Turkey: The Lycian Coast
Ancient ruins, turquoise waters, and the legendary Blue Voyage
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Embarkation
- Bodrum (Milta Bodrum Marina)
- Disembarkation
- Antalya (Kaleiçi Marina)
- Best season
- May – October
- Total distance
- 210 NM
Overview
The Lycian Coast — Turkey's 'Turquoise Coast' — is one of the Mediterranean's most rewarding yacht charter destinations. Ancient Lycian tombs carved into cliff faces, sunken cities visible through crystal-clear water, and some of the most beautiful anchorages in the world make this the ultimate Blue Voyage.
Highlights
- Bodrum Castle & underwater archaeology museum
- Göcek's 12 islands
- Butterfly Valley
- Kaş — charming harbour town
- Kekova sunken city
- Olympos & the eternal flames of Chimaera
Day by day
Day 1: Bodrum — Castle & Culture
Bodrum
Morning: Board at Milta Bodrum Marina. Welcome Turkish breakfast — the most elaborate breakfast tradition in the world.
Afternoon: Visit Bodrum Castle (Castle of St. Peter), home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Explore the ancient Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Evening: Dinner at Limon, a rooftop restaurant overlooking the castle and harbour.
Day 2: Göcek — 12 Islands
Bodrum → Göcek · 55 nm
Morning: Cruise along the coast to Göcek, passing the Greek island of Symi in the distance. The coastline becomes increasingly dramatic.
Afternoon: Explore Göcek's famous 12 islands by tender — swim in hidden bays, snorkel over ancient ruins, and visit the Tersane (shipyard) island with its Ottoman boatyard.
Evening: Dinner aboard in Göcek's sheltered bay, surrounded by pine-covered mountains.
Day 3: Ölüdeniz & Butterfly Valley
Göcek → Ölüdeniz · 25 nm
Morning: Cruise to Ölüdeniz (Dead Sea), famous for its stunning Blue Lagoon — one of the most photographed beaches in Turkey.
Afternoon: Take the tender to Butterfly Valley, a dramatic gorge home to the Jersey Tiger butterfly and accessible only by sea. Hike to the waterfall at the head of the valley.
Evening: Watch paragliders descend from Babadağ mountain (1,969m) as you enjoy dinner aboard in the lagoon.
Day 4: Kaş — Charming Harbour Town
Ölüdeniz → Kaş · 35 nm
Morning: Cruise to Kaş, one of Turkey's most charming harbour towns. The approach past the Greek island of Kastellorizo is beautiful.
Afternoon: Explore Kaş's narrow streets, Lycian rock tombs, and the ancient theatre overlooking the sea. Dive or snorkel at the underwater canyon.
Evening: Dinner at Bi Lokma, a rooftop restaurant with views over the harbour and the Greek islands.
Day 5: Kekova — Sunken City
Kaş → Kekova · 18 nm
Morning: Cruise to Kekova, home to the famous Sunken City — the ruins of the ancient city of Simena, partially submerged by earthquakes.
Afternoon: Kayak or take a glass-bottom boat over the sunken ruins — walls, staircases, and buildings visible through the crystal-clear water. Visit the castle of Simena (Kaleköy) for panoramic views.
Evening: Anchor in the sheltered bay of Kekova and enjoy dinner with the illuminated castle above.
Day 6: Demre & Myra
Kekova → Demre · 12 nm
Morning: Cruise to Demre (ancient Myra) and visit the spectacular Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliff face — one of Turkey's most impressive archaeological sites.
Afternoon: Visit the Church of St. Nicholas — the original Santa Claus was the Bishop of Myra in the 4th century. Explore the Roman theatre.
Evening: Dinner aboard as the yacht begins the overnight passage towards Antalya.
Day 7: Antalya — Grand Finale
Demre → Antalya · 65 nm
Morning: Arrive in Antalya, Turkey's Mediterranean capital. The approach past the dramatic Taurus Mountains is spectacular.
Afternoon: Explore Kaleiçi, Antalya's beautifully restored old town — Ottoman mansions, Roman ruins, and the iconic Hadrian's Gate. Visit the Antalya Museum, one of Turkey's finest.
Evening: Farewell dinner at Seraser Fine Dining in a restored Ottoman mansion in Kaleiçi. Disembark the following morning.
History Buffs · Couples · Divers · Culture Lovers
Yachts cruising in Turkey
- VETRO — 48 m · Other · 10 guests · Home port: Turkey | Marmaris Yacht Marina · Weekly charter rate from €50,000/week
- PANFELISS — 40 m · Mengi Yay · 12 guests · Home port: Turkey | Marmaris Yacht Marina · Weekly charter rate from €47,500/week
- SON OF WIND — 44 m · Other · 10 guests · Home port: Turkey | Marmaris Yacht Marina · Weekly charter rate from €27,350/week
- QUEEN OF MAKRI — 40 m · Other · 12 guests · Home port: Turkey | Marmaris Yacht Marina · Weekly charter rate from €21,000/week
- CROCUS — 40 m · Other · 12 guests · Home port: Turkey | Marmaris Yacht Marina · Weekly charter rate from €7,150/week