A gulet cruise in Turkey is one of the most enchanting ways to explore the country’s breathtaking coastline. Blending history, culture, and natural beauty, gulet holidays let you sail between charming towns, hidden coves, and ancient ruins along the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. From bustling Bodrum to the tranquil bays of Fethiye, each stop reveals a new treasure. Here are the top places to include on your luxury gulet adventure in Turkey.
Key Takeaways:
- A gulet cruise in Turkey offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
- Top destinations include Bodrum, Fethiye, Marmaris, and Ölüdeniz.
- Hidden gems like Keci Buku, Üçağız, and Finike provide authentic, tranquil experiences.
- Gulet holidays combine luxury sailing, ancient ruins, and turquoise bays.
- Ideal for travelers seeking a balance of relaxation and exploration along the Turkish coast.
Kuşadası – Gateway to Ancient Ephesus
Just 12 miles from Ephesus (an intriguing Roman city), Kuşadası is an artistic wonder. It’s a 2,000-year-old theatre that still has performances today!
Kuşadası’s breathtaking architecture and wondrous sites, such as the Selçuk fortress, have been the main attractions for thousands of tourists every year.
The city itself holds many different stalls in a vast bazaar, and the local seafood is to die for.
Çeşme – Beaches, History & Relaxation
Rich in Ottoman and 14th-century history, Çeşme is a beautiful place for a beach and spa day where you can take it easy and unwind.
The Ottomans were defeated by Russian ships in 1770, and there is also a historical Ottoman caravanserai that is quite popular for visitors.
Dalyan Ildur – Culture and King’s Tombs
Just a short boat ride from Ildur, Dalyan is quickly becoming a popular location.
It is a beautiful, serene place rich in culture and history, featuring the King’s Tombs set just across from the river.
You can eat at some excellent restaurants on the waterside and enjoy the sights right from your table.
Bodrum – The Capital of Gulet Cruises
At night, Bodrum is even more of a sight to see from the sea.
It is home to the Castle of St. Peter, which also houses one of the city’s most remarkable museums, the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
The ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, can be visited in Bodrum.
It was built originally between 353 and 350 BC for Mausolus of Caria and his wife, Artemisia.
Datça – Scenic & Peaceful Escape
Datça is just north of the Greek island of Symi and offers amazing scenery.
It is a quiet town, relatively shielded from tourism.
There is a relaxing natural hot spring located in the centre of Datça, from where you can see the coastline of the Greek islands of Kos, Symi, and Rhodes right from the water’s edge.
Bencik
There is a larger Bencik town located in Turkey, but Bencik in Hisarönü Bay is the small inlet located east of Datça and is the narrowest part of the peninsula.
There are no places to eat at Bencik, but the views alone are enough for a quick stopover during the day.
Knidos
Before it was conquered, Knidos was an ancient Greek city of Caria famous for displaying the statue of Aphrodite by Praxiteles of Athens.
You can still visit the location where the statue once remained and see the ornate marble pedestal that held the statue.
Knidos is also well-known for its amazing views and natural harbor, alongside its history.
Keci Buku (Orhaniye Bay) – Tranquil Swimming Spot
Keci Buku (also known as Orhaniye Bay) is much like Bencik: beautiful, peaceful, and very relaxing. It’s a good spot for swimming during the day, and you can also visit the ancient Caria Bybassos ruins.
The bay is very shallow up to around 500 metres in length, so it can look quite odd to look out over the bay and see what appears to be people walking right out into the ocean!
Selimiye – Fishing Village Charm
Selimiye is a bit different – the town has many visitors that come by boat or gulet, and they practice in the art of boat-making, so you might get the rare chance to see a gulet being crafted!
A newly developed boardwalk has been completed, which allows you to walk the length of the bay area and look out at the calming waters.
There are also many great restaurants that serve the freshest fish.
Marmaris – Bustling Coastal City
Marmaris is a bustling city that started with humble beginnings.
It’s one of the main shopping and trading locations in Turkey, and is a very popular destination for tourists.
Lovely place to shop for souvenirs, and it has some delicious dishes from exquisite restaurants.
Ekincik – Diving & Ancient Temples
Ekincik is a glorious spot spanning a stretch along Turkey’s famous turquoise coast.
There are some fantastic places for scuba diving and snorkelling, as well as relaxing and quiet swimming spots.
Those who want to explore inland can visit the ancient fourth-century temples of Kaunos.
Fethiye – History, Nature & Butterfly Valley
There are many things to see and do in Fethiye that you could easily spend one or two days here and still want to come back again.
If history and culture are your main interests, you might find the Fethiyes’ Roman Amphitheatre and Lycian Rock Tombs to your liking.
Of course, there are plenty of places to do: a spot of sunbathing and swimming, and just close by lies Butterfly Valley – an amazing habitat for more than a hundred varieties of butterflies.
Ölüdeniz – The Famous Blue Lagoon
Not far below Fethiye lies Ölüdeniz, a popular and protected part of the Turkish coast that offers amazing scenery and pleasant spots for relaxing.
Ölüdeniz means “dead sea” as its waters are very calm and offer a very meditative experience.
Kalkan – Ancient Ruins & Relaxed Atmosphere
Kalkan is a buzzing hub of activity for ancient tours – but you won’t find masses of crowds here as you might elsewhere.
This is a relatively unspoiled area of the Lycian coast, and it offers amazing hospitality, food, and a relaxing atmosphere for you to truly unwind and rejuvenate.
For those who like to shop and indulge a little, the smaller town of Kaş, just 25 miles from Kalkan and another unspoiled area, is a great place to wind down.
Ancient areas still exist around Kas and Kalkan, including the small town of Aperlae, which has some amazing underwater ruins left over from its ancient Lycian days.
Üçağız – Lycian Tombs & Sunken City
Just a short way away from its main province, Kale, Üçağız has some intriguing attractions and serene views.
You can visit Lycian tombs that are over 2,000 years old, plus the marble ruins of a “sunken city” located beneath the water just offshore.
The town is becoming more popular, but many quaint restaurants can be frequented for your share of fine wine and great local food.
For some fantastic architecture, you can visit the Lycian rock tombs in the ancient Greek town of Myra, or the Roman theatre, which is currently under restoration.
Finike – Oranges & Ancient Arycanda
Finike is best known for its abundance of sweet oranges, locally grown in the town.
It has some beautiful areas, including a nice harbor and delicious local food.
It’s also a town rich in history, and the ancient city of Arycanda can be visited for its intriguing culture.
Other Gulet Cruise Destinations
If you have tried a blue cruise in Turkey and would like to experience a gulet charter in other destinations, here are the main destinations where you can charter a gulet:
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