Turkey yacht charter guide: Discover the Turkish Riviera by superyacht

From fashionable resorts and modern marinas to heavenly white-sand beaches, secret sailing coves and ancient ruins only accessible by sea, the aptly named Turquoise Coast (also known as the Turkish Riviera) is the Mediterranean at its most exotic.

Savour fresh mezze and grilled seafood in the al fresco restaurants of Bodrum, wander around the vibrant bazaar at the flamboyant resort of Fethiye, and explore the narrow cobbled streets of Antalya as part of your carefully curated Turkey yacht charter. Whether you're planning a week-long charter or a longer voyage, renting a superyacht in Turkey offers pristine waters, abundant marine life (think dolphins and sea turtles), and an unforgettable blend of culture, cuisine and coastal beauty that will leave you wanting more.

Why choose Turkey for a luxury yacht charter?

Turkey’s long, undulating coastline is punctuated by peninsulas, bays and beaches that make 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 and hiking to dining at high-end restaurants and luxury shopping. A charter in Turkey is equally well suited for families or friends, while private harbours and quiet beaches are the ideal setting for a romantic couples' charter.

With natural beauty, ancient ruins and glittering waters, 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. Whatever you’re looking for from your yacht charter, Turkey will deliver in spades.

Where to charter a yacht in Turkey

From the bustling city of Istanbul to the quiet bays around Bodrum and the sought-after coastline known as the Turkish Riviera or Turquoise Coast, a luxury yacht charter in Turkey magically blends nature, history and luxury, all in a laidback style that allows you to truly switch off and relax.

The best experiences on a Turkey yacht charter

A private yacht charter in Turkey pairs effortless cruising with standout moments ashore and on the water – from swimming into hidden sea caves around Turkish anchorages to afternoons spent wandering among ancient ruins, finished with exceptional dining.

Anchor in the sheltered coves of Göcek and the Datça Peninsula

Nestled in the Gulf of Fethiye on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, Göcek is a yachting paradise, known for its calm waters, protected bays and easy access to some of the most scenic anchorages in the Mediterranean. Best explored by yacht, the area offers everything from secluded swimming spots to historic island ruins.

For history lovers, the submerged ruins of Cleopatra’s Bath are said to have been a wedding gift from Mark Antony to Cleopatra and now make an atmospheric snorkelling spot. Elsewhere, Tersane Island, the largest island in the gulf, is home to the remains of an Ottoman-era shipyard, olive groves and a charming waterfront restaurant.

Further west, on the Datça Peninsula, the crescent-shaped Hayıtbükü Bay is another family-friendly anchorage, loved for its calm, shallow waters and authentic restaurants along the shore.

Discover the ancient sites of Lycia and Caria

Turkey is renowned for its ancient ruins, and the historic regions of Lycia (Teke Peninsula) and Caria (southwestern Anatolia) are home to some of the country’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Turquoise Coast, they reveal a landscape of rock-cut tombs, Roman theatres, harbours and the remains of one of the world’s earliest known democratic federations.

Once a strategic trading port on the border in ancient Turkey between Caria and Lycia, Kaunos was founded around the 9th century BC and later shaped by Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine influences. Today, its remarkably well-preserved ruins include an impressive theatre, Roman baths, temples and the spectacular rock tombs known as the Kings’ Tombs, carved high into the limestone cliffs above Dalyan. After Caria was captured by Turkish tribes and a serious malaria epidemic struck in the 15th century, Kaunos was abandoned.

At the very tip of the remote Datça Peninsula, the ancient Greek city of Knidos is equally rewarding, not only for its history but for its extraordinary views, with the Aegean Sea on one side and the Mediterranean on the other. Once a bustling maritime hub, today Knidos is famous for its double harbour, medical school, open-air ruins and legendary statue of Aphrodite. Later absorbed into the Roman world and surviving into Byzantine times, as shown by the remains of several churches, the city was gradually abandoned after the mid-7th century AD following earthquakes, Arab raids and shifting Mediterranean trade routes.

Taste the flavours of Bodrum and the Turquoise Coast

Fusing Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Central Asian flavours, Turkish cuisine is one of the great pleasures of a yacht charter in Turkey. On board, your private chef can prepare everything from fresh mezze and just-caught seafood to charcoal-grilled served al fresco against the backdrop of the Turquoise Coast.

Ashore, Bodrum is one of Turkey’s most exciting dining destinations. For polished fine dining, head to the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, where a collection of exceptional restaurants ranges from refined Turkish cuisine to international favourites. For something more intimate and low-key, Orfoz Restaurant Bodrum serves a seasonal tasting menu that celebrates the freshest produce from the sea.

Further along the coast, 7 Mehmet is one of Antalya’s oldest restaurants, known for its elevated take on regional Turkish dishes and sweeping views over the hillside towards the turquoise Mediterranean.

Enjoy outdoor adventures and snorkelling off Kaş and Kalkan

The small working town of Kaş is a small fishing, diving and yachting hub in Antalya. Retaining its authentic air, it has changed little over the past few decades and boasts a charming boat-lined harbour and tangle of colourful old streets.

Head to nearby Kekova island where you can snorkel among the remains of the ancient city of Dolikisthe, lost to the sea in the 2nd century AD. Trace the ruined paths of what was once an imposing trading city, or swim the crystal-clear waters as a Byzantine church shimmers beneath you.

Kalkan, on the other hand, is larger. Famous for its bougainvillea-draped whitewashed houses and hillside harbour, it’s Turkey’s answer to Monte Carlo with a big tourist crowd and restaurants and amenities to match. Kalkan is a great base to start part of the Lycian Way – a popular coastal hiking route in Turkey. On this leg of the 500km route, wander past the ancient ruins of Delikkemer – an ancient aqueduct – and finish with spectacular cliff-side views above Kalamar Bay.

Turkey vs Greece: Which yacht charter destination is right for you?

Greece is all about island hopping, with each island having a distinct identity, from whitewashed villages and ancient sites to lively beach clubs and iconic nightlife. For some charter guests, that variety is part of the appeal, but it can also mean a faster-paced itinerary with more frequent cruising between islands. As one of the most iconic Mediterranean yacht destinations, Greece particularly well suited to travellers looking for a sociable atmosphere, famous hotspots and a vibrant coastal scene.

Turkey, by contrast, follows one sweeping, continuous coastline, creating a more relaxed style of cruising. Here, itineraries unfold at a gentler pace as you cruise past pine-forested hills, hidden coves and ancient ruins close to the water’s edge. For sailing yachts, Greece is generally known for breezier conditions, while Turkey offers calmer, more protected waters.

For anyone weighing up a Turkey vs Greece yacht charter, the best choice depends on your preferred charter style: choose Greece for lively island-hopping and a social scene, or Turkey for slower-paced cruising, natural beauty and sheltered anchorages. With the two destinations lying so close together, it’s also possible to combine both in one Mediterranean yacht charter itinerary.