The Turkish coast is one of the most alluring in the world, and the history, traditions, food, and culture are pretty hard to beat. From exploring the islands and bays to strolling around the charming harbour towns or living it up at first-class marinas, here are a few of the main reasons to cruise in Türkiye.

A FEW GREAT REASONS TO CRUISE IN TURKEY

The bay, beach and island hopping

The Turkish coast boasts a vast and varied shoreline, and its waters are dotted with islands. Historic islands like Bozcaada, Cunda (Alibey) and Gokceada are large and populated, offering a perfect sunny escape. These former Greek gems charm most guests with their blend of old-world charm, café culture, pretty artisan stores, and bougainvillaea draped stone buildings.

Bozcaada is one of the most popular with guests, and it’s also a great place if you have wine lovers on board as it has several wineries tucked in its interior great for a lazy afternoon tasting. Surfers also rejoice in Bozcaada and nearby Gokceada, as the islands’ windy shores offer some of the best windsurfing and watersports along the coast.

If you’re seeking mesmerising beach and bay beauty, you’re also spoilt for choice in Türkiye. Gocek’s island cluster is always a joy to cruise, then there are Islands like Sedir in the Gulf of Gokova, with a beach so beautiful legend suggests Queen Cleopatra herself organised sand to be shipped there from Egypt – each grain a perfect bead-like sphere. For more island inspiration, read our post on historic islands in Türkiye, or better still, ASK US to draw you up a 360 TAILORED ITINERARY.

A wealth of history and ancient sites

One of the real joys of cruising in Türkiye is exploring all the Aegean and Mediterranean coast has to offer, and the ancient charms are certainly one of the highlights. Snippets of history and the footprints of great empires are evident right along the Turkish coast, and no matter where you are cruising, there’s bound to be a site of interest within easy reach.

We often mention the historic sites in Türkiye in the 360 Yachting newsletters and blogs. One of the most popular excursions we run is to the ancient city of Ephesus, located not far from Kusadasi. Ephesus is a bucket-list destination for many as it’s one of the worlds most amazing ancient cities dating back to 6,000 BC. It’s home to the famous Library of Celsus with its stunning façade and the solitary column and remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Other impressive sites on the coast include the Kings Tombs of Kaunos, carved high above the river in Dalyan, and Kinidos found near Datca, a Carian city dating back to the 9^th century BC. If you or the guests would like to take a private tour of these sites or any of the others in Türkiye, GET IN TOUCH or for more ideas, see our post on ancient sites along the Turkish coast.

Phenomenal restaurants and food.

Like many, the 360 Yachting team appreciate great food and provisions, and in Türkiye, you won’t struggle to find either. From dressing up and dining out at Michelin standard restaurants or fine chefs tables to donning the casuals and kicking back with cocktails at a beach club or ramshackle restaurant, there’s plenty of options to suit everyone.

Take a look at the 360 BLOG. Here you’ll find loads of foodie suggestions, including run-downs on the best restaurants along the Turkish coast and regular updates on the fabulous seasonal produce available for chef.  Alongside providing international and special dietary ingredients, Senem and the 360 team provide the best in local produce. CONTACT THE PROVISIONS TEAM for more details.

Turkish hospitality and culture

Turks are famous for their warm welcome and hospitality – it’s one of the main reasons so many first-time visitors choose to return. From waiters in restaurants and serving staff in hotels to the lady sat outside her village house that invites you in for a chat and a cay, do expect a cheerful greeting and service with a smile wherever you go – being friendly is simply instilled in Turkish nature.

First-class marinas and yachting culture

Türkiye is a well-loved destination for sailors and superyachts, and almost all yachts that come cruising in Türkiye plan a stop at the fine marinas in Yalikavak or Gocek during their travels. Most yachts cruise between Bodrum and Antalya, and over the past twenty years, many modern facilities have sprung up to cater to the needs of bigger ships.

Yalikavak Marina has transformed from a sleepy Turkish village into one of the worlds best superyacht marinas in little more than ten years. It won the prestigious Gold Anchor award as superyacht marina of the year, and it caters to almost every yachting need. Yalikavak Marina hosts more than 150 restaurants and shops, a luxury spa and leisure facilities on-site, so it’s a crowd-pleaser and a “must-add” to your Turkish itinerary, if for no other reason than to see for yourself what all the hype is about!

Gocek is also a well-trodden superyacht haunt and is also home to 360 Yachting’s head office. Both Skopea Marina and D-Marin offer first-class facilities and come highly recommended by most that cruise the coast. A little further afield, Bodrum Milta Marina and Nestel Marmaris are also popular with guests and crew. If you plan to cruise in Türkiye, CONTACT US for marina info and assistance with port of entry, berths, reservations, and itineraries.

Türkiye is excellent value for money.

Yes, your money stretches further in Türkiye. The exchange rate to US Dollars, Euro and Pounds is highly favourable for most – superyachts included! Significant savings can be made on fuel compared to many of our European neighbours, plus many local provisions also come at a far lower price – CONTACT US for advice on bunkering in Türkiye and to know more about THE 360 TEAM or our full range of SUPERYACHT SERVICES.