Located on the southern coast of the Bodrum Peninsula and north of the Datça Peninsula, in Muğla Province, the Gulf of Gökova is a charming corner of Turkey offering sailors stunning scenery, lovely green-covered coastlines, and, above all, the Aegean Sea with its wide range of blue hues.

If you want to experience all these beauties, there are plenty of opportunities to sail along the Turkish coast. The Gulf of Gökova is indeed a highly sought-after charter destination. Among the main towns in the gulf are the small towns of Gökova, Akyaka—recently awarded the title of “Slow City”—and Ula. Around the gulf, there are also some archaeological ruins, such as Ceramus near the town of Ören, and Cedrae on Sedir Island.

Constant winds and mild temperatures

In summer, the area is dominated by the Meltemi wind, which blows from the north and is locally deflected from the west. It follows the course of the western Turkish coast southward. The wind gradually begins in June and often reaches 6–7 on the Beaufort scale in July and August, then weakens again in September.

Thanks to more moderate winds, the low season is often the most comfortable time to sail. However, in summer, the protection offered by the large gulf—particularly along the northern coast—ensures good shelter from the Meltemi. Temperatures already exceed 25°C in May and can reach 35°C in the height of summer. From September onwards, they gradually return to milder levels. Water temperatures sometimes remain above 25°C well into the autumn. Rain is expected only during the pre-season.

Day 1, Turgutreis, Embarkation

The starting point for exploring the Gulf of Gökova can be the marina of Turgutreis, located at the northwestern entrance. Part of the D-Marin network, the marina sits on the picturesque Bodrum Peninsula in an area famous for its wide sandy beaches, beautiful mountain backdrops, and the charming surrounding islands. The port offers 532 berths on the quay, plus another 150 dry dock spaces. Facilities include water, electricity, Wi-Fi, electric vehicle charging stations, and even a modern helipad.

Once a famous sponge-diving site, Turgutreis is now an elite destination with resorts, villas, and trendy boutiques. Approaching from the sea, you are welcomed by a large statue of a pregnant woman holding an olive branch, symbolizing health, tranquility, and the uniqueness of Anatolia. In 1972, the original village, then called Karatoprak, was renamed in honor of the Ottoman admiral Dragut (Turgut Reis), who was born here in 1485 and led many naval battles before dying during the siege of Malta in 1565. The Turgutreis coastline features a sandy beach of about 3 miles and over a dozen small islands.

Day 2, Turgutreis – Aspat Koyu, 3 miles

The first stop of our Turkish cruise is not far: Aspat Koyu, located in the town of Akyarlar, roughly halfway to Bodrum. Once a secluded beach with an anchorage in front of a shallow river mouth, a lagoon-style town, inspired by the French Port Grimaud, was built here after the turn of the millennium. We head south, round Cape Ayarlar, and reach the bay in about an hour of sailing. In the central area, there is a small marina with berths and service docks, where sailboats are also moored. Numerous restaurants, cafés, and bars surround the area. The beach and views are stunning, the water is clean, and the surroundings are rich in history. Since the bay is sheltered from the wind, Aspat is a favorite spot for cruising crews.

Aspat is historically significant. Its name is said to come from the Greek word “Aspartos,” meaning “arid,” or from the castle on top of Mount Aspat. “Spatia” in Greek means “very pointed.” The Aspat castle was built at the mountain’s highest point, 500 meters above sea level. The climb is steep and challenging, but reaching the top rewards you with unforgettable views through the castle ruins.

Day 3, Aspat Koyu – Milta Bodrum Marina, 7 miles

It’s about 7 miles from Aspat Bay to Bodrum Marina. With 450 berths, Milta Bodrum Marina is one of the largest and most modern marinas on the Turkish coast. It provides all the necessary services for sailors, including water, electricity, Wi-Fi, and security—a level of service that leaves nothing to be desired. The marina is also at the heart of the tourist area, surrounded by numerous restaurants and shopping opportunities. Alternatively, you can anchor near the castle, take the tender to the city, and visit the former Crusader castle.

Over the last 20 years, Bodrum has become a highly sought-after tourist destination. Hundreds of cafés, bars, and restaurants line the harbor bay. Even in the historic center, at the foot of the ancient Crusader castle, the promenade is very charming. On the shopping street, leather, gold, and souvenir shop owners sit sipping tea in front of their stores. On the edges of the historic center, several restaurants with terraces overlook the harbor bay, perfect for enjoying local cuisine.

Day 4, Milta Bodrum Marina – Çökertme Bay, 20 miles

We cast off once again, heading to Çökertme Bay, about 20 miles from Bodrum. Specifically, it is located in the Gökbel area of Milas Province, within the village of Çökertme. This scenic beach is a popular destination for those who want to swim or dine in a peaceful setting, enjoying the untouched natural charm of the area.

The natural harbor provides good protection from the prevailing northwest winds. In Çökertme, several bayfront restaurants offer moorings and piers, usually free if you dine at the restaurant in the evening. One of the most popular is the historic “Capitano Ibrahim,” which also features a small grocery store for provisioning.

Day 5, Çökertme Bay – Sedir Island, 20 miles

We set sail for a very special and picturesque stop: Sehir Adasi, better known among sailors as “Cleopatra Island.” According to legend, this was the island of love for one of history’s most famous couples. It is said that Egyptian queen Cleopatra and Roman general Mark Antony met here. It is also told that the ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire not only built a palace, a temple, and a theater for his beloved but also created a white sandy beach.

The local anchorage is sheltered, but during the day hundreds of tourists arrive by excursion boats. It’s best to go ashore after 6 p.m., so the island will be all yours. The ancient theater and palace ruins are well worth a visit.

Day 6, Sedir Island – Küfre Bay – Cnidos, 15 miles

We leave the dock to sail through the Yediadalar Archipelago, surely the most beautiful part of the southern coast of the Gulf of Gökova. Protected by four offshore islands, seven anchorages line up, each more beautiful than the last. You can stop at Küfre Bay, located at the far north, to enjoy incredible peace and solitude.

Our penultimate stop is also one of the highlights of the Gökova cruise: at the southwestern tip of the gulf lies the ancient city of Cnidos. It became famous for the marble statue of Aphrodite, the most important work of the sculptor Praxiteles. It is believed to be the first representation of a nude female body in ancient art. The original has been lost, but copies can be found in many renowned museums worldwide. The excavations at Cnidos are definitely worth visiting. This is one of the most important prehistoric sites on today’s Turkish coast. The area is vast—allow plenty of time for your visit. Plan a couple of hours to walk from the colonnaded avenue to the amphitheater. Even those less interested in history will be captivated.

Day 7, Cnidos – Mersincik Bay – Turgutreis, 21 miles

The final stop of our Turkish cruise is Mersincik Bay, a popular anchorage on the northwestern part of the Datça Peninsula, marking the southwestern entrance of the Gulf of Gökova. Another secluded spot with crystal-clear water in front of a beautiful deserted beach. If the north wind blows too strongly, you can hide in the small lower bay to the northwest of Mersincik, though space is limited.

At Mersincik, you can explore its beautiful beaches. If you enjoy water sports, this is a perfect opportunity to practice them or simply relax in the sun. You will be amazed by the spectacular scenery of the bay, surrounded by olive groves that contrast beautifully with the blue water and golden sandy seabed. A final dip in paradise before returning to Turgutreis, our starting point.