Sailing Turkey - The Mediterranean Turquoise Coast

With the clear blue water, mountainous coastline, tiny islands, secluded bays, historic sites, stunning sunsets, sleepy fishing villages and charming towns, sailing Turkey’s Mediterranean Turquoise Coast is one of the greatest highlights while traveling Turkey.

Fun fact of the day- the word “turquoise” literally comes from the French word for “Turkish”. Originally, the word used to refer to the turquoise stone, which was traded in Turkey and apparently the name was fitting, so it stuck. The word “turquoise” will definitely come to mind while sailing Turkey’s bright blue waters.

At the end of September, I caught the end of Turkey’s sailing season, where I sailed with a group from Fethiye to Olympos for four days and three nights. The first two days were extremely rough and windy (and I kind of wanted to die), so we had to miss a few places, but overall, it was a good trip and I met some lovely people.

You have your choice of sailing routes and you can also choose a party boat or a more relaxed boat. I had originally booked my sailing trip to be more of a party boat because as a young, solo traveler, that’s where the young people will be. But something happened to the boat, so my sailing trip was postponed a day later and I was put on a boat with a group of three older couples. It was not exactly ideal at first, but everyone was really nice and the chill vibe ended up working out because I started feeling unwell the morning we set sail and the rough water only made me feel worse. It would’ve been a nightmare had I been on a party boat.

On the last night, where we anchored in a bay, a boat from Smuggler’s Cove, a lively bar on Pirate Island, came around to all the anchored boats to recruit and pick up people to bring them to their bar. How great is that?

GOOD TO KNOW

Food and water are included in the price, but all other beverages are extra. The food on my boat was amazing (Turkish food is amazing). I made friends with the crew members and one of them showed me how to make baba ghanouj (smokey, delicious eggplant dip). I even got offered a job to come back for the next sailing season to work on the sailboat!

All boats are equipped with showers and toilets. Boats leave just about every day of the week between late April and early October. I was there at the end of September and it was slowing down and getting ready to shut down for the season.

The small towns you visit along the way are very cute and full of character. Bring some money for an ice cream or Turkish Coffee and souvenirs like jewelry, clothes and textiles.

Bring and wear sunscreen.

The coast of Turkey is a lot less conservative than many other parts of Turkey.

See Lonely Planet’s dos and don’ts for sailing Turkey here.