A brief gulet cruise itinerary

Embark on a captivating gulet cruise as we set sail from Bodrum towards the enchanting landscapes of the Southeast. Covering a distance of 9 miles, you'll encounter the picturesque Orak Island and the quaint Cokertme. Continuing our cruise, the gulet takes us to the charming village of Oren, where the remnants of ancient Ceramus tell tales of a bygone era. Akbuk awaits as one of the premier anchorages, setting the stage for the exploration that lies ahead.

The legendary Cleopatra's Beach on Sedir Island, hailed as one of the world's top 20 beaches, is an absolute must-visit. According to legend, Antonio brought the pristine sands from the Sahara as a gift for his beloved Cleopatra. The uniqueness of this beach demands a special note: swimmers are required to shower before departing to ensure not even a grain of its precious sand leaves with them.

As the gulet glides through crystal-clear waters, the journey unfolds towards Tuzla (Ballisu Bay), traversing a small bay adorned with Seven Islands, a charming archipelago of seven islands and islets. Gokceler Bay, with its rocky expanse, precedes the western end of the Deveboynu peninsula (Cape Krio), a point prone to fierce winds and turbulent seas. Palamut Bay, Baba Island, and Kargi Bay greet us as the first enchanting anchorages on this leg of the adventure.

Venturing a few nautical miles further, the Greek island of Symi comes into view. In the Gulf of Yesilova, the quaint fishing town of Bozburun welcomes us before heading up the coast towards Marmaris. A stop at Bozukkale (ancient Loryma) precedes the turquoise waters of Gebe Kilise, Kadirga, and Turunc. Marmaris, nestled along a bay framed by mountains covered in pine trees, unveils its artistic and cultural charm, with two ports preserving the ruins of an original circular temple dedicated to the Goddess of Love.

Continuing the odyssey, the gulet anchors in Ekincik, a gateway to the ancient necropolis of Caunos, accessible by a river boat approximately 5 miles inland. The voyage then charts a course to the island of Baba before entering the Gulf of Fethiye, revealing Skopea Bay and 12 islets, including the village of Gocek.

For a week, the Gulf of Fethiye offers thrilling anchorages, such as Kapi Creek nestled in the southern part of the bay amidst a forested backdrop. Sailing towards Fethiye, once the prominent Lycian city of Telmessos, steeped in history and natural beauty, unveils itself. The journey unfolds with stops at Kalkan, the captivating bay of Kaputas with the Blue Grotto, and the alluring Kas, not far from the Greek island of Castellorizo (Meis in Turkish), famed for the movie "Il Mediterraneo."

The sunken city of Simena beckons, revealing ancient theaters, tombs, and Byzantine-era churches visible through the crystal-clear waters. Kekova, named after the "plain of thyme" in Turkish, encompasses the island of Kekova, the villages of Kalekoy and Ucagiz, and the three ancient towns of Simena, Teimussa (now Ucagiz), and Tersane.

The journey concludes with a visit to the deserted port of Genoa, an awe-inspiring bay dominated by an imposing sea cliff, and a stop in Tekirova Bay, home to the ancient town of Phaselis. Cruising through the Bay of Alacasu, the gulet glides along the flat coastline until reaching Antalya Kemer, offering a charming old citadel, winding streets, and splendid examples of Ottoman-style architecture. This extraordinary gulet yacht vacation in Turkey promises a fusion of history, natural wonders, and breathtaking landscapes. Bon voyage!