Bodrum Castle

Sailing Holiday
Bodrum

Bodrum, located on the Carian Coast in the southwest of Turkey, is generally seen as the centre of sailing holiday charter in the country.

The crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea provide a breathtaking backdrop for cruising along the coast, and this vibrant port city is packed with cosmopolitan bars, excellent restaurants and high-end boutiques, intermingled with historical and cultural sites.

The area around Bodrum has been inhabited since the 7th century BC. It is steeped in history, with the city being home to the ancient ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

What Makes Bodrum Special?

Strategic Location

Bodrum's position on the Aegean coast of the Turkish Riviera makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the stunning Turquoise Coast. A sailing holiday can easily access the region's top destinations from this central hub, including the Greek Dodecanese with islands such as Kos and Rhodes.

Beautiful Coastline

Bodrum is located on the Aegean Sea and boasts a stunning coastline with crystal-clear waters, secluded coves, and picturesque bays. The region is known for its natural beauty, breathtaking views and a perfect setting for sailing.

Delicious Cuisine

Bodrum is renowned for its delicious cuisine, with plenty of waterfront restaurants offering fresh seafood, Turkish meze and other traditional dishes. Enjoy delicious Turkish cuisine at whether ashore or on board.

Vibrant Nightlife

Known as the St. Tropez of Turkey, Bodrum is renowned for its bar and club scene, especially along the lively Barlar Sokağı (Bar Street).

Sailing Conditions

The calm, wind-protected waters around Bodrum provide ideal sailing conditions, especially for those new to yachting or families with young children onboard.

Local Markets and Bazaars

Visit the vibrant Bodrum Market, where you can shop for local crafts, spices, textiles, and fresh produce, immersing yourself in the local culture.

Turkey - Bodrum - Narrow street in Bodrum stock photo - iStock-540566444

Rich History

Bodrum is a historic city that dates back to ancient times. It was once known as Halicarnassus and was home to the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Not To Be Missed

Bodrum Castle

Visit the medieval Castle of St.Peter, a fortress built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century, which hosts the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

Ancient City of Halicarnassus

Explore the remains of the ancient Greek city, including the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Theatre of Bodrum

Dating back to ancient Greek times, this well-preserved amphitheatre offers stunning views of Bodrum and hosts various cultural events.

Bodrum Yalikavak Marina

The recently renovated Yalıkavak Marina is a hub for high-end yachting, featuring luxury shops, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere perfect for dockside people-watching.

Turgutreis Town

Discover the charming town of Turgutreis with its beautiful sandy beaches and local markets.

Orak Island

Visit Orak Island, a hidden gem with crystal-clear waters, picturesque bays, and stunning landscapes perfect for swimming and diving.

Gumusluk Village

Sail to the tranquil village of Gumusluk, known for its peaceful beaches, quaint fishing harbour, and the ancient sunken city of Myndos.

Greek Island of Kos

An easy day trip from Bodrum, the Greek island of Kos offers ancient sites, charming whitewashed villages, and beaches to explore by yacht.

Knidos Ancient City

Visit the ruins of this ancient Greek city at the tip of the Datca Peninsula, a short sail from Bodrum.

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

Celsus Library

Make sure not to miss the stunning Roman Celsus Library in Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site which dates back to 117 A.D.

Best Times To Visit Bodrum For A Sailing Holiday Charter

The season in Bodrum 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 15.7°C (60°F) 9.5°C (49°F) wind direction 187degS
FEB 13.5°C (56°F) 6.9°C (44°F) wind direction 190degS
MAR 17.3°C (63°F) 10.6°C (51°F) wind direction 258degWSW
APR 19.0°C (66°F) 12.3°C (54°F) wind direction 249degWSW
MAY 23.4°C (74°F) 15.8°C (60°F) wind direction 259degW
JUN 28.5°C (83°F) 20.2°C (68°F) wind direction 307degNW
JUL 35.2°C (95°F) 24.9°C (77°F) wind direction 325degNW
AUG 32.3°C (90°F) 23.1°C (74°F) wind direction 289degWNW
SEP 31.1°C (88°F) 21.9°C (71°F) wind direction 302degWNW
OCT 26.2°C (79°F) 18.0°C (64°F) wind direction 287degWNW
NOV 20.8°C (70°F) 14.8°C (59°F) wind direction 223degSW
DEC 17.3°C (63°F) 12.3°C (54°F) wind direction 166degSSE
* 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 Bodrum

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 Bodrum

Bareboat Sailing Holiday

A bareboat sailing holiday with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Bodrum 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 Bodrum 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 Bodrum 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 Bodrum

Bodrum 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

Ruled at various times by the Persian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, all have left their mark on this fascinating town over its history.

Built in 1402, Bodrum Castle, which houses the impressive Underwater Archaeology Museum, features an outstanding collection of artefacts retrieved from shipwrecks in the Aegean Sea and is not to be missed.

In addition to natural beauty and historical wonders, Bodrum is known for its vibrant sailing culture. The city hosts numerous sailing regattas and events throughout the year, and the lively marina promenades are filled with charming restaurants, bars and shops. This creates a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere that makes Bodrum a hub for the local charter industry.

In conclusion, Bodrum is a true gem, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance and, most importantly, access to the Turkish Riviera cruising grounds. Whether relaxing on a sailing holiday, exploring ancient ruins, or immersing oneself in the lively sailing scene, Bodrum provides an unforgettable experience.

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.