Where to go • When to go • What you should know • How to book
“The Cradle of Civilization”
A Turkish Aegean yacht charter and sailing vacation promises an immersive experience combining the allure of ancient history, the charm of island exploration, the exuberance of coastal culture, and the serenity of sailing amid breathtaking coastal landscapes. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or seeking an unforgettable escape, the Aegean Coast is a destination that caters to a wide range of interests, ensuring a memorable and enriching sailing journey.
We have not yet been to the Aegean Coast but it is highly recommended by locals and sailors alike. Why? Who can resist sailing through cerulean waters, exploring hidden coves and pristine beaches framed by lush landscapes. Or you can immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history by visiting ancient ruins and charming coastal towns.
Turkish Aegean Bareboat charter requirements:
✔ Sailing Resume
✖ Certification
✔ License
Learn more at Yacht Charter Resources ›
Knowledge – Skills – Experience:
✔ Intermediate Plus
**In general, sailors should possess intermediate plus skills, given the region’s occasional challenging weather patterns, including gusty winds, especially the Meltemi which blows during summer months, and complex coastlines with numerous bays and anchorages.
Sailing Skill Levels ›
The best time to go on a sailing vacation in Aegean 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 Aegean Coast.
From May through September the Aegean region of 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.
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.
Sailing the Aegean Coast of Turkey allows you to immerse yourself in the cultural richness, natural beauty, and historical wonders of Turkey.
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.
Where to go on an Turkish Aegean yacht charter and sailing vacation?
Scroll below for sample itineraries or use the map to explore.
In the interactive map above, click the left top box. This gives you options to visit other itineraries and turn them on and off. Enjoy!
NauticEd are 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.
Local Knowledge + Education: as Sailing Vacation Experts, NauticEd’s team has chartered and sailed in almost all these locations – providing you with the “local knowledge” you need when planning a sailing vacation. And, as the leader in sailing education, NauticEd assigns different skill levels based on the knowledge-theory and practical/experience needed for chartering in different sailing locations.
Recommended Knowledge-Theory Courses for chartering: Bareboat Charter Master Bundle (six bareboat and near coastal courses), Catamaran Sailing Confidence (if chartering a Cat), Yacht Charter Crew Course (for your crew).
Skill Levels notably emphasize the overall practical experience and competency that is required to sail in certain areas. Of course, the “devil’s in the details” on specifics, and we recommend you contact us when planning a sailing vacation. We’ll save you money on your vacation – which is great – but being prepared to have safe fun experiences that will last a lifetime is priceless!
• Intermediate = Near Coastal <5nm within sight of land, some navigation hazards (always be aware), and generally mild weather conditions. Good seapersonship (i.e., “seamanship”) skills, knowledge, and experience apply.
• Intermediate +Plus = Near Coastal <15nm, within sight of land in clear atmospheric conditions, moderate navigation hazards, and/or challenging weather. Good seapersonship skills, knowledge, and experience apply.
• Advanced = Near Coastal <20nm, within sight of land in clear atmospheric conditions, many navigation hazards, and/or potentially difficult weather. Expert seapersonship skills, knowledge, and experience apply.
*Atmospheric conditions: from the deck of a sailboat, your “visible horizon” is about 12nm on a clear day (considering typical freeboard + your height). Visibility is decreased by haze, fog, rain, smoke, and similar atmospheric considerations. Navigating by line of sight is obviously greater if your destination has features such as mountains, lighthouses, tall buildings, etc…
*Navigational hazards may include features such as rocks, shoals, rough inlets or anchorages, challenging tides and currents, lee shores, commercial traffic, etc…
*Weather: examples of challenging or difficult weather include thunder/lightning storms, areas prone to high winds, or even seasonal risks such as excessive heat.
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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.
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