12 Magical Gulet Sailing Destinations in Lil’ ol’ Marmaris

Just when you thought you have seen all that you could in lil’ ol’ Marmaris, along comes this exuberant itinerary for a week long gulet sailing trip.  Most yacht charter itineraries are flexible enough to include whichever destinations you wish in your route.  However in Marmaris alone, you can take a week long vacation on a very relaxing gulet Blue Cruise, hoping from bay to charming bay by sea with a few mini islands in between.

Yacht charter routes embarking from Marmaris habour generally start with an overnight stay which is quite ideal because the promenade in Marmaris is lined with much to see and do before or after dinner. From authentic souvenir shops and little cafes  to the neighboring Bar Street for nighttime entertainment – there is much to see until your journey the next day.

The following morning, a rich Turkish breakfast is served by a cheerful and friendly crew. The table is filled with all sorts of foods. From traditional cheeses, Marmaris grown olives in pure olive oil, tomatoes, cucumbers, Turkish sausages, eggs, freshly squeezed orange juice, traditional Turkish tea, and much more.

Your itinerary, heading southwest begins in Icmeler.

Icmeler

If we follow the route south west, our first place of anchor is the world reknown resort of Icmeler. Favored by European visitors, Icmeler offers delightful shopping experience with all the little shops that line the main street.  Icmeler beach is one of the most cleanest beaches in the area. You may or may not wish to go ashore to explore. But should you decide to, a stroll around will give you a nice change before moving on to the next anchor point.

Turunc

The town of Turunc is a quiet and calming of the busy towns on the shores of Marmaris. Turunc is tucked away, in a private bay of its own and most populated by its visitors during the summer months. As you approach Turunc, you will realize the beauty of its backdrop of lush pine hilltops.  It’s privately orientated beach allows Turunc to remain exclusive.

Kumlukbuk

Just a few minutes away from Turunc you will find more beautiful bays that are a little further off the beaten track. The name means Sandy Bay and it has one of the largest stretches of beach on the peninsula. It is a relatively undeveloped village as far as tourism goes. Even in high summer there is always plenty of space on the beach.  The waters are clean and clear and at the southern end of the beach there are several restaurants and cafes offering refreshments and snacks during the daytime.

Ciftlik Bay

Ciftlik offers quite a large beach.  Many daily tour boats also stop at this bay and enjoy a variety of water sports such as scuba diving, jet skiing, canoeing, and fishing that attract enthusiasts of water fun activities. Others prefer Ciftlik Bay because it is quiet and it is where you will also find the remains of ancient churches on the beach.

Serce Port

Taslica, such like its name is covered with a stoney landscape in the forefront, an amazing village… You may ask, how is it that stone can be this amazing.  The only way to understand this is if you go into the village…Taslica is a small and peaceful village. There aren’t enough words or photos to describe this amazing place of nature. Serce Liman (Serce Habor) is a must see place along your travels, and a preferred place of habour for yachtsmen.

Bozukkale

Bozukkale is quite a popular gulet charter destination, due to the fact that it is a well sheltered inlet at the southern end of the Kara peninsula. An ancient citedal is located at the bay’s entrance which provides magnificent views of the area. The well protected bay was strategically important to the Athenians who used it as anchorage for their fleet in 1412 BCE and in 395 BCE where they based their fleet before the Knidos war.

As a convenience to yachts who decide for an overnight stay, there are three restaurants in the bay. Should you be interested in hiking, located aproximately an hour away; there are ruins of the small city of Loryma, which was established in the 7th century BCE.

Sogut Village

The largest of all the villages in Marmaris in land mass, and districts, Sogut village is planned rather untidy-like. Sogut village is a natural habor.  The views are breathtaking. The remains of ancient history are still present in Sogut.  The antique city of Thyssanos and remains of Three Towers, dated sometime B.C. will sweep you away.

The village of Sogut holds the characteristics of both the Meditterranean and Aegean and situated right where the two seas meet. Sogut is known for its olive groves, fresh basil, almonds and cagla (pronounced: chala / a sort of almond, in fruit-like form, slightly dipped in salt).  It’s certain that you will see these trees in just about every garden.

Bozburun

They say that living in Bozburun is like living your life’s Spring season…  This peaceful town offers a different kind of taste and unique excitement with its beautiful cuisine, colours and feeling.  Bozburun’s fame to name originates from the manufacture of Turkish Gulets – after Bodrum.  There you’ll find expert gulet technicians in the workshops.  The manufacturing of gulets has been in the area for generations, passed on from father to son, and expanded to the high volume manufacturing it offers today, to where now you’ll see even further development by large professional companies in the area.  As such, Bozburun has developed well, and world reknown in the manufacturing of Turkish Gulets and tourism.

Selimiye

Selimiye is possibly the most popular village of Marmaris.  Its incredible sea and natural views, the undeniable resting place for yachtman, the warm feeling it leaves inside a person, abundant fresh seafood, charming boutique hotels, a virgin village; transforming into a quaint town atmosphere, is probably what makes this village so popular.

Set along an inner bay, the sea is calm and clear, so without a doubt, a swim in the sea is a must.  It does not offer a beach as wide as the one in Turgut village, however located on the other side of the Selimiye, is a sandy seaside area called “Sig Liman” (raw habor).  The peaceful and natural views offer an enjoyable swimming experience.

Turgut Village

The village of Turgut offers its own charming little shoreline. During the summer months, there are carpet factories, where carpet is manufactured in the village and offered to both local and foreign visitors.

Pine honey and peanuts are among the most populer products in the village.  You’ll find fruit and vegetables in all the gardens, specific to this culture, particularly if you take to old village road, where the orange and lemon trees follow along with you.

The Turgut Waterfall draws thousands of visitors each year.  Blanketed with its incredible nature, the Turgut waterfall leaves visitors with unforgettable memories.  There are also various ancient ruins within the village under special protection.

Orhaniye

There is not a great distance between the villages in Marmaris, as they usually come right after one another…making the whole trip quite enjoyable.  One can’t help but be overwhelmed at all the breathtaking views as you pass by each bay… Simply magnificent!

The main feature of Orhaniye that contributes to its fame in name must be Kizkumu… A path of sand that extends to the center of the sea, and you can walk on it!  There’s much said about this path, but the most popular belief told by the local villagers is that it is considered to bring you luck.

Hisaronu Village

A place that holds its own special natural beauty and sea, Hisaronu village is an ideal resting place for those who just want to get away from large crowds.  Due to its shallow and wide open shoreline, it’s ideal for surfing.  It’s possibly the second most preferred spot after Datca, for surfers.  Hisaronu is situated on the furthest tip of the bay, set inland a bit, and sits on the leftside of all the villages in Marmaris. The crowds from Marmaris, and for those who wish to let go some stress, particularly on the weekends, head directly to the shoreline of Hisaronu to relax.

There are of course many other little bays and islands along the way to visit and enjoy; and can easily be added on to this itinerary.  You don’t have to go far in order to enjoy the pleasures of a gulet cruise in Turkey.

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