The stretch of coastline you will discover on a Blue Cruise is commonly called the “Turquoise Coast.” It possesses a wealth of ancient heritage, unspoiled natural beauty, and charming seaside villages.
Bodrum
Built on the site of ancient Halicarnassus, Bodrum is the most popular summertime getaway on the Turquoise Coast. Indeed, Bodrum does possess all the elements of a consummate holiday destination: an extensive shopping district, vibrant nightlife, proximity to stunning beaches and a range of accommodation options, from all-inclusive to five-star. A 15th century castle overlooks the harbor, and pretty whitewashed streets draped in bougainvillea edge the waterfront. But the real draw for visitors to Bodrum are the coastal towns skirting the peninsula, each of which has a distinct character. The fishing village of Gumusluk, barely more than a single dirt road along the beach, attracts the bohemians and intellectual elite of Istanbul. The jet-set head to Turkbuku for it’s boutique hotels and glittering seaside nightclubs. In Yalikavak, a world-class marina offers luxury shopping and dining experiences.
From Bodrum one can embark on the classic conception of the Blue Cruise - a tour of the Gulf of Gokova. Gokova is a nature-lover's paradise: all pine forests and uninhabited coves, the water glimmers in shades of blue-green and jade. If you're looking for a complete escape from city life, it is possible to spend a week in Gokova without coming across more evidence of civilization than a small post furnishing provisions for boats.
Marmaris
South of Gokova, the Datca and Bozburun peninsulas form the borders of the Gulf of Hisaronu, another spectacular portion of the coastline to explore on Blue Cruises departing from either Bodrum or the next major hub for summer tourism, Marmaris. The striking landscape is composed of dramatic cliffs and deserted islands, dotted here and there with fishing villages. The town of Selimiye, tucked away in a large bay, is a charming spot to disembark for an afternoon on solid ground.
Marmaris itself is nestled in steep pine forests in a sheltered bay, and boasts a castle rebuilt by Suleyman the Magnificent, set in the charming labyrinthine streets of the old town. Though Marmaris’ hotel scene is dominated by large-scale resorts, boutique accommodation can be found in smaller towns throughout the Bozburun peninsula.
Gocek
West of Marmaris lies the Koycegiz region, an area rich with historical and ecological value. Excursions can be arranged to view Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs, the ancient ruins of Kaunos, and the protected breeding grounds of Caretta Caretta sea turtles.
The next boating hub along the coast is Gocek, and it is a popular one, surrounded as it is with breathtaking scenery and the vestiges of antiquity. Located in a wide bay that encompasses the Twelve Islands, the area around Gocek provides countless coves and beaches where gulets and yachts can anchor. Hiking along the hills through rosemary and oleander, one can explore the remnants of the city of Lydae or access Lycian tombs carved into the stone walls of the landscape.
Fethiye
Below Gocek is the larger city of Fethiye, built on the location of the bygone Lycian settlement of Telmessos, the remains of which still crop up between the city's modern buildings. Fethiye is favored by many as a point of embarkation for its proximity to Oludeniz (Dead Sea), a famously stunning stretch of beach that extends out to create a calm, deep blue lagoon.
A short cruise away, you can also alight on Gemiler Island, where the ruins of five Byzantine churches, built between the 4th and 6th centuries, are waiting to be explored. The island is believed to be the original location of St. Nicholas' tomb. At Soguksu Limani, you can swim in the refreshingly cool water of a natural spring, relax on the beach, or hike up to the ghost town of Kayakoy. This Greek village was completely abandoned during the Greco-Turkish war in the early 1920s, and now its 500 stone houses stand silently deserted, forming an arresting sight. Just south of Fethiye and Oludeniz, Kelebek Vadisi (Butterfly Valley) attracts visitors from all over the world. This narrow valley, flanked by dramatic cliffs and crowned by a pristine beach, is home to diverse species of butterflies, and thus guarded against development.
Kalkan and Kas
Further south, as the Aegean Sea merges with the Mediterranean, are the towns of Kalkan and Kas. Just outside Kalkan, the white sand of Patara Beach extends 18 kilometers long. Between the two towns you can also find Kaputas Beach, possibly the most spectacular stretch of sand on the Turkish coast, where the sea washes up in dazzling waves of turquoise. Kas, perched on Turkey’s most southwestern corner, is the site of the ancient city of Antiphellos, and a notable center for scuba diving. Kas’ remote location makes it a quieter alternative to the crowds of Bodrum in the summer months, and preserves its laid-back, unpretentious vibe. For this, and the range of exceptional boutique accommodation, Kas is perhaps our favorite hideaway on the Turquoise Coast.