The Lycian Coast runs from Marmaris to Antalya, but the most popular sailing area the the western part, running from Marmaris to Olu Deniz, just past Gocek and Fethiye Bays
Apart from the large holiday resorts of Marmaris and Fethiye, most habitation is on a similar scale to the Carian Coast, with many “one restaurant” bays containing nothing other than a quay to tie to and somewhere to eat. The scenery is a little greener, though still with many cliffs.
This coast includes Turkey’s main “beginners area”; Gocek Bay. The bay is only 8 miles from top to bottom. It contains a number of anchorages and restaurants with jetties to head for if the winds get too much, though it is generally easy sailing.
Indeed for the more experienced, the problem is devising a route that builds in sufficient sailing whilst not missing out the many great stops! The wider Fethiye Bay region (of which Gocek Bay forms a part) is only a little less sheltered though Fethiye aside, is also remarkably undeveloped.
For those wanting more miles, the sail from Gocek to Marmaris requires some longer trips with limited stopping off points en route. There is a chance of a few more waves, especially if heading westwards, in to the prevailing winds, but it’s not hard sailing.
Those breaking the trip at Ekincik can take a day off and head up the Dalyan River. You will have to use one of the many trip boats as it’s too shallow for yachts. But the chance to swim off Turtle Beach, famed breeding ground of the loggerhead turtle, sample a mud bath, and see the pretty town of Dalyan with it’s ancient tombs makes for an interesting diversion.
There are four places to pick up a yacht, the main bases being Marmaris, Gocek and Fethiye, with a smaller base at Orhaniye. Marmaris and Fethiye are both popular tourist towns with plenty to see and do, especially if you’re looking for shopping opportunities or nightlife.
If you are starting from Gocek or Fethiye, note that once out of the bay, the stops to the east, towards Kekova Roads, are fairly spaced out. You must also pass the notorious Seven Capes. Waters around the Capes can get rough so you will need an early start (6am) from the bottom of the Gocek/Fethiye Bay to get past before the seas build up. You can get to Kekova Roads and back in a week but it is a push.
If you plan to head west from Gocek or Fethiye, the limited stopping options before Marmaris mean you may as well start from Marmaris. This then gives access to the dramatic Carian coast.
Fethiye is a large holiday resort, about 45 minutes drive from Dalaman Airport. The yachts are a short walk from the town centre.
Gocek is a smaller town but has become a major hang out for many private yachts, large and small, thanks to its proximity to Dalaman airport which is about 20 minutes drive away. It now boasts several marinas and with the exception of Club Marina which is served by a ferry boat from the town, (which can stop annoyingly early in the evening) all the marinas are within walking distance of the town.
Marmaris is further from Dalaman airport – about an hour and a half’s drive with Orhaniye about 15 minutes further. Both of these are also within shooting distance of Bodrum Airport. Marmaris has the frustration that some of the yachts are based at marinas on the far side of the bay, giving you a 10 minute taxi ride to get in to town.
Those chartering a Bareboat or taking a skippered charter have a huge range of yachts to chose from with a number of companies offering one way charters. However, note that one way trips need to be booked early. Once the yacht has bookings before and after your holiday, a one way trip will be impossible without losing time off your holiday. This is because there simply won’t be time to move the yacht between bases before or after your holiday.
With many of the small bays in the area having limited or no mains water or electricity supplies, those who like their creature comforts ashore may wish to look elsewhere. But if you like to get to places that other tourists would struggle to reach and like a bit of variety in your sailing conditions, the western Lycian is a great place to experience the warm welcome that Turkey offers.
For more details of stops on the Lycian Coast, see the Ports page, or if you prefer you can access the details via the Map. To get a feel of the area, take a look at the pictures on this page: Lycian Coast East: Gallery.