Turkey’s Lycian Coast

Few countries in the world have such cultural diversity as Turkey. Although its cities are very much grounded in the modern world, its history and architecture have been influenced by the Byzantine, Ottoman, Roman and Persian empires. Its southwest coast—commonly called the Turquoise Coast—shows the strains of recent tourist development, but each town and island has its own magic, whether it be easily accessible ancient ruins, sweeping beaches, quiet anchorages or lovely cafes and restaurants. A yacht charter vacation in Turkey will naturally incorporate all of those elements and will do so in the context of the iridescent blue waters that lap the coast. For health-conscious gastronomes, few cuisines rival that of Turkey. The Greeks and Turks have a centuries-old disagreement over the origins of their similar table fare, which typically features seafood, lamb, fruits, yogurt and olives among many other things. Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, is a world unto itself with abundant evidence of all the country’s storied past and vibrant present. Charterers would be remiss if they didn’t plan to spend a few days before or after their trip experiencing the splendors of this world capital. Few leave without a rug or a Turkish kilim purchased in one of the city’s bazaars.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 ISTANBUL TO MARMARIS
From Istanbul, you’ll take a short flight to Dalaman international airport, which serves southwest Turkey, and meet your yacht. Marmaris is a tourist town extraordinaire. its marina waterfront features a long stretch of outdoor restaurants and its castle and the adjacent old Town are a worthy walk.

DAY 2 MARMARIS TO EKINCIK
From the bustle of Marmaris, you’ll enter the serenity of Ekincik, which is in a nature conservation area. The Sultaniye Spas thermal baths are just a few minutes taxi ride from this small town’s waterfront. Your crew can take you by tender to Caunos on the Dalyan river to admire the ancient ruins and Rupestrian tombs.

DAY 3 EKINCIK TO FETHIYE
En route to Fethiye, a swim and lunch on Tersane island and a visit to Manastir (cleopatra Bay) are a must. Fethiye sits atop Telmessos, the ancient capital of the Lycian coast. In and about the city are numerous historic sites, including many Lycian tombs and sarcophagi. Don’t miss the fish market in the old city.

DAY 4 FETHIYE TO GOCEK
Once a modest village, Gocek is now rich in activity with many hotels, shopping and restaurants. like Marmaris, it is a yachting center. A group of five islands off Gocek called the Yassica Adalari provide scenic anchorages for a quiet overnight.

DAY 5 YASSICA ADALARI TO KALKAN
Kalkan is a delicious village scrambled up a hillside that is rich in flowers and restaurants. The town has taken special care to preserve its ottoman and Greek architecture. as a result, its old town and new development live in better harmony than in some coastal areas. You’ll overnight in the new Kas Marina 12 miles away.

DAY 6 KAS TO KEKOVA
After enjoying the shops and steep streets of the picturesque fishing village of Kas, or the hellenistic theater ruin just outside town, board a local boat for a half-day visit to Kastellorizo, a splendid Greek village offshore. in the evening, cruise to Kekova.

DAY 7 KEKOVA
Visiting Kekova is astonishing. With local boats, you can explore the underwater ruins of an ancient city, admire tombs emerging from the sea and more. or spend your day ashore in a colorful restaurant where you sit on Turkish carpets and sip Turkish coffee.