Let’s set sail to explore the city of Bodrum, its peninsula and the famous “Turquoise Coast,” dotted with bays of crystal-clear waters, archaeological sites and villages rich in a timeless nautical culture.

Sailing along the Bodrum Peninsula and the so-called “Turquoise Coast” is an unforgettable experience, offering hidden coves, secluded beaches and intriguing historical treasures of this captivating country on the Aegean Sea. The views are stunning, the atmosphere relaxed, the nautical heritage deep and the Turkish people are incredibly welcoming. You’ll find yourself invited into their bars, restaurants and cafés, where they share their love for hospitality and traditional Mediterranean cuisine.

The climate is fantastic and, unlike the Greek Meltemi, the Turkish Meltemi is gentler. Its steady 10-12 knots, even in summer, allows for safe sailing, making it perfect for less experienced crews.

 

Day 1, Bodrum, boarding

Our cruise through Turkey starts in the beautiful city of Bodrum, known as the heart of sailing and one of the country’s top tourist destinations, located on Turkey’s southwestern peninsula. Bodrum is the birthplace of Herodotus and home to the Tomb of King Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It also houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which displays ancient artifacts and shipwrecks from the Bronze Age. With service from Milas Airport, the city boasts one of Europe’s most modern marinas, and definitely one of the most prestigious in the entire Aegean. Despite its strong tourist appeal and lively nightlife, Bodrum has preserved its unique character, remaining free from excessive development.

More than any other Turkish seaside city, Bodrum exudes a distinct elegance—from the imposing St. Peter’s Castle overlooking the town to the beautiful harbor, charming flower-filled cafés, and narrow alleys lined with whitewashed houses. Wandering through its gardens with subtropical plants, palm-lined avenues, historic buildings, exclusive spots, and high-end boutiques is an absolute delight. Even on the busiest summer days, Bodrum still offers quiet spots to unwind, both in town and especially in nearby coastal villages.

From Bodrum’s center, you can easily reach several stunning bays. Gümbet is one of the liveliest, while the crescent-shaped Bitez Bay is popular with boaters. Ortakent is a haven for watersports, while Gümüşlük, built on the ancient city of Myndos and with its pristine Blue Flag sea, is a must-see.

Day 2, Bodrum – Gumusluk, 15 miles

We leave the port of Bodrum and set sail towards Gumusluk, located in the Muğla province in southwestern Turkey. Unlike many other coastal towns that have been overwhelmed by modern tourism, Gumusluk has remained almost untouched, thanks to its location. It sits on the ruins of the ancient city known as Myndos. Being a protected archaeological site, the village cannot be expanded—at least not on the side facing the sea, where the ruins disappear into the water and then reemerge on Rabbit Island, directly across from the village and reachable on foot at low tide.

Here, you’ll still find scattered fragments of ancient buildings, along with a panoramic view of the bay and Gümüşlük beach. It’s a peaceful retreat, away from large tourist crowds. Even in restaurants and bars, playing music too loudly is not allowed.

It’s an ideal destination for a swim, a relaxing drink and a fresh seafood dish at the simple yet elegant eateries that line the beach.

 

Day 3, Gumusluk – Asin Liman, 23 miles

Let’s set our course toward the horizon and sail to Asin Liman, also known as Iasos, Porto Isene or Kuria. Located in the Asin Körfezi area, it’s a lovely anchorage spot surrounded by the ruins of an ancient Byzantine city, overlooked by a walled acropolis. In ancient times, this place thrived with an economy based on fishing and the red and white marble still found in the surrounding hills. You can easily dock at the village pier or anchor further out, securing a line to shore. The muddy bottom provides good holding for anchors. If you find space, dock at the quay where water and electricity are available.

The water depth is just over 2 meters but goes beyond 2.5 meters a couple of meters out. The mooring area offers good protection from prevailing winds. Onshore, there are restaurants and shops where you can stock up on provisions for the galley.

The fortified acropolis, surrounded by walls, stands atop a hill directly across from the mooring for yachts and fishing boats. Archaeological excavations have revealed, among other things, the bouleuterion, the building that once housed the council (boulé) of the ancient city, along with the agora and a Roman temple dedicated to Artemis Astia (190 AD). Exploring these ancient ruins is an absolute must. Afterward, stop by Iasos Deniz Restaurant to enjoy local cuisine, fresh seafood and stunning views of the ancient ruins cascading down to the sea.

Day 4, Asin Liman – Kazikli, 17 miles

Time to head out to Kazikli, a stunning bay surrounded by pine-covered mountains, famous for its beautiful sunsets and peaceful vibe. It’s part of the Milas district in Muğla Province, stretching about 3 miles long and 2 miles wide. On the northeastern end of the bay, you’ll find two smaller coves known as Karasu Bays. Two more smaller bays sit along the northwestern coast, called Ardışlıağıl Bay and Yarım Bay. These are all secluded spots, ideal for anchoring and relaxing. Right in the center of the bay, there are two restaurants and several docks where guests can sunbathe and swim in the sparkling blue waters. In the summer, one of the floating restaurants is moved further from the shore, allowing you to dine right in the bay, with your meal delivered by a rowboat.

Beyond the crystal-clear waters and quiet beaches, this area has recently become popular worldwide for rock climbing, especially in the Kazikli Canyon. This canyon is over 2 km long, with cliffs averaging 80-90 meters high, lined with caves where honey is harvested. It’s no wonder sailors and rock climbers alike are drawn here, as it offers the perfect mix of both passions.

 

Day 5, Kazikli – Turgutreis, 23 miles

From Kazikli, we set our course toward Turgutreis for the next beautiful stretch of about 23 nautical miles. This is the largest bay on the Bodrum peninsula and hosts a renowned seaside resort with a 5-kilometer-long sandy beach, a lively strip of unique bars and clubs, a fantastic marina and an enormous open-air market. The bay is also dotted with about a dozen small islands, making it one of the top destinations for sailing enthusiasts on a cruise.

In 1972, the village, originally called Karatoprak, was renamed in honor of the Ottoman admiral Dragut, known in Turkish as Turgut Reis, who was born here in 1485 and led many naval battles before dying in the Siege of Malta in 1565.

Turgutreis is the perfect stopover to combine the pleasures of life on a boat with a lively social atmosphere, soaking up the sun, relaxing with a drink at sunset and enjoying authentic Turkish cuisine.

Day 6, Turgutreis – Aspat, 8 miles

We’re back to sailing and heading for the stunning Aspat Bay, nestled between two other equally charming bays, Bağla and Karaincir. Though close to the lively and bustling Bodrum, Aspat Bay is surrounded by greenery and has a unique, authentic feel rich in history. You can anchor in the crystal-clear waters at the center of the bay on a sandy, muddy and seaweed-covered seabed with good holding ground, at depths ranging from 3 to 6 meters. Even in peak season, it’s a nearly deserted spot, especially well-sheltered from northwesterly winds. It’s no wonder that centuries ago, the bay was a favorite hideout for pirates.

Onshore, you’ll find a fine, light gravel beach with wooden platforms and hammocks perfect for sunbathing, surrounded by restaurants, cafes and other tourist facilities. Overlooking both the beach and the bay is a majestic hill to the east, topped by Aspat Castle, also known as Çifit Castle. A long, narrow path—complete with steps and a bridge—leads you up to the ruins, offering breathtaking views of the entire area. At the base of Aspat Hill, you can also explore an ancient Hamam and the stone house of the Cretan Arap Agha. Though it’s a small area, you’ll be amazed by the beauty and cultural richness of Aspat, once known as Aspartos, which remains its full and proper name.

Day 7, Aspat – Bodrum, 7 miles

Let’s make the most of this last day of our cruise as we head back to our base in Bodrum, spending the remaining hours relaxing on the boat, taking a refreshing swim, or strolling along the city’s tree-lined streets. We can pause to sip a Turkish coffee, savor a traditional dish, or even visit the Maritime Museum located in the historic center, which also houses one of the largest starfish and shell collections in the world. In short, it’s everything you need to soak up the charm of this magical place one last time.