Turkey's south-west corner — the Turquoise Coast between Bodrum, Marmaris, Göcek and Fethiye — is arguably the Mediterranean's best-value cruising ground, and certainly one of its most beautiful. The pattern repeats deliciously: a deep, pine-fringed bay; turquoise water over sand; a wooden jetty belonging to a family restaurant; and, as often as not, a Lycian ruin on the headland. The Gulf of Gökova and the Göcek archipelago concentrate dozens of such anchorages within a few miles of each other.
This is also the heartland of the gulet — the traditional wooden motor-sailer, chartered with a full crew who cook, sail and plan while you swim and read. If you want the easiest possible introduction to a sailing holiday, a crewed gulet week out of Fethiye or Bodrum is it. Conventional bareboat and skippered yachts are plentiful too, and prices run noticeably below Greece or Croatia for comparable boats.
The season is long — April to November — and restaurant-jetty culture means you can moor for free most evenings if you dine, keeping costs friendly. Combine that with short hops of 5–20 miles and it's a superb choice for families, first-timers and anyone allergic to marina fees.
Sailing conditions
Summer brings the meltemi here too, but the coast's deep gulfs blunt it: expect force 3–5 from the west or north-west in the afternoons, with calm mornings ideal for covering ground. The Gulf of Gökova funnels the strongest gusts; Göcek's island maze stays mild almost always. Water is warm from June through October, and September–October may be the coast at its absolute best.
Key marinas & bases
- Ece Saray Marina (Fethiye)
- D-Marin Göcek
- Netsel Marina (Marmaris)
- Milta Bodrum Marina
- Yalıkavak Marina (Bodrum peninsula)
Best time to go
| Period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| April – May | Spring green, quiet bays, cooler water. Gulet season opens; excellent prices. |
| June – August | Hot and lively; afternoon meltemi for sailors, jetty restaurants in full swing. |
| September – October | Warm sea, softer sun, quieter anchorages — prime time on this coast. |
| November | Season tail: many boats still operate from Fethiye/Göcek; short days but blissful solitude. |
Three routes we recommend
Göcek twelve-islands amble
Göcek → Tersane → Yassıca islands → Bedri Rahmi bay → Wall Bay → Kapı Creek → Fethiye → Göcek. The Med's most relaxed week: ten anchorages inside one sheltered gulf, legs under two hours.
Gulf of Gökova out-and-back
Bodrum → Çökertme → Sedir Island (Cleopatra beach) → English Harbour → Sehir Adaları → Kisebükü → Bodrum. Deep-gulf cruising between pine forests and ancient sites, with proper afternoon sailing.
Lycian coast one-way
Marmaris → Ekincik (Dalyan ruins) → Göcek → Fethiye → Ölüdeniz → Kalkan → Kaş → return/Finike. Ruins, gorges and the coast's blue lagoon — best with a skipper who knows every jetty.
Frequently asked
Gulet or yacht — which should we pick?
Is Turkey cheaper than Greece or Croatia?
Can we combine Turkey with Greek islands?
Ready to sail here?
See every available boat in this area at official fleet prices — or tell us your dates and we'll shortlist for you.