Many Europeans and full-time cruisers have long kept Turkey’s southwestern coast a well-guarded secret when it comes to sailing in the Mediterranean. This stunning region offers not only safety but also a sailor’s paradise, with fantastic sailing conditions, friendly locals eager to offer a warm welcome, breathtaking scenery, and a rich history that will leave you in awe. And, like any Mediterranean destination, Turkey also boasts incredible food and delicious local wines.
The sailboat charter industry in Turkey is thriving, and with the Turkish Lira’s recent devaluation, the country has become more affordable than ever, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience.
Mike and Stefanie discovered their shared passion for sailing in San Francisco, and their love for the sport quickly grew. Both certified by the American Sailing Association, they have honed their skills navigating everything from small boats to larger charters. Their sailing adventures have taken them to breathtaking destinations like Puget Sound, Croatia, Sardinia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Greece and Turkey. With a focus on safety, they prioritize creating memorable experiences for others while exploring hidden coves and charming coastal towns. Dreaming of owning a boat to sail the world with their dog, Mike and Stef are eager to share their expertise, enthusiasm, and love for sailing as they lead our Gulf of Fethiye flotilla.
Our adventure begins in the charming town of Fethiye, just 34 miles from Dalaman Airport. You can reach Dalaman via a quick stop in Istanbul, or even more conveniently, by flying directly with budget airlines from many major European cities. We highly recommend making the most of your time in Turkey by exploring its other incredible destinations like Istanbul, Ephesus, or the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia. With so much beauty and history to discover, you’re in for an unforgettable experience!
We get together after breakfast at the ECE Marina in Fethiye. Plenty of time to visit the town, do our provisioning and get in vacation mode. Check-in of the yachts, around 17:00, and departure to our first destination, beautiful and picturesque Kapi Creek, on the other side of the Gulf of Fethiye; about 14NM. Depending on the availability, we will either dock at the local restaurant or we med moor with our stern lines to the shore. Dinner on shore at the Kapi Creek restaurant.
The nice thing about this area of Turkey is that it truly is a sailor’s paradise. Today, we will play with the winds along the islands and stop for lunch and a swim in one of the many small bays. Sometimes we have some spirited sailing and other times it is just a relaxing cruise. Our destination for the night is the Adaya restaurant in Kapi Koyu. We dock there for the night and enjoy a great meal at this nice restaurant.
Before we leave for our next destination, you can hike across the bay to the ruins of Cleopatra’s baths where she enjoyed the waters with Marc Anthony. If hiking is a bit difficult or you don’t want to deal with the goats on the trail, you can dinghy there as well. We spend the rest of the day sailing and swimming. Our final destination for the night is Sarsala Bay with its lovely Kucuk Sarsala restaurant. Enjoy the mouthwatering traditional Turkish mezze.
Today we will have the opportunity to visit the Lycean tombs, you can hike it the morning before we leave the northside of the Bay of Fethiye and sail southwards, past the Yassica Islands to the other side of the Gulf of Fethiye to the small island of Karacaoren. We will anchor here and explore the island with its tombs and ruins, and we will swim and snorkel in the crystalline waters. The local popular restaurant serves fabulous food. It also has moorings making it a safe overnight spot and a great place to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Across the bay from where we spent the night, there is the magical Butterfly Valley, a narrow canyon between huge rock walls. We have to get there early in order to secure a good anchorage before the day tripping boats from Fethiye and Ölüdeniz arrive. This a place to spend the whole day exploring the valley or enjoying the beach and do some snorkeling. Crew members who like a physical challenge can hike to the waterfall at the end of the valley. At the end of the day, we will go to nearby Gemiler Island for some more exploring and to spend the night at anchor with dinner on board.
Before leaving this beautiful anchorage, we go visit the Byzantine ruins of the St. Nicholas church on the island. According to legend, St. Nicholas, patron of the sailors came here. We cross the Bay of Fethiye again, all the way to Göcek, where we will spend the night at the local marina and have dinner on shore. Göcek is a charming town with great bars, restaurants and lots of shops. Before arriving at the marina, you can go and refuel the boats or you can do it Friday morning, before heading back to Fethiye.
Last day of our cruise and time to get back to our base in Fethiye. We will spend this last day sailing as much as possible to end this spectacular week in style.
As the voyage ends, it’s time to say ‘Until Next Time.’ Go home with new friends and cherished memories, and we look forward to welcoming you back on your next adventure.
Disembark by 9:00 am
Please Note. This itinerary is meant to serve as an example, however, it is important to note that the actual itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
Thank you for a wonderful sailing adventure as Captain and Crew aboard Mila Felice this past September. Weather was very accomodating, anchorages were superb with a little practice and the food and people we met were incredible. Mila and Jean really have it all well planned and organized. We love to sail and will be back for more memories!
Closest Airport: Dalamam DLM
Currency: Turkish Liras (Euros and US Dollars widely accepted)
Credit Cards Accepted: Visa and MasterCard
• 7 nights aboard a monohull or catamaran yacht (double occupancy)
• Professional flotilla leadership and on‑water guidance
• Planned itinerary exploring the Gulf of Fethiye and onshore activities
• International or domestic airfare to Türkiye
• Airport transfers to/from Fethiye
• Travel insurance and personal expenses
Breakfast and lunch provisions, along with fuel and marina or docking fees, are shared equally among the crew of each yacht. Each boat sets up a communal kitty at the start of the week to cover these expenses, ensuring fairness, transparency, and shared responsibility throughout the voyage.
