7-Day Turkish Coast Yacht Itinerary

The resort town of Bodrum is the perfect place to begin and end your yachting excursion along the Turkish Coast. After arriving at Bodrum airport, take time to explore the port, venturing into the Old City to see its iconic 15th-century castle, and perhaps spend time at one of the beautiful beaches lapped by warm, electric blue water.

You might also visit impressive ancient landmarks like the 4th-century BC amphitheater and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. 
Once onboard, depart for Orak Island. Known as the “Maldives of Bodrum,” it boasts stunning bays primarily accessible by boat and ideal for snorkeling. The dazzling turquoise hue comes thanks to the white sandy seabed that reflects the sunlight upwards through the water, creating a color reminiscent of the Indian Ocean.

Cokertme is the topic of a traditional Turkish folk song from the Ottoman period, tucked between Karaburun and Kepce Burnu. The bay is backed by pine and olive trees, while the beach serves as the heart of the village, home to a small family-run souvenir shop, an art gallery, and a few local eateries.

You can enjoy direct, private mooring access for dining on the local fare, featuring lots of fresh seafood and wild herbs. It’s a serene, nature-focused stop perfect for relaxation and swimming away from more crowded coastal areas. If you’re up for a stroll, enjoy a scenic walk along one of the tree-shaded coastal paths.

Uninhabited Sedir Island is often referred to as Cleopatra Island due to the legend that tells Marc Antony brought its unique sand, made up of tiny, luminous white pearls, as a gift for Cleopatra. Sand like this can only be found in Turkey and Egypt, giving credence to the tale. As you can imagine, the beaches are breathtaking, and the water is strikingly clear and blue, bringing the opportunity for unforgettable swims with a backdrop of towering Mount Kavak.

In fact, the famous couple was said to enjoy swimming here themselves. In addition to spending time in the water and on the sand, the island is home to the ruins of the ancient settlement of Kedrai, including an agora and theater. 

Longoz Bay, located just west of Cape Kargili, is one of the must-stops on a yacht charter that sails the Gulf of Gökova, with the pristine aquamarine waters so inviting that jumping in is practically irresistible. The secluded bay is a haven for those seeking tranquility away from tourist hotspots, with pine trees dipping down to the shoreline providing the perfect place to relax and enjoy a picnic.

The shallow waters just offshore provide the perfect place for children to swim or splash around, while the lush surrounding hills offer opportunities for scenic hikes with plenty of shade from the trees. Footpaths connect to other beautiful bays nearby, making it easy to explore beyond Longoz. If you don’t want to bring your own supplies for a picnic onshore, Löngöz Bay Restaurant offers local BBQ dishes to yachters and sailors of all types, located in the bay.

The remote port town of Datka is a hidden gem on the Datca Peninsula with a palm-lined promenade. Sevgi Yolu, or the Path of Love, as it translates to, is a pedestrianized walkway that runs between the waterfront and the town’s main street, connecting to the Kumluk Yolu beach area. A social hub with seaside charms, it’s ideal for sunset strolls or strolling anytime, with artisan stalls along the way selling souvenirs, handcrafted jewelry, and other locally made items, alongside eateries and ice cream parlors.

The narrow streets of the old town, draped in bougainvillea, are lovely to wander, and there are several pretty beaches to relax on nearby. Taslik is the closest, providing an easily accessible stretch right next to the promenade. Or sail to one of the more secluded stretches like nearby Domuzbükü, accessible primarily by boat.

Only about 10 nautical miles from Datka at the western tip of the Datca Peninsula, you’ll find the ruins of Knidos, a once prosperous Dorian city dating to 400 BC. Outstanding anchorage can be found in two main bays, the North Bay and South Bay. The South Bay is better for proximity to the ancient ruins, as well as offering good, sandy holding and protection from the wind.

The setting is incredibly picturesque with steep, terraced hillsides covered in olive, almond, and fruit trees that rise above the bays, with a lighthouse sitting dramatically atop the headland. Of course, the main reason to visit is Knidos, with original paths that have remained surprisingly well-preserved. You can still see the remnants of a 4th-century BC sundial, a Hellenistic theater, a temple, and Doric stoa.

Kara Ada, or Black Island, is a paradise and the perfect last stop before returning to Bodrum, only two nautical miles away. The uninhabited island is most famous for its mineral-rich hot springs and mud baths set within a sea cave. Soaking in the warm water is said to soothe aches and pains, as well as rejuvenate the skin.

Applying the mud is popular for its therapeutic effects as well. Rub it onto your body, let it dry, and then rinse off in the water. Rumor has it that Cleopatra used to come here for her own beauty treatments. The island also offers secluded beaches and coves ideal for relaxing, swimming, and snorkeling.