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Discovering hidden bays on a boat of your own, diving into refreshing blue waters as the sun rises, navigating towards ancient ruins, and indulging in the tantalising flavours of the Mediterranean and the Aegean on deck… All this and more await you on the “blue voyage”, a specific experience in the Aegean or Mediterranean coasts of Türkiye.

On this journey, you start by renting a boat of your choice from operators in Türkiye’s marinas in the Aegean and Mediterranean. The choices are almost infinite; options range from “gulets” wooden yachts specific to Türkiye’s Bodrum region with 2 or 3 cabins to super yachts that cater to ultra-luxurious needs. It’s always a good idea to rent the entire boat with family and friends and then decide on the route. Named by a group of famous Turkish novelists and poets in the late 1950s, the “blue voyage” refers to a specific sea holiday onboard, and this experience lets its guests surrender to the captivating rhythm of wind and waves, sleep on deck under millions of stars, immerse in authentic experiences, and savour the region's fresh seafood, glorious appetisers, and excellent olive oil dishes, complemented by exquisite Turkish wines.

Bodrum: The Birthplace of the Blue Voyage

Bodrum, Türkiye’s premium holiday destination, offers a holiday of endless blue landscapes and picturesque white houses. Thus, it is unsurprising that Bodrum is where Türkiye’s blue voyages started. Bodrum is also a symbolic destination in Türkiye, symbolising summer, the colour blue and the Turkish gulet, a classic wooden yacht. Drawing countless sailors and visitors each year to its dazzling turquoise bays, Bodrum is synonymous with glamour – luxury marinas, high-end shopping, vibrant nightlife, and fine dining in Michelin-rated restaurants. Here, you can moor your boat and swim in the deep blue waters of Bodrum at stunning blue voyage stops like Gümüşlük, Yalıkavak, Türkbükü, Göltürkbükü, Ortakent, Bitez, and Akyarlar. Bodrum, an excellent place for scuba diving, also hosts the historical 15th-century Bodrum Castle and, inside the castle, the superb Bodrum Underwater Archaeological Museum.

Datça and Marmaris: Routes Merging Green and Blue

Datça Peninsula, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, is another notable “blue voyage” stop in Türkiye. Famed for its centuries-old olive and almond trees, magnificent bays and historical treasures, the region preserves the splendour of its past with its historical stone mansions and cobbled streets. Bays such as Kurubük, Palamutbükü, Hayıtbükü, and Kızılbük are among the must-see stops. Watch the sunset from the seafront of the ancient Knidos, which takes visitors centuries into the past. Continuing your blue voyage to Marmaris, a natural harbour city of the Aegean, you will come across gorgeous bays, including Hisarönü Bay, Çiftlik Bay, Serçe Harbour, Bozukkale, and Sedir Island, where you can go ashore and sightsee among the ruins of ancient cities such as Physkas, Bybassas, Amos, and Kastabos.

From Göcek to Fethiye: Turquoise Bays, Historical Discoveries

Another popular blue voyage destination in Türkiye, Muğla, Göcek lures visitors with sparkling bays at every turn. Dalyan and Ekincik are the first bays awaiting cruises from Marmaris to Göcek. Here, you can dock on the shore and visit the ancient city of Kaunos, famous for its rock tombs. Also, on this route is İztuzu Beach, one of the most important breeding areas for the Caretta caretta sea turtles. There are many points worth seeing around Göcek, such as Göcek Island, the Yassıca Islands, Bedri Rahmi Bay, Cleopatra Bay, and Tersane Island. As you sail around these bays and islands, the region's history is illuminated by the extraordinary emerald tones of the forests on the shorelines. Sailing from Göcek to Fethiye, you can visit locales such as Ölüdeniz, Kumburnu Bay, Gemiler Island, Kabak Bay, Kıdrak Bay, Knight Island, Kayaköy, and Butterfly Valley, a habitat for over 80 butterfly species. For even more excitement, you can paraglide at Babadağ.

Kaş-Kekova: Sailing the Turkish Riviera

One of the most beautiful addresses for a blue voyage in Türkiye is the Turkish Riviera... A cruise amid these turquoise bays offers the opportunity to explore hidden beauties, from fascinating archaeological sites to lush forests and from secluded beaches to scenic walking paths. You can head towards Antalya Kaleiçi and between Kaş and Kekova. A celebrated diving centre, Kaş is also home to Kaputaş Beach, which is listed as the most beautiful beach in the world. If you begin your blue voyage from Kaş, Limanağzı Bay, Pigeon Island, Twelve Islands, Ufak Dere, İnönü Bay, and Aperlai are among the stops awaiting you. Upon reaching Kekova, you can observe the ruins of the world-famous Sunken City, the ancient city of Dolichiste. In addition, on this route, you can enjoy evenings onshore, indulging in the healthy and delicious dishes of the Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oils and fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables.

Çeşme: A Natural Wonder in the Heart of the Aegean

İzmir is at the heart of the Aegean, a delightful union of country life and modern culture. Celebrated for its olive and vineyard routes, Aegean cuisine and Michelin restaurants, this province is also identified with its exacting standards in food and lodgings. The best stop for a blue cruise in İzmir is Çeşme, a town and the name of the region's famous peninsula, where you can anchor in numerous lovely bays and beaches, including Boyalık Bay, Sakızlı Bay, and Aya Yorgi Bay, and the Paşalimanı, Diamond, Çark, and Ilıca beaches. While in Çeşme, do visit Alaçatı, with narrow streets lined with historical stone houses, windmills and cosy restaurants serving Aegean flavours. Tranquil Alaçatı comes alive at night, and you can dine on Aegean appetisers with olive oil, fresh seafood and fish, Aegean herbs, and local Turkish wines. The area is known for its intense winds and is prominent for windsurfing and kitesurfing. If time allows a trip to Urla and its famous vineyard routes can be complemented by a field-to-table dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

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Photo: The Embassy of Republic of Türkiye in Turkmenistan