Here are our top cruising picks in Turkiye

We spent ten weeks cruising the southwest coast of Turkiye Aug 1 - Oct 11, 2024. For any "newish" cruisers or charters, this part of Turkiye had the most amazing ports and anchorages. The winds were more consistent with better sailing winds by day and calmer at night. Unlike our time in the Greek Cyclades, the Meltemi winds would blow 25-60kts for two weeks at a time.

After spending almost two weeks in Marmaris dealing with our agent and TR customs, who would not accept a photocopy of our boat registration, we had to ask our daughter in Halifax to courier the original to our agent. While we waited, we rented a car to explore inland. We also took time to meet with several upholstery companies and ordered new boat chaps for our tender and a bow sunshade.

Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, are the white colored travertine thermal springs. This area has been drawing visitors to its thermal springs since the time of classical antiquity. Dripping slowly down the mountainside, mineral-rich waters collect in and cascade down the mineral terraces, into pools below. In this area, there are 17 hot springs with temperatures ranging from 35 °C (95 °F) to 100 °C (212 °F). The ancient Greek city of Hierapolis was built on top of the travertine formation. Well worth a three hour drive from Marmaris.

Top cruising locations:

#5 - Kaş (pronounced cash)

Anchor in the Bilal's Beach area and spend time snorkeling the underwater museum. There is also a sunken plane and army tank but you would need to go with a diving company to view those.

Kaş is a seaside town on the Mediterranean coast in southwestern Turkey. The modern town occupies the site of ancient Antiphellos, with still-visible ruins including a theater. The 4th-century-B.C. Lion Tomb, with 2 carved lion heads, is one of many Lycian rock tombs in the area. We visited on the VIctory Day holiday so there were lots of flags lining the streets.

#4 - Fethiye & Yacht Classic

Some of the historical sites worth visiting are: Kadyanda (Cadyanda) ancient city, Kayaköy - the abandoned Greek village, Afkule, Gemiler and Aya Nikola. Fethiye is also home to the Tomb of Amyntas, a large tomb built in 350 BC by the Lycians.

We stayed two nights at the Yacht Classic marina and enjoyed the perks of the pools, swim up bar and delicious food at the restaurant. The cost of the marina slip is 50% off if you have dinner at the restaurant. All in it was about 250 Euro per day. Well worth the experience.

#3 - Ölüdeniz

45NORTH - Halifax and Brown Sugar 2 - Toronto

Gemiler Island.

The Byzantine ruins of five Greek churches built between the fourth and sixth centuries AD remain on the island, along with a 350 metres (1,150 ft) processional walkway. Other remains from the same period include around forty other ecclesiastical buildings and over fifty Christian tombs. One of the churches was cut directly from the rock at the island's highest point, and is located at the far western end of the processional walkway. It is possible that the Island was used by Christian pilgrims en route to the Holy Lands.

#2 Göcek area

There were so many great anchorages in the bay which made for a really great few weeks of sailing. From the town of Göcek to the small inlets and islands there were so many great spots we spend a night or two. Here are a few of our favorites.

Akvaryum Bay

Cleopatra's baths. (in Cleopatra Cove)

MerdivenLi Koyu - From the beach area there is a trail to the right that brings you to the ancient cistern and ruins.

You could literally spend months in the Gocuk bay area as there are floating grocery stores, ice cream boats, waste collection boat and lots of on the water vendors selling Turkish towels, hand crafts, fresh bread etc.