03 Jul 2024
Experience the hidden bays, dive into refreshing blue waters, explore ancient ruins, and savour the Mediterranean and Aegean flavours on the “Blue Voyage”. This unique journey along Türkiye's Aegean or Mediterranean coasts promises unforgettable memories.
Bodrum: The Birthplace of the Blue Voyage
Bodrum, Türkiye's premier holiday destination, offers endless blue landscapes and picturesque white houses. It is the birthplace of Türkiye's blue voyages, symbolising summer, the colour blue, and the classic Turkish gullet, a wooden yacht. Bodrum's turquoise bays, luxury marinas, high-end shopping, vibrant night life, and Michelin-rated restaurants draw countless sailors and visitors each year. Explore Bodrum Castle and the Bodrum Underwater Archaeological Museum for a dive into history.
Top Blue Voyage Stops in Bodrum:
- Gümüşlük
- Yalıkavak
- Türkbükü
- Göltürkbükü
- Ortakent
- Bitez
- Akyarlar
Datça and Marmaris: Routes Merging Green and Blue
The Datça Peninsula, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, boasts centuries-old olive and almond trees, magnificent bays, and historical treasures, Its stone mansions and cobbled streets preserve its past splendor. From Datça, sail to Marmaris, a natural harbor city with stunning bays like Hisarönü Bay, Çiftlik Bay, Serçe Harbour, Bozukkale, and Sedir Island. Explore ancient ruins at Physkas, Bybassas, Amos, and Kastabos.
Must-See Bays in Datça:
- Kurubük
- Palamutbükü
- Hayıtbükü
- Kızılbük
From Göcek to Fethiye: Turquoise Bays, Historical Discoveries
Muğla's Göcek lures visitors with its sparkling bays. From Marmaris to Göcek, visit Dalyan, Ekincik, and the ancient city of Kaunos with its famous rock tombs. İztuzu Beach is a key breeding area for Caretta caretta sea turtles. Sailing from Göcek to Fethiye, explore Ölüdeniz, Kumburnu Bay, Gemiler Island, Kabak Bay, Kıdrak Bay, Knight Island, Kayaköy, and Butterfly Valley. For adventure, try paragliding at Babadağ.
Highlights Around Göcek:
- Göcek Island
- Yassıca Islands
- Bedri Rahmi Bay
- Cleopatra Bay
- Tersane Island
Kaş-Kekova: Sailing the Turkish Riviera
The Turkish Rivera offers turquoise bays, hidden beauties, and fascinating archaeological sites. From Antalya Kaleiçi to Kaş and Kekova, enjoy diving at Kaş, home to Kaputaş Beach, and explore the Sunken City of Kekova. Relish the Mediterranean diet rich in olive oils, fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables.
Notable Stops:
- Limanağzı Bay
- Pigeon Island
- Twelve Islands
- Ufak Dere
- İnönü Bay
- Aperlai
Çeşme: A Natural Wonder in the Heart of the Aegean
İzmir, at the heart of the Aegean, combines country life with modern culture. Çeşme, its best blue cruise stop, features lovely bays and beaches like Boyalık Bay, Sakızlı Bay, and Aya Yorgi Bay. Discover Türkiye's enchanting blue voyages for an unforgettable holiday experience.
Explore Çeşme:
- Alaçatı: Historical stone houses, windmills, and Aegean cuisine
- Windsurfing and kitesurfing opportunities
- Urla: Vineyard routes and field-to-table dinners
Download link for images: https://docs.tga.gov.tr/s0szzcsc
ENDS
Notes to Editors
How to rent a Gulet
On this journey, you start by renting a boat from operators in Türkiye's marinas in the Aegean and Mediterranean. The choices are almost infinite; options range from “gulets” wooden yachts specific to Türkiye's Bodrum region with two or three cabins to super yachts that cater to ultra-luxurious needs. It's always a good idea to rent the entire boat with family and friends and then decide on the route. Named by a group of famous Turkish novelists and poets in the late 1950s, the “Blue Voyage” refers to a specific sea holiday onboard, and this experience lets its guests surrender to the captivating rhythm of wind and waves, sleep on deck under millions of stars, immerse in authentic experiences, and savour the regions fresh seafood, glorious appetisers, and excellent olive oil dishes, complemented by exquisite Turkish wines.
About Türkiye
Located in the Mediterranean and connecting Asia and European continents with the famed Bosporus, Türkiye is a unique destination that welcomed more than 56.7 million tourists in year 2023. The country has always been a hub for cultural interaction and home to varying climates. Today it inspires the visitors with its history, nature, and gastronomy that reflect the diversity of civilisations for centuries. Located at the crossroads of cultures, Türkiye has a distinctive understanding of art and fashion which is the synthesis of tradition and modernity. Its dynamic shopping & entertainment life also attracts visitors from all over the world.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Laura Goh: laura@pembrokeandrye.com
Bridget Bellamy: bridget@pembrokeandrye.com
