Fethiye 1

Sailing Holiday
Turkey

With over 8,000 kilometres of coastline and nestled between Europe and Asia, Turkey is a remarkable country for a sailing holiday charter.

The Turkish Riviera is a stunning destination. From the vibrant Bodrum Peninsula with its stunning natural harbour and picturesque old town, to the enchanting and tranquil Gocek, or idyllic Fethiye Bay and the spectacular beaches and ancient ruins of Antalya, each stretch of the coastline has its unique appeal.

Wake up to the sound of the sea gently lapping against your boat, surrounded by this breathtaking scenery, then cruise along the coast to yet another gorgeous anchorage; Turkey will not disappoint.

What Makes Turkey Special?

Turquoise Coast

Turkey's Turquoise Coast, also known as the Lycian Coast, is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and stunningly clear turquoise waters that are perfect to explore by boat.

Beautiful Cruising Grounds

Turkey boasts stunning cruising grounds with clear turquoise waters, breathtaking landscapes, and secluded coves. You'll find many idyllic coastal destinations, such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Gocek, and Kas.

Geographic Location

Turkey is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia so has a very special atmosphere, melding the two cultures in its food, art and architecture, and even landscape.

Delicious Cuisine

Whether savoured at a bustling street market, waterfront restaurant, or on board your yacht, Turkish cuisine offers an unforgettable taste of the country's vibrant flavours and rich gastronomic heritage.

Warm Climate

Turkey has a warm Mediterranean climate, making it ideal for a yacht charter. With hot summers and mild winters, you can enjoy cruising the picturesque coastlines for most of the year.

Country Hopping

From Turkey, you can easily access other sailing areas such as Greece or Croatia.

Excellent Sailing

The combination of reliable winds, calm seas, and protected bays along the Turquoise Coast make it an ideal sailing destination whether you're an old hand or a first-time charterer.

Markets and Bazaars

Explore vibrant local markets and bazaars, such as the Bodrum Market or the Fethiye Fish Market, where you can feel the hustle and bustle of the area and find unique souvenirs, spices, and fresh local produce.

Warm Hospitality

Experience the legendary Turkish welcome and service, both onboard your charter and ashore at the many bars, restaurants and marinas.

Turkey - Bodrum - Celsus library in Ephesus - iStock-481072019

Rich Cultural Heritage

With its rich history and diverse cultural influences, Turkey offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western traditions to be explored in monuments like The Celsus Library in Ephesus.

Not To Be Missed

Exploring the Turquoise Coast

Also known as the Lycian Coast, this region in southern Turkey is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and stunningly clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxation.

Discover Göcek

The town of Göcek and the surrounding archipelago of the Twelve Islands offer picturesque harbours, hidden beaches and excellent opportunities for island-hopping by boat.

Anchor in Knidos

This ancient Carian city on the Datça Peninsula features impressive ruins overlooking a scenic natural harbour, making it a captivating stop on any Turkish sailing holiday charter.

Experience Turkish Cuisine

Savour regional specialities like fresh seafood, mezes, kebabs, and baklava, as well as renowned Turkish wines, at restaurants or on board your sailing holiday.

Visit Ancient Ruins

Turkey is home to a wealth of well-preserved ancient Lycian, Greek, and Roman archaeological sites, such as Ephesus, Patara, and Xanthos, which can be easily accessed from the water.

Moor in Bodrum

The lively city of Bodrum, with its medieval castle, bustling marina, and vibrant nightlife, is a popular base for sailing holiday charters along the Turkish Riviera.

Relax in Kas

This charming seaside town on the Turquoise Coast offers a more laid-back atmosphere, with picturesque streets, boutiques, and easy access to nearby islands and coves.

Visit the Ancient Theatre of Aspendos

Near Antalya, this remarkably well-preserved Roman theatre still hosts performances today and offers a glimpse into ancient entertainment.

Marmaris Old Town

Wander through the bazaar to soak up the atmosphere and make sure to visit the Ottoman-era castle.

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Visit the Dalyan Delta

Explore the unique Dalyan Delta, a protected wetland area and home to the ancient Lycian rock tombs. Many of these 15th century BC tombs remain remarkably well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the sophisticated world of the Lycian civilisation.

Best Times To Visit Turkey For A Sailing Holiday Charter

The season in Turkey runs from April to November, with July and August being the peak months with the highest temperatures and most visitors.

April to June and September to November are less busy, and the temperatures lower, but perfect for those looking to get away for a quieter experience.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 7.4°C (45°F) -2.7°C (27°F) wind direction 139degSE
FEB 3.8°C (39°F) -5.2°C (23°F) wind direction 173degS
MAR 12.1°C (54°F) 2.9°C (37°F) wind direction 212degSSW
APR 15.3°C (60°F) 5.2°C (41°F) wind direction 219degSW
MAY 20.3°C (69°F) 8.1°C (47°F) wind direction 178degS
JUN 23.8°C (75°F) 12.6°C (55°F) wind direction 180degS
JUL 28.7°C (84°F) 13.8°C (57°F) wind direction 111degESE
AUG 32.7°C (91°F) 17.1°C (63°F) wind direction 113degESE
SEP 25.7°C (78°F) 11.8°C (53°F) wind direction 125degSE
OCT 20.2°C (68°F) 8.2°C (47°F) wind direction 164degSSE
NOV 14.8°C (59°F) 5.3°C (42°F) wind direction 189degS
DEC 10.5°C (51°F) 1.8°C (35°F) wind direction 148degSSE
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Language

The official language of Turkey is Turkish, with English being widely used and understood in tourist areas.

Currency

The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira, abbreviated as "TRY" and symbolised as "₺."

Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted credit card brands in Turkey, and American Express and Diners Club are also accepted, although they may be less commonly used.

Tipping

Tipping is common practice in Turkey; typically, you leave between 5-10% of the bill.

Boat Types In Turkey

Is A Sailing Holiday Right For You

Connect with Nature

A sailing holiday allows you to experience the sea, wind, and sky up close, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life native to your cruising area.

Wellbeing

Looking for a total break from your everyday routine? A sailing holiday provides a truly different experience. Being rocked gently by the sea while surrounded by stunning nature is guaranteed to lower your stress levels.

Unique Accommodation

Your boat serves as both transportation and lodging, offering a total change from the everyday - and a fantastic way to explore a variety of locations.

Skill Development

Whether you're a first-time sailor or an old hand, your skipper will be happy to give tips on sailing techniques and nautical knowledge. Or feel free to sit back, relax and simply enjoy being on board.

Amazing Access

On a sailing holiday you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.

Quality Time with Friends and Family

The nature of sailing together means you tend to foster deeper connections with travel companions in a close, shared environment. Special memories are guaranteed.

Customisable Itinerary

The weather doesn’t always do what you want, but with a boat charter you can easily adjust your plans based on weather, preferences, or unexpected discoveries.

Cultural Immersion

On a sailing holiday you tend to visit multiple ports and interact with locals, which is great for experiencing the cultural life of your destination country in more depth.

Sunsets and Stargazing

There’s nothing quite like a night under the stars, and the deck of a boat is the perfect spot for gazing at breath-taking sunsets or clear night skies, far away from light pollution.

Family - Happy Young Family Resting On A Yacht

Freedom to Explore

On a sailing holiday you have the freedom to plan your own itinerary and visit multiple destinations, with the journeys between them being part of the fun.

Charter Types In Turkey

Bareboat Sailing Holiday

A bareboat sailing holiday with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Turkey and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.

We select our sailing holiday fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter on a sailing holiday you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.

Skippered Sailing Holiday

With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Turkey and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.

However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.

On skippered sailing holiday, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.

Crewed Sailing Holiday

A crewed sailing holiday from Turkey comes in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.

Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.

How To Book

How To Book Your Sailing Holiday Charter From Turkey

Turkey is a popular charter destination, and therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.

You can search for your dream sailing holiday via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.

Pure Thoughts

What sets Turkey apart as a sailing holiday charter destination is its uniquely rich history and culture.

As you sail along the coast, you will encounter numerous ancient ruins and archaeological sites showcasing the country's fascinating past. Explore the majestic Castle of St Peter, wander through the ruins of Knidos, or visit the ancient city of Xanthos, a UNESCO World Heritage site which offers glimpses into the Lycian civilisation of the 5th and 4th century BCE. Every step is like a journey back in time, offering a unique blend of old and new, past and present.

Turkey is also renowned for its warm hospitality and culinary delights. The Turkish people are passionate about good quality food; their cuisine is a true gastronomic adventure and incredibly diverse. It mixes Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines, resulting in a unique flavour profile. Look out for amazing Meze dishes and fresh local ingredients, including delicious seafood and iconic traditional dishes.

Sailing in Turkey provides an opportunity to discover hidden gems and uncrowded destinations. While popular tourist spots are undoubtedly worth a visit, exploring lesser-known areas allows for a more authentic and intimate experience and is extremely rewarding. Sail to remote islands such as Bozburun or explore picturesque fishing villages like Datça, where time seems to have stood still.

In conclusion, Turkey offers a truly exceptional sailing holiday charter experience. Its awe-inspiring coastline, rich history, warm hospitality, and delectable cuisine make it a perfect destination for adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Sailing Holiday?

If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.