Sailing Turkey

Turkey's Aegean and Turquoise Coast is a top charter destination, with calm bays, ancient ruins, and a long sailing season. Most charters start from a major hub, and Milta Bodrum Marina is one of the best-known bases in the region. From Bodrum, you can head south toward the Datça Peninsula or east into the Gulf of Gökova, where you'll find a mix of quiet anchorages and lively marinas.

Another popular starting point is Netsel Marina Marmaris, which sits at the gateway to the Turquoise Coast. From Marmaris, you can sail to Bozburun Marina or push on to Gocek Municipality Marina, a natural harbor surrounded by pine-covered hills. The area around Göcek is known for its sheltered coves, including Akvaryum koyu and Akaçlar Koyu, where you can anchor in clear water and swim.

Further east, the coast becomes more rugged and less developed. Setur Finike Marina is a good stop before rounding the headland toward Kaleici Yat Limani Antalya, which sits right in Antalya's old harbor. If you prefer a smaller, quieter base, Kas Marina and Kalkan Fener Marina are both worth considering, with easy access to the sunken city at Kekova and the bays around Kaş.

The best time to sail is between May and October, when the meltemi wind blows from the north in summer, providing steady sailing but sometimes strong gusts. The region has plenty of marinas, so you can plan a one-way route or a return trip. Whether you start in Bodrum, Marmaris, or Göcek, you'll find a coastline that rewards careful planning and a willingness to explore.