Türkiye has delighted sailors and superyachts for decades with its warm turquoise waters, picturesque bays, historic ports, and marinas. Its coastline is home to a wealth of ancient sites, cultural delights, and natural wonders guests will enjoy, and it now has marinas that rank as some of the best in the world. Türkiye is the ideal destination for yachts wanting to explore the Med and Aegean this summer, so if you are considering a visit, let’s look at what you can expect.

Great Weather and Cruising Conditions

The cruising season in Türkiye typically runs from April to the end of October, with the spring and autumn months beautifully tranquil yet still enjoying sunny weather.

The temperature in Türkiye averages 28°C, with sea temperatures generally above 20°C from April to November, making it ideal for swimming and watersports. July and August are the hottest and busiest months along the coast, and temperatures can soar above 35°C occasionally.

Excellent Marinas

Türkiye has many excellent marinas that can accommodate superyachts. The most well-known on the circuit is Yalikavak Marina near Bodrum, which ranks among the top 10 marinas in the world. This multi-award-winning facility can comfortably cater to 620 yachts to a length of 140m, and facilities on site include two hotels, a premium spa and fitness centre, over 100 high-end shops and designer boutiques, and an impressive range of fine restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Our hometown of Gocek, further up the coast, also has superb superyacht facilities and was Türkiye’s original haunt for luxury yachts. Skopea Marina was the first marina in Türkiye to cater to large yachts and can accommodate 80 vessels, with those up to 110m tied to jetty.  Gocek D-Marin is another option with a 380-berth capacity for yachts up to 70m, a beach, and a wide range of lifestyle facilities. Finally, tucked into Gocek’s beautiful Bungus Bay is Port Azure, which opened in 2021 and is Türkiye’s first megayacht-only marina that fully services yachts of up to 150m.

360 Yachting can arrange berths in all the marinas mentioned and other ports and facilities along the Turkish coast. For more information, please CONTACT US.

Fascinating Historical Sites

Türkiye has a long and fascinating past and was home to many great civilisations who all left their mark on the landscape. As you are cruising the coast, keep your eyes peeled for the remains of ancient sites perched on cliffsides and outcrops and Lycian rock tombs carved into the hillsides.

Perhaps the most famous ancient site in Türkiye is Ephesus, near Izmir. This incredible ancient city is where St. Paul first preached to the Ephesians and St. John may have written his gospel. It’s a short transfer from the coast, and we can arrange a tour or visit at sunset so you can marvel at the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Other sites worth visiting are KNIDOS near Datca, memorable not only because of the ancient ruins but also because of its twin harbours, the impressive Kings Tombs of Kaunos near Dalyan, and the Temple of Apollo in Side, where legend suggests that Anthony first met Queen Cleopatra. Read our article on ANCIENT SITES NEAR THE COAST for more details.

The Natural Beauty of Türkiye

Despite the heat during the summer months, much of the Turkish coast is remarkably green. From most bays and anchorages, you can enjoy fabulous views of pine-clad mountains that contrast beautifully with the vibrant turquoise and blues of the sea.

Although you may wish to explore many ports and villages in Türkiye, a night in a secluded bay with only the lap of the waves and the hum of cicadas to break the silence is also worthwhile. Our provisions team can supply all you need to hold a fabulous meal onboard, plus time away from the crowds also lets you appreciate the beauty of the famous red sunsets followed by the star-studded night sky without any light pollution. Read our blog on some of the BEST BAYS IN TURKEY, or ASK US for suggestions on where’s best to head.

Incredible Restaurants and Resorts

You don’t have to travel very far in Türkiye to dine on delicious food. We often mention the best local and international restaurants in Türkiye in our monthly newsletters and blogs, so do sign up for updates to receive the latest tips on where to head.

Many assume the best restaurants are in Istanbul, as many appear in the Michelin Guide. But this isn’t necessarily the case, as there are wonderful finds right along the coast, especially around Yalikavak, Bodrum, Urla, Gocek, and Antalya.

Depending on the type of cuisine and setting your guests will enjoy, we can provide suggestions on where’s best to go and reserve tables in a wide range of restaurants along the Aegean and Mediterranean coast – simply CONTACT US and let us know your location.

Friendly Locals

Turkish people are well known for their hospitality, and most locals you meet are extremely welcoming and happy to see you. Expect smiles, handshakes, or maybe even an invitation to drink “cay” (tea) while browsing in shops – it’s all part of the local culture and Turkish charm.

LET US ORGANISE AN INCREDIBLE CRUISING ITINERARY IN TURKEY

360 Yachting is a Captain’s Recommended agency that specialises in arranging tailored cruising itineraries in Türkiye. We can assist with the planning, organise berths and provisions, arrange tours and excursions, and assist with all your yachting requirements while cruising in Turkish waters. Please CONTACT US for more information.