Linger Longer: The Turquoise Coast

Sheltered coves, warm seas, and unhurried days along Turkey’s most beguiling shoreline

Introduction

The Turquoise Coast is Turkey’s most alluring sailing ground — a paradise of pine-clad islands, ancient ruins, and crystal bays. From lively Fethiye to secluded anchorages near Göcek, this voyage blends culture, natural beauty, and serene harbours in the heart of the Aegean.

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Itinerary Overview

Total Distance: 56 nm | Average Daily Sailing: 1-2 hrs

A group of small islands with sandy beaches and green vegetation surrounded by blue water, with boats anchored around.

Day 1 — Göcek

Nestled among forested hills, Göcek is a yachting haven with stylish marinas, waterfront cafés, and boutique shops. Its calm atmosphere and sheltered bays make it a perfect embarkation point for exploring the Turquoise Coast.

Sailboats docked in a serene harbor with lush green hills and clear blue sky in the background.

Day 2 - Tersane Island

Once home to a Byzantine-era settlement and Ottoman shipyard, Tersane Island offers a blend of history and tranquillity. Anchor in its quiet bays, swim in turquoise waters, and wander among ruins that whisper of centuries past.

A scenic view of a bay with turquoise water, a sandy beach, and lush green trees. In the background, there are tall, forested mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Day 3 - Fethiye

A lively harbour town with a rich Lycian heritage, Fethiye blends modern bustle with ancient history. Visit the rock-cut tombs high above town, explore the vibrant bazaar, or enjoy waterfront dining as yachts line the quays beneath pine-covered hills.

Two sailboats anchored in a calm, clear blue bay surrounded by green hills and rocky cliffs on a sunny day.

Day 4 - Cold Water Bay

Cold Water Bay is a hidden gem accessible only by boat, where cool spring water seeps into the sea. The sheltered cove is ideal for swimming, while trails lead up to the abandoned Greek village of Kayaköy — a poignant reminder of the region’s layered history.

Aerial view of a bay with several sailboats anchored in clear blue water, a small beach with umbrellas and umbrellas, and green trees and rocky cliffs surrounding the bay.

Day 5 - Kapi Creek

Tucked into the Göcek bays, Kapi Creek is a sailor’s favourite. Its sheltered waters and pine-clad hills offer peace and beauty, while a rustic waterside restaurant serves fresh seafood. Anchor here for a perfect evening beneath a star-filled Turkish sky.

An aerial view of a bay with boats and sailboats, surrounded by lush green hills and rocky islands in the distance.

Day 6 - Sarsala Bay

Sarsala Bay is a pine-fringed inlet of calm turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Ashore, shaded trails climb to viewpoints with sweeping vistas of the Göcek islands. It is a quintessential Turquoise Coast anchorage — serene, scenic, and welcoming.

Decorative ceramic pumpkins with floral patterns, a vintage clock, a red and white decorative object in a bowl, and a branch with red berries, displayed on a wooden surface with a patterned mat and a wooden log background.

Day 7 - Göcek (Return)

Return to Göcek for a final coffee on the waterfront promenade or a leisurely browse through boutique shops. Reflect on a week of sunlit harbours, quiet coves, and timeless ruins along Turkey’s sparkling Turquoise Coast.

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Explore our yachts that brings this itinerary to life, or view the sailing route in more detail.

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Optional Onshore Experiences

Enhance your voyage with hand-picked experiences ashore, blending the region’s rich culture with its celebrated cuisine.

Ancient rock-cut tombs and facades carved into a mountainside with lush green trees at the base.

Cultural Moments

  • Fethiye Tombs: Visit the Lycian rock tombs carved into cliffs above the town, offering insight into ancient history and panoramic harbour views.

  • Kayaköy Village: Hike to the abandoned Greek village near Cold Water Bay, where roofless houses and chapels tell a poignant story of shared pasts.

  • Tersane Island: Wander among Byzantine and Ottoman ruins on Tersane, once a shipyard, now a tranquil isle of hidden bays and ancient echoes.

A terrace overlooking a coastal landscape with mountains, trees, and the ocean at sunset.

Cuisine Journeys

  • Kapi Creek Dining: Enjoy fresh seafood at the rustic waterside restaurant, where pine-fringed hills frame a serene anchorage under starlit skies.

  • Fethiye Meze: Savour traditional Turkish meze in harbour tavernas, surrounded by the buzz of markets and the glow of yachts at sunset.

  • Göcek Markets: Sample olives, cheeses, and honey in Göcek’s lively market, where local produce reflects the region’s Mediterranean spirit.

Elysian - Sailing Beyond Ordinary

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