Bodrum, a city steeped in ancient history is also one of Turkeys leading tourist attractions. Scholars of history will know it as Halicarnassus, home to the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The modern term “mausoleum” comes from his name. Unfortunately, we cannot see this site anymore since the Knights Hospitalier used the mausoleums stones to build another impressive structure, the imposing Bodrum Castle. This 15th century edifice sits on the waters edge and was the founding point of the city of Petronium, which is today Bodrum. The castle contains Bodrum’s underwater museum of archeology.
Akvaryum Bay is a pristine cove with long sandy beaches and aquamarine waters. This amazing bay located between Bitez and Gumbet provides an amazing respite during your Blue Cruise voyage. Enjoy a relaxing respite in an explorable cove within the bay area and watch as ducks and geese join you in these amazing waters.
At the extreme southwest of Turkey, along the Datca peninsula, sits the small archeological town of Knidos. This is one of Turkeys finest historical legends preserved in amazing condition. You find the Statue of Demeter in one location, and in the ancient harbor there were two Lions that stand guard but are now in the British Museum in London. The main attractions are the temple of Aphrodite and the Necropolis. Excavations are ongoing, and have been unearthing more and more amazing finds for over half a century. Since Knidos is considered to be remote, the best way to reach it is by yacht. This is a must stop for all yacht charters, and one site that will provide a lot of great memoires as well as photos.
At the tip of the southern coast of the Datca Peninsula of Turkey nestles the lovely town of Palamutbuku. This amazing quiet town, close to the historic ruins of Knidos, is home to some of the most desired long and quiet beaches, green streets, and walled gardens. Like a fairytale town come to life, as you walk along the seaside and look down into some of the clearest waters in the Aegean. In fact, you can walk well into the sea, and be able to see every stone and fish around your feet even when the waters reach head high. The sea is full of fish and many a dinner is caught just moments before it is on your plate, served alongside exceptionally tasty local produce. What is still wonderful is that this coast is still virgin from all the expected tourism, and the town hosts many wonderful taverns and restaurants, as well as the amazing residents that make your stay even more memorable.
One of the popular coastal stops is Datca, a small southern shore yachting stop over 75kms west of Marmaris. Datca is located in an area that provides you with many small covers along the peninsula, so you can anchor along the coastline and enjoy a swim in the privacy of your own cove. The coast is dotted with small fishing villages and farming towns, and the local tomatoes and olives are famous for their depth of taste. While visiting Datca, enjoy some local produce and maybe even ask your chef to use it as a staple ingredient.
Named after the famous Turkish singer, Emil Sayin bay is an amazing crystal clear aquamarine bay that is contrasted against thick pine trees covering the land around it. The bay was named after her beautiful blue eyes, and is a memorable place for a lovely cool swim and brunch.
Orhaniye is in the Bozburun peninsula near Marmaris and is home to one of the most attractive beaches in all of Turkey, Kizkumu beach. Orhaniye provides you with access to the fames castle of the black night, as well as a lovely village filled with a deep cultural heritage. The village is also renowned for its amazing variety of food that draws tourists from far and wide. The dock is always busy and the bay is always full of yachts coming and going from this world class resort.
In the Gulf of Hisaronu lies the village of Selimiye. What can be added to the already pantheon of words praising this amazing location. One of the most prominent and distinctive natural phenomena occurs during sunset, when the villages color changes into a deep red. There is an ancient Hellenistic castle south of the village and there is a tomb situated around 100 meters off shore. The tomb has been a guide for shipping for centuries. Selimiye offers a lighthouse, theater and monastery as well as its pristine waters and amazing local cuisine. The village is a farming town as well, and the local produce is collected and served alongside the freshly caught seafood. All prepared and provided alongside a great local wine.
Nestled between the Gulf of Hisonaru and the Aegean Sea is Dirsekbuku. This area has a lot of sheltered bays and hidden coves and is a great spot for a stop over while sailing from Bodrum to Marmaris. There are quite a number of small islands to sail by and anchor off for a swim, or just to laze away the time relaxing with a perfect view.
Bozburun is a lovely small town 45kms west of Marmaris. It is home to a small but modern marina and the town is famous for its shipbuilding industry. This is where some of the worlds finest wooden boats and Gulets are fabricated. This is a quite port town, and the way to reach it is as picturesque as the town itself. Boxburun is great for a relaxing evening, this means you will not find night life here. What you will find are amazing hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants all serving local cuisine using the freshest sea food and locally farmed produce.
Bozukkale is a lovely ancient town nestled in a heart shaped bay with an old nine towered castle dating back to re-history. It is located southwest of Marmaris and is home to the ancient harbor or Lorima. The ancient Athenian navy used (Lorima) Bozukkale as a base for over a century between 305 to 395 BCE. This mazing town has grand views over all the Aegean and that is why it was chosen as a standing ground for fleets. Today it is a standing ground for Yachts seeking a wonderful place for their passengers to visit. The many ancient sites and modern amenities make the town of Bozukkale a perfect visiting point along your sea voyage.
One of the popular and frequently used sites for Blue Cruises is Serce. This lovely town has an amazing sheltered harbor, and this is the reason for the pristine clear waters. The area is steeped in ancient history and many of the local finds are now housed in Bodrum’s underwater archelogy museum. Just sailing into Serce is an experience worth waiting for, and along the way, many amazing and memorable views are provided. Nearby Serce are the ancient towns of Kirkkuylar and Sidilli, in which you will find over 40 cisterns that provided fresh water to the inhabitants of this area.
Just west of Marmaris you come to the blue flag awarded and shelter Kadirga Harbour. Aptly awarded since it has amazing clear waters and provides a nice respite for a quick dip.
Kumlubuku is one of those lovely places along the Turkish coast that you can just lie back and relax. With sandy beaches and cool clear water. You can either enjoy the sea, the sand, or sit under the shade in one the many local tavernas and partake in an exquisite local culinary feast supported by local wine.
The Aquarium Bay is reminiscent of the travertines found in Pamukkale due to its image. The tourists who come here are indispensable because they have a nice and pleasant time in these travertines. If you are a nature lover, the crystal water of Aquarium Bay will be enchant you.
One of the nicest peninsulas near Marmaris is Yildiz island. This island offers visitors a number of cafes and restaurants dotted around the island for its many visitors. This is one of the few islands that you can literally spend a whole day at, and never get bored. There is plenty of swimming and snorkeling opportunities to choose from. There is also a bay area called “the wrong channel” that’s because it resembles a channel at night, and many a sailor has made the mistake of going down I, ending up crashing on its rocky ending.
After finishing your long and exhilarating voyage across the Mediterranean, maybe the Aegean and Adriatic too, you arrive back in Marmaris and prepare for your return home. This is a great moment to enjoy a day’s stay over in this amazing city. Marmaris is a jewel, its name is appropriate “Turquoise coast” and it provides you with every taste of the Mediterranean and Turkey before you leave for home. This is the time to take that last shopping walk and collect the memorable items and local wares before leaving.
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