Where to go • When to go • What you should know • How to Book
The Crossroads
Turkiye (formally Turkey) is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia with Istanbul, its largest city serving as a historical and cultural bridge between East and West, and with a coastline straddling the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea, and the Black Sea.
The coast of Turkey, either along the Aegean Sea or further south along the Turquoise Coast (also known as the Turkish Riviera) makes for a stunning yacht charter destination. Sailing in Turkey offers a chance to discover more than 500 islands along over 4000 miles of coastline. It provides a captivating journey through a blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant coastal culture. If you are seeking an off-the-beaten-track destination with natural beauty, historic sites, diverse landscapes, cultural treasures, favorable sailing conditions, and friendly locals, Turkey is the destination for you.
Turkey requires a license for bareboat chartering. The NauticEd SLC (nauticed.org/SLC) is an accepted license that is easy to get if you know your sailing stuff! If you want the relaxation of a skipper or don’t have a sailing license, we can easily find you a skippered yacht.
Where to go on a Turkey sailing vacation?
The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are a sailor’s paradise, dotted with picturesque coves, hidden bays, and charming islands. Exploring ancient Greek ruins, medieval castles, and traditional fishing villages enriches the sailing experience. Follow in the footsteps of Greek explorers while indulging in the beauty of a diverse and culturally rich coastline.
Turkey offers two main areas for sailing:
Scroll below for location information or use the map to jump to a coastal area
Along the western part of Turkey, the Aegean Coast is known for its ancient ruins, beautiful islands, charming coastal towns, and a mix of sandy and pebbly beaches. Discover left-behind ruins from the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines, or stroll through lively bazaars in the coastal towns and fishing villages. Tranquil bays in a stunning archipelago of islands both Turkish and Greek await on an Aegean Coast charter
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The Turquoise Coast, also known as the Turkish Riviera, is renowned for its calm and clear waters, making it ideal for leisurely sailing, swimming, and snorkeling. It offers numerous secluded coves and anchorages for tranquil sailing experiences. Explore cities such as Marmaris, Fethiye, Kas, and Antalya which offer a perfect blend of beauty, history, and modern amenities. While this area has historical sites, its main allure lies in its natural beauty featuring rugged mountains covered with pine forests complemented by turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
A complete guide for discovering the allure of the Turquoise Coast and Turkish Riviera. Sailing requirements, weather, must-see & do, and more…
NauticEd are expert Turkey yacht charter agents. We don’t charge you a fee and can more than likely save you money on all your sailing vacations. We search the world’s databases for over 8,000 yachts in 55 destinations. We give expert advice on where and when to go – likely, we’ve been there. Make an inquiry and book your sailing vacations through NauticEd Sailing Vacations.
What are the bareboat charter requirements in Turkey?
Bareboat chartering in the Turkey requires a sailing resume and sailing license, either an ICC or SLC (Sailing License and Credentials) license.
What sailing skill is needed for a bareboat yacht charter in Turkey?
In general, sailors should possess intermediate plus sailing skills, given the Turkey’s occasional challenging weather patterns, including gusty winds, especially the Meltemi that blows during summer months, and complex coastlines with numerous bays and anchorages.
When is the best time to go on a yacht charter or sailing vacation in Turkey?
The best time to go on a sailing vacation in Turkey is during early summer (June) or early fall (September). These months offer pleasant weather, with milder temperatures, less crowded anchorages, and reliable winds, creating ideal conditions for an enjoyable and comfortable sailing experience along the picturesque Turkish Aegean Coast as well as the Turkish Riviera.
What is the sailing weather in Turkey?
From May through September Turkey offers a wonderful sailing experience with warm temperatures, clear waters, and a mix of gentle and invigorating winds, providing a memorable and enjoyable adventure on the water. The water temperature in early summer or early fall is ideal for swimming and water activities (72-75F). From June through August, the Meltemi winds become more prominent especially in the afternoons and can blow from the northwest at moderate to strong speeds. By September/October these winds decrease resulting in more moderate wind conditions for sailing.
What is the Turkish Aegean culture like?
Historical cultural traditions are prominent in the Aegean Coast of Turkey. Traditional folk dances such as the “Horon” and “Zeybek,” are an integral part of the region’s cultural heritage that can be witnessed during local festivals. The Turkish bath, known as ‘hamam’ is also a time-honored tradition that combines relaxation, cleansing, socializing, and rejuvenation. The traditional art of carpet weaving remains a significant cultural tradition in this region and Turkish kilims are renowned for their intricate design and vibrant colors. Finally, the Aegean region has a strong connection to the Yörük nomadic culture. Yörük people were nomadic tribes who migrated with their livestock to find suitable pastures and shelter. Their cultural influence can still be seen in the rural areas of the Aegean Coast of Turkey.
What is there to see and do on a Turkish Aegean sailing yacht charter?
Sailing the Aegean Coast of Turkey allows you to immerse yourself in the cultural richness, natural beauty, and historical wonders of Turkey.
How to get to the Turkish Aegean for a sailing vacation?
Sailing the Aegean Coast of Turkey starts off in Bodrum and heads north towards Izmir. You can fly into Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV) which is well connected to major cities in Turkey and other international cities. Bodrum is also accessible by bus from other Turkish cities; while this is a great way to see the Turkish landscape the journey make take several hours. Alternatively, if you are in a nearby Greek island, you can take a ferry to Bodrum from several isles including Kos, Rhodes, and Symi.
What is the Turkish Riviera culture like?
The Turkish Riviera’s unique cultural aspects, coupled with its stunning natural beauty and historical sites, make it an enchanting destination. The Turkish Riviera is dotted with well -preserved ancient ruins from civilizations like the Lycians, Greeks, and Romans. These archaeological sites, such as Ephesus, Patara, and Xanthos, provide a glimpse into the region’s rich historical past. The Lycian civilization left behind an impressive legacy of rock-cut tombs carved into cliffs and mountain sides. These burial sites, such as the ones in Dalyan and Myra, showcase the unique architectural style and beliefs of the Lycians.
What is there to see and do on a Turkish Riviera sailing yacht charter?
A Turkish Riviera sailing vacation yacht charter offers a wealth of must-see and must-do experiences that promise to create cherished memories.
How to get to the Turkish Riviera for a sailing vacation?
There are several bases in the Turkish Riviera: Bodrum, Fethiye, Gocek, and Marmaris. There are two main airports to fly into: Bodrum Millas Airport (BJV) and Dalaman Airport (DLM) (for charters starting in Marmaris, Fethiye, or Gocek). Both Bodrum Milas Airport and Dalaman Airport are well-connected to major European cities and other international destinations. Upon arrival, you can get a taxi, hire a private transfer, or many charter companies offer shuttle services during the main sailing season. Alternatively, you may choose to take a ferry from one of the nearby Greek islands.
NauticEd is a fully recognized education and certification platform for sailing students combining online and on-the-water real instruction (and now VR). NauticEd offers +24 online courses, a free sailor's toolkit that includes 2 free courses, and six ranks of certification – all integrated into NauticEd’s proprietary platform. The USCG and NASBLA recognize NauticEd as having met the established American National Standards. Learn more at www.nauticed.org.
The NauticEd Vacations team are Expert Global Yacht Charter Agents – when you book a sailing vacation or bareboat charter through NauticEd, we don’t charge you a fee – we often save you money since we can compare prices from all yacht charter companies. PLUS, we can give you advice on which destination or charter company will suit your needs best. Inquire about a Sailing Vacation or Charter.
Turkish Aegean Yacht Charter and Sailing Vacations
