Southwest Coast
Wind
10–18 knots
Water Temp
20°C (May) to 28°C (August)
Best Season
May to October
Difficulty
Beginner
Julia Högner
Charter Coordinator"I know this destination well — let me help you plan the perfect itinerary."
12+ years experience · Speaks English, German, French
Overview
Turkey's Turquoise Coast is one of the world's most spectacular sailing destinations. The name says it all — impossibly blue waters lap against pine-covered mountains, ancient Lycian ruins dot the coastline, and traditional gulet harbors welcome sailors with legendary Turkish hospitality. From the cosmopolitan marina of Bodrum to the sheltered bays of Göcek, from the dramatic Butterfly Valley to the sunken city of Kekova — Turkey offers an unparalleled blend of history, nature, and culture.
Sailing insights
The Turkish coast offers excellent sailing with reliable Meltemi winds from the NW in summer (Force 3–5). The coastline is deeply indented with countless sheltered bays, making it easy to find anchorage. The Göcek-Fethiye area is particularly well-protected. Distances are short (10–20 NM between stops), and the scenery is consistently stunning.
Turkey offers exceptional value for money compared to Greece and Croatia. The gulet tradition means you can charter a traditional wooden sailing vessel with crew for a unique experience. The coastline between Bodrum and Antalya is deeply indented, creating countless sheltered bays perfect for overnight anchoring. Turkish marinas are modern and well-equipped. The combination of ancient ruins, natural beauty, and warm hospitality makes Turkey a top-tier sailing destination.
Wind Conditions
NW Meltemi Force 3–5 in summer. Well-sheltered bays throughout.
Base Ports
Göcek, Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye
Peak Months
June, July, August, September
How to get there
Dalaman Airport (DLM) serves the Göcek, Fethiye, and Marmaris areas with direct flights from major European cities. Bodrum-Milas Airport (BJV) serves the northern Turquoise Coast. Transfer services are well-organized and affordable. Istanbul connections are frequent with Turkish Airlines.
DLM
Dalaman Airport
BJV
Bodrum-Milas Airport
Highlights
Bodrum — cosmopolitan marina town with the Castle of St. Peter and vibrant nightlife
Göcek — 12 sheltered islands and bays, considered Turkey's finest sailing area
Kekova — sunken Lycian city visible through crystal-clear water
Butterfly Valley — dramatic gorge accessible only by boat, home to Jersey Tiger butterflies
Ölüdeniz — the Blue Lagoon, one of the most photographed beaches in the world
Dalyan — ancient Lycian rock tombs and Iztuzu turtle beach
Knidos — ancient Greek city at the tip of the Datça peninsula
Points of interest
Kekova Sunken City
Lycian ruins submerged by earthquakes, visible through crystal-clear water — kayaking and snorkeling paradise.
Bodrum Castle
15th-century Castle of St. Peter housing the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Butterfly Valley
Dramatic gorge home to Jersey Tiger butterflies, accessible only by boat from Ölüdeniz.
Göcek 12 Islands
Sheltered bays and pine-covered islands — the heart of Turkish charter sailing.
Dalyan Rock Tombs
Spectacular Lycian rock-cut tombs overlooking the Dalyan river delta.
Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon
Turkey's most famous beach — a sheltered turquoise lagoon backed by mountains.
Sample itineraries
1 Week Itinerary
7 days · ~108 NM total
Göcek → Yassica Islands
Sail to the sheltered Yassica Islands for swimming and a peaceful first night.
8 NMYassica → Gemiler Island
Visit the Byzantine ruins on Gemiler Island, believed to be St. Nicholas' tomb.
15 NMGemiler → Butterfly Valley
Anchor at Butterfly Valley. Hike the gorge or relax on the beach.
8 NMButterfly Valley → Kaş
Sail to charming Kaş with its Greek theater, boutique shops, and excellent diving.
20 NM2 Week Itinerary
14 days · ~223 NM total
Bodrum → Orak Island
Sail to uninhabited Orak Island for crystal-clear swimming.
15 NMOrak → Knidos
Ancient Greek city at the tip of the Datça peninsula.
20 NMKnidos → Datça
Charming town with almond orchards and excellent honey.
12 NMDatça → Bozburun
Traditional gulet-building village with authentic character.
18 NMWeather & climate
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Wind (Bft) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | 24°C | 20°C | 3-4 | 4 |
| June | 29°C | 23°C | 3-5 | 1 |
| July | 34°C | 26°C | 3-5 | 0 |
| August | 34°C | 28°C | 3-5 | 0 |
| September | 30°C | 26°C | 3-4 | 1 |
| October | 24°C | 23°C | 2-4 | 5 |
Practical tips
Turkey offers exceptional value — marinas, dining, and provisioning are significantly cheaper than Greece or Croatia
A traditional gulet charter with crew is a uniquely Turkish experience
The Göcek-Fethiye area is the most sheltered and best for beginners
Turkish cuisine is outstanding — don't miss the fish restaurants in Kaş
Kekova is a no-swimming zone in parts — check regulations before diving in
The Turkish lira makes everything very affordable for European visitors
Carry your passport — you may need it for marina check-ins
Southwest Coast
7-day sailing forecast
Sunny
11 kn
NE Wind
0.7m
Waves
17°
Sea Temp
Excellent
Visibility
Availability Calendar
Southwest Coast — 2026 Season Overview
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Peak Season (Jul–Aug)
Book 6–12 months in advance for the best yacht selection. Popular models sell out fast.
Best Value: May & October
Great weather, fewer crowds, and early-bird or last-minute discounts available.
Price Trend
€ = Low season rates · €€€€ = Peak season premium. Contact us for exact pricing.
Popular yachts for Southwest Coast
Hand-picked charter yachts recommended for sailing in Southwest Coast.
