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A guide to luxury yacht charters in Turkey
Published 21 March 2024
From the bustling city of Istanbul to the quiet bays around Bodrum and the sought-after coastline known as the Turkish Riviera, the ideal way to explore this turquoise-coloured stretch of the Aegean coast is to embark on a luxury yacht charter in Turkey.
A private yacht charter in Turkey magically blends nature, history and luxury, all in a laidback style that allows you truly to switch off and relax. This guide highlights the top charter destinations in Turkey.
Why should I book a luxury yacht charter to Turkey?
Turkey has a long and undulating coastline that’s punctuated by peninsulas, bays and beaches making it a yachting haven. Sail by beautiful uninhabited islands, picnic on pebble beaches, moor stern-to in quiet bays, swim in translucent water and kayak along quiet shores bedecked in fresh-smelling pine forests.
On shore, there’s an array of activities to take part in, from visiting historic archaeological sites to dining at high-end restaurants. The active set can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking and kite surfing. A charter in Turkey is equally well suited for families or friends. As for couples, or newlyweds considering a honeymoon yacht charter in Turkey, cruising to private harbours, taking in beautiful vistas and enjoying leisurely days in the sun and sea, while being looked after by your yacht’s crew, will certainly spark a bit of romance.
Turkey has all the fine dining and luxury shopping you could need, but it lacks the ‘see and be seen’ atmosphere you might find in the South of France, making Turkey the perfect choice for those looking for a more relaxed charter experience. With natural beauty, ancient ruins and beautiful water, some say Turkey is akin to Greece before it boomed as a charter destination. And Turkey’s close proximity to Greece means it’s easy to plan a combined charter itinerary. This is a destination on the rise, so now is the perfect time to book a yacht charter in Turkey.
Where should I visit during my yacht charter to Turkey?
Istanbul
Cruise the Bosphorus Strait, wander through buzzy bazaars and marvel at the domed Blue Mosque in Istanbul. The city is a literal bridge between east and west, straddling the continents of Europe and Asia. As Turkey’s cultural hub, Istanbul shines with its many famous mosques, including the Hagia Sophia, and museums such as the grand Topkapı Palace. Istanbul perfectly encapsulates a mix of new and old. Wander the many stalls at the Grand Bazaar or shop for spices at the Egyptian Bazaar. Or stroll the streets in the Nisantasi District, which has high-end stores from Louis Vuitton to Louboutin.
The Bodrum Peninsula
Deceiving to the eye when you look at a map, the Bodrum Peninsula and its surrounding areas actually comprises a huge cruising ground with hundreds of bays to explore. Since the 1970s, the Bodrum Peninsula has long been a glamorous outpost along the Turkish coastline. Yet it is glamorous in a blissfully understated way. Luxury hotels are built along the gently sloping hills that lead down to the private beaches, unassuming gourmet eateries are tucked into the hillsides, and a main hub for shopping is a found in a marina rather than a sprawling shopping mall. Yalikavak Marina, to be exact, welcomes superyachts and has a range of luxe stores like Dior and Missoni.
Göcek
There are multiple superyacht marinas in the chic town of Göcek, which sits at the end of a wide bay. For every yacht berth, though, there are even more gorgeous places where you can drop the anchor and enjoy the serenity of forested coastlines and calm waters. Any yacht charter in Göcek, Turkey, should include a visit to Yassica Adalari — just off the coast from Göcek, the small island chain is known for its olive trees, tawny beaches, and sheltered anchorages. Further down the coast from Göcek, you’ll find the Katrancı Bay Nature Park, criss-crossed with nature trails to explore.
Marmaris
Marmaris, Turkey, is a jewel of a location set along the aptly named Turquoise Coast (also called the Turkish Riviera) where teal waters meet pine tree-covered mountains. You might moor at the prestigious Nestel Marmaris Marina near the city centre. The port of Marmaris is overlooked by the stone walls of the 16th century Mamaris Castle and Archaeology Museum.
A short cruise away from Marmaris is the Ekincik Nature Reserve and nearby caves, the latter of which are a popular snorkeling and diving site. During a Marmaris, Turkey, yacht charter, you don’t even have to leave the water to view amazing historical sites — just take the tender up the twisty waters of the Dalyan Çayı River and see impressive Lycian rock tombs carved into the hillsides above the river.
Antalya
The largest city along the Turkish Riviera, Antalya is known for its harbour brimming with boats, quaint old town, vibrant nightlife scene and expansive beaches, like the 13-km-long Konyaaltı Beach, which stretches westward from the city. A charter in Antalya, Turkey, gives you a mix of coastal city life and wondrous nature.
From the water, you can visit the Lower Dunden Waterfalls, where a white cascade of water rushes over the cliffs and into the sea below. On shore, history buffs should make their way to Hadrian’s Gate, a monument to the Roman emperor Hadrian, while families will enjoy the sea life at the Antalya Aquarium.
Cappadocia
Though set away inland from the coast, it’s worth tacking a few days onto your Turkey charter yacht itinerary to visit the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. The area is known for its cone-shaped ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations. Fairy is the right term, as there is something very fairytale-like about this historical area. Everything comes alive during the Cappadocia Balloon Festival when nearly 200 colorful hot air balloons soar overhead, juxtaposing the white rock formations below.
There’s much to explore here aside from balloons, from the fresco-adorned monasteries of the Göreme Open-Air Museum to the caverns of the Derinkuyu underground city, while the surrounding mountains offer horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
Fethiye
The bustling Old Town and protected harbour of Fethiye is surrounded by areas filled with natural beauty and ancient sites. South of Fethiye is Gemile Island, where you can anchor below the remnants of Lycian ruins that still show traces of their original mosaics. Just a bit further along the coast, you’ll find Ölüdeniz, where a long stretch of beach sits at the entrance to the protected Blue Lagoon, part of a protected national park.
Nearby is the Blue Cave, where turquoise waters stand out against the white cliffside, and the Butterfly Valley, where colourful butterflies take flight — you can only get here by boat and can anchor offshore near the valley’s entrance. To further stretch your sea legs, the well-marked Lycian Way trail stretches 760km along the coastline originating near Fethiye, and inland, you can wander through the abandoned ancient city of Kayaköy.
Çeşme
With Çeşme Castle towering above the port, sandy beaches, excellent dive sites and thermal springs found inland, Çeşme is a worthy stop-off on a Turkish luxury yacht charter. There are many islands around Çeşme to explore by yacht, both Turkish and Greek isles. Indeed, the Greek island of Chios is found just offshore, and Chios has quiet anchorages and a vibrant nightlife. From Çeşme, head inland, taking a short drive to the picturesque town of Alaçati — here you’ll find cobblestoned streets winding through the labyrinth-like village where stone buildings drip with beautiful flowers framing doorways and windows.
Book your private yacht charter to Turkey with one of our Burgess Charter Brokers today. Enquire now.
To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.
Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.
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