Sailing in Turkey
Boats for rent in: Turkey
Sail in Turkey - Be amazed in the Turkish Aegean
The Turkish Aegean is a beautiful sailing area with a long season and ideal weather conditions.
- Very good infrastructure
- Modern Marinas
- Easy navigation
- Ideal weather conditions
- Many sheltered bays
- Sailing Season: April to October
Sailing Destinations
The Turkish coast is lined with beautiful cities and towns, each offering a unique sailing experience. The Aegean region, with its southwestern districts such as Ayvalık, Burhaniye, and Edremit, is a haven for sailors. The Marmara Sea region, including Bandırma and Erdek, and the picturesque Black Sea provinces like Trabzon and Zonguldak, offer endless opportunities for exploration.
The best places to sail:
- Bodrum Peninsula - Famous for its lively marinas and pristine waters, the Bodrum Peninsula combines ancient charm with modern sailing experiences.
- Muğla Province - Offering picturesque bays and traditional gulet yachts, Muğla Province is a hub for exploring Turkey's most exquisite sailing spots, including Fethiye and Göcek.
- Turkish Riviera - Sailor's dream with its sun-drenched beaches, hidden coves, and rich historical landmarks.
- Bozburun Peninsul - Celebrated for its tranquil waters and unspoiled landscapes, provides a peaceful sailing retreat, ideal for those seeking authenticity and serenity.
- Antalya Provinc - A a unique sailing destination where ancient history meets stunning natural beauty, offering access to the magnificent Turkish coastline and the majestic Taurus Mountains.
Sailing Conditions
The Turkish coast is a simple sailing area. Navigationally, there are no challenges for sailors. The waters are protected, the visibility is good and the distances between the bays are small. Inexperienced yacht charter crews will find this district no problem as it is easy to navigate and well protected. In the summer there are ideal wind conditions for sailing. The Meltemi blows at 3 to 4 Bft and comes mainly from the north. The wind brings cool air with low humidity, ensuring good visibility and clear skies. Nevertheless, one should not underestimate the Meltemi outside the Gulf in July and August. Depending on the shape of the coastline, different local wind conditions can develop around Turkey. If sailing in spring or autumn, expect dangerous southeast winds (Lodos). In the otherwise quiet bays, it can sometimes become uncomfortable. It is well-advised to keep an eye on the barometer. If a south storm is announced, find a safe harbor. In addition, one should listen to the weather and wind forecasts regularly in transitional periods.
Moorings, Marinas and Harbours
All along the coast, the infrastructure is well developed for sailors. The marinas are modern and have very good care facilities. In addition to the marinas, there are a large number of protected bays where you can anchor at night. The distances between the anchorages are very short and allow for comfortable cruising. The ports are conveniently located near to the airports: Izmir, Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya.
The main yacht charter bases are in Çeşme, Bodrum, Orhaniye, Marmaris, Gocek and Fethiye. The small port of Çeşme, which is located on the peninsula, is a good starting point. From here you can sail to Ephesus, Kusadasi and Bodrum. It is also worth a trip to the offshore eastern Aegean islands of Lesvos, Chios, Ikaria and Samos. You can also begin a trip from Bodrum, and this coastal city is one of the oldest cities in Turkey. There are several marinas and a wide range of boats available for sailing in Turkey.
Sailing Routes Turkey
Sailing in Turkey is an adventure filled with diversity. Sail along the Turkish Riviera, explore the historical ruins along the Aegean Sea, or navigate the tranquil waters of Bodrum. Each route presents an array of attractions, from
ancient sites like the Temple of Apollo to charming coastal towns and diving spots off the coast of Kas.
Have a delightful sailing holiday in Turkey, discover ancient cities, islands and golden beaches by boat. Begin your trip in the exciting city of Bodrum, the marina here has excellent facilities and the waterfront has some elegant
restaurants and cafes.
The Castle of St Peter overlooks the sea, and families may be interested in visiting the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Kara Ada Island is only six kilometers from Bodrum.
How to get there - Airports in Turkey
Reaching these sailing destinations is convenient, thanks to Turkey's extensive network of airports. Key locations such as Dalaman, Bodrum-Imsik, and Izmir are strategically situated near major sailing hubs, making travel easy for sailors and enthusiasts.
- Airport Dalaman to Göcek: 21,5 km, 28 minutes
- Airport Dalaman to Marina Yat Limani: 54,1 km, 1 hour and 11 minutes
- Airport Dalaman to Orhaniye: 119 km, 2 hours and 7 minutes
- Airport Dalaman to Marmaris Belediyesi Yat Limanı Ofisi: 96,7 km, 1 hour and 44 minutes
- Airport Dalaman to Marmaris Yacht Marina: 105 km, 1 hour and 55 minutes
- Airport Bodrum-Imsik to Marina Eczanesi: 49,4 km, 55 minutes
- Airport Bodrum-Imsik to Bodrum Milta Marina AVM: 30,6 km, 36 minutes
- Airport Izmir to Cesme harbor: 95,2 km, 1 hour and 6 minutes
Climate & Weather in Turkey
The Turkish Aegean Sea has ideal weather conditions and a long sailing season. There is a typical Mediterranean climate and spring and autumn are warm. The sailing season begins in April and lasts until the end of October/ beginning of November. Summers are long and hot with little rainfall. Usually it is consistently sunny with daytime temperatures between 27 and 33 °C. The weather is ideal for sailing and on the water one can escape the heat. Even in November you can go swimming as the water is around 20 °C. The winter months are very mild, with average temperatures of 12 to 17 °C.