to impress even the most discerning of guests, let us arrange a visit as it’s hard not to fall for the island’s charms.

BODRUM

Bodrum is one of Türkiye’s most established resorts. A town once described as the “St. Tropez of Türkiye” by the New York Times, it has for decades attracted British, international and European visitors and yachtsmen.

Bodrum is inviting. It’s a colourful and bustling place with a unique energy and ambience. Here you find fine dining restaurants tucked next to great traditional eateries, plus a vast array of bars and nightlife sure to appeal to anyone that likes to party. For history lovers, Bodrum was called Halicarnassus of Caria in ancient times and is famous for housing the Mausoleum of Mausolus. Bodrum Castle, built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century, overlooks Bodrum Milta Marina and makes for an interesting sea approach. No matter the kind of romantic escape you’re seeking, you will find a location in Bodrum. Let us know your preference, and we will happily come up with a few suggestions sure to put a smile on the face of a loved one.

BODRUM HIGHLIGHTS

Mandarin Oriental Bodrum

The award-winning, 5-star Mandarin Oriental Bodrum offers a little piece of luxury overlooking the clear waters of the Aegean. Beautiful rooms, suites, gourmet restaurants, and extensive spa and leisure facilities combine to provide guests with the ideal romantic coastal escape.

Amanruya

Enjoy the romance on offer at Amanruya Bodrum, a secluded resort in an utterly enchanting location surrounded by olive groves and pine forest. The resort is exquisite and features a glorious 50-metre central infinity pool, 35 standalone pavilions with large private pools, a private beach with an intimate beach club, 4 excellent restaurants and a wide range of spa and wellness facilities. Contact us for more details or to place a reservation.

The Bodrum Edition 

Just 3 km from Yalikavak Marina is The Bodrum Edition. Featuring 108 custom-designed luxury rooms, villas and suites, a state-of-the-art spa, beach club, bars and a range of fine restaurants, it is a popular haunt for the rich and wealthy and has proved popular with superyacht guests.

BOZBURUN

Breathtaking bays, traditional villages, thriving towns and ancient ruins await those that cruise the Bozburun Peninsula, also known as the Loryma Peninsula. This rugged pine-clad stretch of coastline carries on from the Datca Peninsula and is equally idyllic. It’s a place where extravagant yachts cruise alongside traditional gulets, and it’s a tranquil location and the ideal spot to relax and enjoy swim-stops in clear bays or romantic lunches and dinners at fine restaurants.

The Bozburun Peninsula deserves its mention as one of Türkiye’s most romantic locations as it is home to many beautiful villages and several large resorts. The most notable include the main town of Bozburun with its quirky traditional feel, the lively tourist resorts of Içmeler and Turunç, and Selimiye, one of Türkiye’s most captivating coastal villages. To read more about these locations, please see our post, The Beautiful Bozburun Peninsula.

BOZBURUN HIGHLIGHTS

Mai Mai Boutique Hotel

Accessible only by yacht, Mia Mai Boutique Hotel is one of the regions best-kept secrets. Enjoy a healthy morning smoothie or pre-dinner cocktail at the bar and take in the stunning vistas over the bay. Indulge in a spa treatment, spend the night in one of the stylish rooms, or enjoy a romantic meal and dine alfresco at its exclusive restaurant.

Bozburun Barba Saranda

Bozburun Barba Saranda Restaurant and Bar describes itself as “new generation gastronomy” and is almost always fully booked. Village bread, delicious seafood with speciality sauces, local mezze, delicious appetisers, champagne cocktails and raki, all served in a glorious seafront setting to make the ideal location for a relaxed, romantic meal with a loved one.

ADD SOME OF TURKEY’S MOST ROMANTIC LOCATIONS TO YOUR ITINERARY

We have listed just a handful of Türkiye’s most romantic coastal locations in this post – please view the first instalment for more suggestions.  If you would like to include any of the places listed on your cruising itinerary or want to organise something unique or flowers for your loved one or guests onboard, please CONTACT 360 YACHTING.

Note & Photo credits: Some of the photographs used in this article have come from the website/social media pages of hotels and restaurants mentioned. We are not sponsored or paid to include any of the businesses recommended in this post – these are just a few of the romantic haunts we believe worth visiting along the coast.