Marmaris to Gulf of Hisaronu

Guests can board their yacht in mid-afternoon in Marmaris. The charter yacht moves off the next day and stays in port overnight. Dinner is served on board, the first of many lovely meals over the next few days, but there is still time to see what Marmaris has to offer before setting sail.  It will be busy; it always is during the many weeks of the season. With the days ahead likely to be quiet and relaxing on board your luxury charter, you my like to enjoy the busy streets and bars before returning to your yacht for a good night’s sleep.

Arap Islet is Turkish territory. It is uninhabited, located between the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. There is a rough pathway coming up from the beach and leading to the village of Taşlıca around 3.5 kms away. It has a completely rural feel which you will experience as you walk. 

The ancient city of Bozukkale (Loryma) dates back to the years BC.  The nine towers of the castle walls extend out in a rectangular pattern and together with the castle look very solid and well preserved. ''Kale'' means ''corrupted'' so the name may be a consequence of one side of the Castle being missing.  Bozukale was used by the British navy many years ago, acting as a shipyard as well. There are great views across the Aegean and everyone can watch the yacht activity out to sea. Its location also resulted in it being a natural stopping off point for yachts sailing in the Aegean. In 395 BC, the Athenian Navy under the commander of Karori is known to have visited while Demetrios, son of Antigonos chose this port to prepare for the attack Rhodes during the Cnidus War in 305 BC. 

Datca is a town on the southern shore of the Peninsula of the same name in South West Turkey. It is around 75 kms west of Marmaris and has become a popular spot for yachts heading south down the Aegean and then turning east, or vice versa. There are many small coves on the Peninsula, small farming and fishing communities as well as beaches. It is famous for its tomatoes and olives and despite not having the greenery of some other parts of the Turquoise Coast, it is extremely fertile.

In a country filled with beautiful bays, to win an award as the best in Turkey is some achievement. It is something that has been awarded to Aktur on the Datca Peninsula. This bay with its pine trees on the slopes has become an important tourist attraction. It is situated between Datca and Kurucabuk with Hisonaru also nearby.  This is the narrowest part of the Peninsula, separating it from the Gulf of Gokova. It was an important defensive position in 550 BC when the Persian army was attacking. A long tunnel was built at that time creating a small island between the Gulfs. 

Bencik Bay is a quiet and sheltered place to anchor. It is just across from Selimiye on the Hisaronu side of the peninsula dividing the Gulfs of Hisaronu and Gokova. There is a lovely grassed area but no facilities for visitors. That does not detract from the beauty of the place. 

Selimiye Village is one of the real jewels in the Gulf of Hisaronu. As the sun disappears behind the mountains, the village almost seems to change colour into a rich shade of red.  There are the ruins of a castle in the hills to the south east. The castle dates back to early Hellenistic times and is one of the reasons why tourists visit. The tomb in the square is 100 metres offshore and helps guide yachts towards the village. Other landmarks include a watch tower, lighthouse, monastery and theatre. Selmiye is known for its beautiful clean sea, the fish that come from it and the fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs from its fertile fields. The pleasant smell of thyme pervades the village.

Featuring its deep blue sea and the legendary Kizkumu beach, Orhaniye is well admired by all holidaymakers. Take a journey down it's quaint village roads to discover the historic castle of the black knight. Floating in this bay, the yachts present a picturesque scene. Thevillage of Orhaniye has lots to offer to a hungry tourist. Enjoy walking down the village or witness the beauty of the busy docks accessed by local and foreign yachtsmen alike, stay indoors or explore the local culture and cuisine of the place. Orhaniye is full of surprises!

Bozburun, a small town with a marina, 45 kms to the west of Marmaris, has made a name for itself as a place for building quality wooden craft, yachts and gulets. It is well-known to yachtsmen if less visited by others. That said, the lovely winding road by the sea to reach Bozburun is a very pleasant drive. It is not a place for tourists seeking great nightlife but there are many compensations for visitors staying in its small hotels and pensions. There are restaurants by the sea serving the freshest possible seafood. 

Kadirga Harbour is a pretty bay not far to the west from Marmaris. It is sheltered and has been awarded the blue flag because of its marvelous waters.

Yildiz island is a wonderful peninsula in Marmaris. There are several nice cafes and restaurants across the island. It is ideal for those interested in swimming and snorkelling. Even if you spend a whole day on the island you are unlikely to get bored especially if you enjoy walking in a lovely natural environment. The area will remind you of a small sea channel. History says that a captain sailing in this area on a stormy night, hit the rocky landscape because he thought that this was a sea channel. Since then, it has also been known as ‘’wrong channel.’’

The charter finishes back in port with guests enjoying an excellent breakfast before finally returning to dry land. If you have some days ashore before finally returning home, we would recommend that you take some time to see what Marmaris and the immediate region has to offer. The natural environment is stunning; forests hug the slopes with the contrast between green and the blue of the sea and sky creating a lovely setting. Then there is some last minute shopping?