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JimB Sail newsletter
Once every few months we'll email you about site additions and cruising news - unless you unsubscribe, of course!
The Lycian (Mediterranean) coast, in our definition includes Marmaris eastwards to Antalya (about 180 miles). Sometimes called the Turquoise Coast, the western half is a favourite for flotillas and charter boats; the eastern half beyond Kalkan much quieter. The coastline throughout is backed by pine-clad mountains, with many attractive harbours and anchorages. 5 marinas and 2 airports add to the convenience of the Göçek area, which is now sadly overcrowded. Antalya is a major tourist resort, rather less pushy than those further West , with a well-restored Ottoman district overlooking the old harbour.
The Sailing. This coastline is largely steep-to, and backed by mountains, and punctuated by many bays offering anchorages. This is "there and back" cruising - or a coast of transit which will occupy about three weeks allowing plenty of exploring time. It is very popular with charter fleets, probably because there is less development than on other Turkish coasts, and winds lighter than the meltemi affected coasts further west. Wherever anchoring is possible, during the peak season there will almost certainly be one or more gulets and charter yachts tucked into the coast.
Boating Rules and Regulations (note the visa restrictions and control of waste water discharge)
East from Marmaris (which is on the "Bodrum to Marmaris" page) to the entrance to Fethiye Korfezi (the Fethiye Gulf), is approximately 30 miles. The first bay you encounter on leaving Marmaris (Aksaz Limani) is a military exclusion zone, not available to yachts. The first usable anchorage en route is at Ekincik, about half way along. From here, take an excursion to Dalyan to see the rock tombs, ancient ruins, and the beach where turtles nest. Beyond, there is little shelter until you reach:
The Fethiye Gulf is home to a major yacht support industry, serving a host of well sheltered anchorages, crowded in season.
Skopea Limani (Skopea bay) lies along the west of Fethiye Korfesi, enclosed by a chain of islands providing sheltered sailing. There are bays on the west side in the approach, as well as the many bays that lie inside (Wall Bay, Tomb Bay, Boynuz Buku among others). Anchorages
Göçek lies at the head of Skopea Limani. Once a sleepy fishing village, the shoreline is now occupied by 5 marina facilities, yacht lift out and servicing operations, charter fleets, and a town with all necessary facilities. Close to Dalaman airport, it is convenient for crew changes.
Fethiye town has maintained its Turkish character, with a selection of restaurants and café/bars, a covered market open daily, a weekly open air market, a bazaar, and an extensive sanayi area.Tucked in its own bay, it has a large all weather anchorage and several yacht facilities. ECE marina is the largest. Just west is a small hotel marina, and beyond, "Yes" marina, then some shore yards with hydraulic trailer/lifts and sleds to handle both yachts and gulets. Yacht agents and chandlers are available. Approaching Fethiye, on the right is an all-inclusive resort with a small pontoon and a couple of bays with resorts that afford reasonable lunch stops. Above is the ghost town of Kayaköy (frequent dolmus trips) abandoned by Greeks in 1923, now a protected museum village. Well worth a visit. Anchorages
Gemiler island with its fascinating ruins is one of a number of bays and offlying islands lying immediately east of Fethiye Korfesi. Many offer shelter and, of course, the ubiquitous restaurant. Olu Deniz, a lagoon closed to yachts to minimise possible pollution, has a travel poster sand spit opposite Gemiler. Anchorages
The next stretch of coast is referred to as the 7 capes. Mountains fall steep-to into the sea, and it is best to sail at some distance from the coast to avoid gusty winds. Beyond the capes, there is a flat coastal plain fronting the coast with a tempting beach, not recommended for anchoring. From Kalkan eastwards cruising is significantly less crowded.
Kalkan has a small harbour, home to a fleet of gulets and local fishing boats. Space in season is limited, and anchoring off is difficult because of the depths. Attractive village well worth visiting.
Kaş is a small port of entry, very attractive, with a narrow town harbour, an anchorage and a marina. The marina has a hard for wintering ashore, but occasional winter westerlies create a lot of surge afloat. Consider a visit to the Saklikent Gorge and ruins of Xantos. Off the coast are a number of offlying islands, the largest of which is the Greek island of Kastellorizon. Ferries ply across regularly. If the town is too crowded, go to:
Bayinder Limani, just a mile south of Kaş, a pleasant anchorage under orange cliffs punctuated with ancient rock tombs. Water taxis to Kas, a friendly restaurant with quay.
Kastellorizon (Greece) has a small harbour which you can check into - easy if you are EU crew and boat and already have a valid DEKPA (Greek cruising log). newHow 2014 Greek cruising tax will apply is another matter!
Kekova Roads, some 15 miles on, is a beautiful stop. The enclosed waters are reached through narrows between Kekova island and its other off-lyers. Inside, the roads are dominated by the castle ruins at Kale Koy, and there is a choice of anchorages with various ruins and attractions ashore.
Ucagiz limani opens from the Kekova roads, and offers a large secure anchorage, used for over wintering by a number of gulets. Ashore the village of Ucagiz offers basic supplies and restaurants.
Finike is a busy market town (excellent Saturday markets!), and a port of entry with a Setur Marina. There's a hard for wintering ashore, and a large and lively international live-aboard community winters there.
Kemer, another port of entry, is a small resort with a popular live aboard and wintering marina, reached after rounding Taslik Burnu, the south eastern cape.
Antalya, a port of entry, is a busy commercial harbour, and a vibrantly busy town. There's a marina in the old port, and Celebi marina 4m east of town, and about 8m from the airport. Celebi is fairly expensive, but a good live aboard location. Visit nearby Termessus, ruins of a fortress in the hills north west.
Reviewed Dec 2016
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