One of the easiest places to sail around the world is the Turkish coast, departing from Gocek. Tranquil bays, gentle winds, and fishing villages typify the area. Sightseers will enjoy the choice of Turkish baths, a gorge hike, ancient tombs, and underwater ruins.

Cruising notes

Gocek
The town of Göcek lies in a wooded bay at the northern end of Skopea Liman. With its surrounding steep pine clad hills and islands it provides a beautiful haven from all but the strongest south and southwesterly winds. It has a delightful air of rural tranquility and is conveniently close to the airport. The Sunsail yachts are moored across the water from Göcek Town in Club Marina.

The Marina is set amidst landscaped gardens and pine trees offering a wide range of facilities including restaurants, bars, and games areas for children. There is a regular ferry service running between the Marina and Skopea Marina (Gocek Town) - free of charge for Sunsail clients.

The facilities in the town are great making it an excellent place to stock up before or after your charter. The town has quickly grown from a small fishing village to popular yacht charter base. Many of the shops in the town will deliver to your yacht and the restaurants offer an excellent choice of local cuisine. If you have time to head further afield, there is a regular dolmus/taxi service into Marmaris and Fethiye.

Fethiye
As you head out of Göcek on your yacht the first port of call for many is normally Fethiye. On your approach you’ll pass through the navigable channel to the west of Fethiye Adasi so keep your eyes out for the prominent rock tombs visible in the cliffs above the town. Also overlooked by a medieval fortress, Fethiye is a large and popular town with many amenities. Local shops sell traditional trinkets and a trip to the Turkish baths is a must for anyone who has never had the experience!

While here, why not join a day trip up to Saklikent Gorge? High in the mountains above Fethiye, over thousands of years rushing torrents of icy cold water have cut a narrow channel through the mountains, creating the gorge. A natural wonder, the breathtaking canyon is 300 metres deep and 10 miles long.

Meaning ‘Hidden City’ in Turkish, the walls of Saklikent Gorge are so high that they cut out most of the sunlight and the fresh spring waters that flow through are freezing cold making it a refuge on hot summer days. The gorge is a favorite picnic spot where rustic restaurants overhanging the river serve delicious fresh trout and other local delicacies.

Karacaoren
The local reef is excellent for spending a few hours under the waves. Sail further down the coast and you’ll reach the Seven Capes, infamous for the strong winds that blow off their craggy tops - it’s advisable to stay a good two to three miles off shore when passing.

Kaljan
If you are looking for a peaceful anchorage, a visit to Kalkan is a must. This pretty town is an excellent base for heading out to explore the ruins of Xanthos, Patara, and Letoon, and the seven-mile beach at Patara. Expect a spectacular sail as you head from here to Kas with sheer cliffs plunging into the sea lining the coastline.

Kekova Roads
If you have the time make sure you stop off at Kekova Roads, the channel of water running between the mainland and the island of Kekova. This sheltered sailing area is 6 miles long and offers many beautiful anchorages and fascinating ruins to explore. The scenery, inviting water, and tranquility will amaze you.