Marmaris
Marmaris, which was a small fishermen outpost of older times, attracts big crowds today as a great holiday destination and as a starting point for blue cruise. Unlimited number of fine coves, its proximity to many archaeological and historical sites, great choice for hotels of every budget make Marmaris one of the great tourist destinations. Marmaris is situated at the meeting point of Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. Since the town was devastated by an earthquake in 1957 and rebuilt entirely, it has a quite modern look.
Marmaris is reached by two hours drive from the Dalaman Airport. Marmaris bay, which is 8 kilometers long and three kilometers, is protected by two islands at its month making it ideal for windsurfing, water and jet skiing.
The old town, which isolated on a rocky peninsula, has an old fortress and white washed homes.
Datça
Located at the meeting point of Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, Datça is one of the most attractive towns at the south west corner of Turkey.
In addion to its natural beauty, Datça attract visitors due to existence of its historical monuments.
Dalyan
This small, cozy town on the Dalyan River, is one of the most relaxing sites in Turkey. Facing to rock cut tombs of Caunos, Dalyan has superb sea food restaurants by the river. The town gets it name from fisheries which trap sea bass and mullet living at fresh and salty waters. Visitors should also try crap and gray fish at Dalyan.
From Dalyan a boat can be rented to go Caunos, an impressive archaeological site in the region. Caunos, which was an important harbor city of ancient times, lost its harbor and its trade due to silting up process, created by Dalan River.
Turtles
The boats can be hired from Dalyan to go to Iztuzu beach, popularly known as "Turtle Beach", one of the last breeding places for the Loggerhead Marine Turtle called "Caretta Caretta". During the June-September Period, the beach is closed to public from 6 pm to 9 am to prevent tourist to walk on the turtle nests. Each turtle, weighting nearly 300 pounds, coming from the distant corners of the world lay eggs at this beach night time and cove these eggs with sand to protect them. This measure taken by the turtles does not prevent foxes coming down from the mountains and eating the eggs. The real danger starts when the baby turtles come out of the eggs. Before they reach to sea symbolizing their safety, they are attacked by the crabs, hawks. In August and September, visitors see thousands of newly hatched turtle crawl toward the sea.
Local Food in Dalyan
while you are in Dalyan, you should taste mullet caught in the area. Steamed or grilled, it is very tasty. Dalyan is also a famous place for its caviar production which gets cheaper than other areas of Turkey. Visitors to Dalyan region are also recommended to taste the local honey produced in the region and an appetizer made of black eye sea beas and, garlic and yogurt. As to most selling souvenir items, we can mention small tortoise mascots, and local textiles made of cotton and wool yarn. As to other local production of the area, we can mention olive and olive oil, pine honey. Visitors are also festinated
Caunos
The ruins of Caunos is located between the Koycegiz Lake and sea. The ancient city is approached after a romantic canal cruise. Caunos was one of the earliest cities founded in this area. Located in a transitional area between Caria and Lycia, Caunos had been already inhabited before the great migrations. This beautiful ancient city was excavated by Professor Baki Ogun from Ankara University. Baki Ogun and his team discovered pottery and artifacts going back 9th century BC. In 4th century BC, the city is mentioned in a book describing coastal areas of Asia Minor. During the Persian wars and occupation of the region by Persians, the population of Caunos first killed their wives and children and then fought against Persians to the last man. After Persian Wars, due to seaborne trade Caunos became rich and prosperous and the money it paid for the Delian Confederation increased from half talent to ten. During the great extension policy of King Mausolos, Caunos became part of the Carian Kingdom. After the reign of Queen Ada, Caunos passed into hands of Alexander's generals. During the Hellenistic Period, Caunos was under control of Rhodos. People of Caunos had a revolt against Rhodians and obtained their independence thanks to Romans.
The ancient city is reached by a canal. While sailing in the canal, the view of the rock cut tombs are spectacular. Herodotus mentions that the inhabitants of Caunos were natives of the region.
Visitors to Caounos have two major paths: one leading to Roman theatre, Roman Baths and Byzantine Church. Second path leads to the temple and semicircular shrine with three columns on the side. There is also a great round building called Tholos which was probably a monumental fountain.
Göcek
Göcek is ideal starting point for those planning a Blue Voyage in Marmaris Region. It is situated only 30 km distance from Dalaman airport and developing rapidly as a yachting center.
12 Islands
Boats can be chartered to go to 12 islands of Fethiye Gulf. These islands are some of the most secluded and most beautiful corners of the Turquoise Coast.
Tersane Island
Tersane island which is the biggest island at Fethiye Gulf, is one of the popular stops during the Blue Voyage. The island has protected cove suitable for anchorage. This winter harbor which is reached by a deep channel is full of remains off Ottoman Period shipyard. The second sheltered cove, located in the eastern side of the island is known as summer harbor. Boats anchor there to give chance to their clients to discover and ruins on the island.
Sarsala
Sarsala Cove, well sheltered place for gulets and boats, is situated 12 kilometers form Dalaman. The beach with fine sand and crystal blue waters attracts many boat during the summer months.
Domuz (Pig) Island
Owned by Sedat Simavi, former owner of Hurriyet newspaper, the most popular newspaper of Turkey. Domuz Island has Semavi's villa standing in the middle of ancient ruins. Mr. Semavi hosted many famous figures of the world including members of British Royal family such as Prince Charles and princess Margaret.
Hamam Cove
Locally Known as Cleopatra Island, Hamam Cove has submerged ruins. It is suggested that these buildings sank due to earthquake tremors. The boats stop here for a while to let their clients try local restaurants and enjoy the submerged ruins with their snorkels.
Bedri Rahmi Bay
This beautiful sheltered bay is named after Bedri Rahmi, Turkish painter and poet who popularized Blue Voyage with his writings and paintings. The bay with fine mooring possibilities, and protected from the winds, aces to Tersane Island. The image of a cubic fish painted on the rock by Bedri Rahmi in 1973 during a trip he made with friends welcomes visitors. This great rock with the fish image is one of the colorful stops of the Blue Voyage. The surrounding hills covered with pine and olive trees, fine sand of the beach and turquoise colored water give a fantastic appearance to the Bay. The area is also known as Tasyaka or Lycian Cove because of the Lycian Rock Tombs hidden everywhere and nearby Lycian ancient city called Cryra.
Göcek
The Göcek area of Fethiye Bay with its countless coves is one of the most popular areas for the boats doing the Blue Cruise. In the recent years Göcek became a meeting point for the world jet society. Shops, restaurants, walking alley lined around the marinas and pier make Göcek truly impressive site. Göcek has also 3 marinas, two situated in Göcek and the third one in nearby Simavi Bay.
Port Göcek
Port Göcek is part of resort where Swishotel runs 57 room boutique hotel has international standards. Her capacity is 410 vessel on the water and 150 on the land. Opened in 2000, Port Göcek is the third Marina in the world and only in the east Mediterranean using a floating breakwater, designed by a Canadian company.
Club Marina Göcek
Located at Bungus Cove facing to Göcek, and surrounded pine forest, Club Marina Göcek has capacity 195 vessels. Marina offers all kind of services with its efficient staff.
Göcek
Another suitable anchorage place near Göcek is Boynuzbuku, a deep sheltered bay surrounded by the pine trees.
Fethiye
One hour drive form Göcek leads visitors to Fethiye, small market town of older days but thriving tourism center of our time. Fethiye is good starting point for yachting for Fethiye Gulf, 12 islands and Kekova region, dotted with fine ancient cities and some sunken sites in the water. Since the region between Fethiye and Antalya has been a great chromium producing area, Fethiye is great harbor for exporting chromium.
The town offers rich night life, fine restaurants and good shops selling everything.
Telmessus
The history of Fethiye goes back 5th century BC. When the city of Termessus was part of the Delian Confederation, in the contribution list, Termesssus was only city mentioned separately. Telmessus paid 1 talent tribute which was equal to 10 % of the tribute paid by the all Lycian cities. When Alexander the Great was trying to fight against Persians and put Lycian Harbors under his control, the people of Termessos willingly opened their gates to him. But according to a legend, Macedonians tool over the city by a ruse. Nearcos, the general of Alexander the Great asked to local rulers of Termessus whether he could leave the captives and musicians behind. These well armed slaves captured the city. The ancient monuments in Fethiye survived two major earthquakes in 1056 and 1957 which razed down the town. The glorious past of the town is reflected by rock cut tombs and sarcophagi scattered in the town including the big one next to Town Hall.
Fethiye
Fethiye is located at the eastern end of the Fethiye Gulf. Because of headland and The island of Knights, the sea is like a inner lake.
The Rock tombs are located just at the back of the town. After parking their cars, visitors have a steep walk to reach these tombs. Among these tombs, the most impressive tomb is the Temple Tomb of Amyntas who was a Lycian noble man.
Gemile Island
Situated 9 kilometers from Fethiye, Gemile Island is one of the popular destinations for gulets. Gemile Islands is located inside of the Ölüdeniz Basin. During the ancient times, Gemile which was known as Sybola was a great shelter for the ships and vessels.
Yassica Jessica Islands
Yassica Islands which is the nearest anchoring point near Fethiye are shown on the nautical maps as Jessica Islands. This group of small islands, covered with pine and olive trees, house fine sandy coves and beaches ideal for all kind of water sports. Next to Jessica Islands, there are alternative coves such as Haci Halil Island and Devil Island for anchorage
Kaya Köy
This ghost city was former Kormylasssos, a Greek village with 5000 people population. Due to great change of populations between Greece and Turkey, the population of Kaya abandoned their town. Two well preserved churches having biblical scenes still dominate the town.
Ölüdeniz
Ölüdeniz is one of the spectacular sights of Turkey. Although it is like a lagoon, it has small opening towards sea. It was a good sheltering place for yachts. But since 1984, the entry of the boats has been prohibited to Ölüdeniz.
Becekiz Beach
This very fine beach goes along the lagoon. The water gets deep abruptly and it is not so suitable for children. Visitors can also do parasailing at Becekiz Beach. There are many parasailing clubs in the region. Another very exiting activity here is paragliding which starts from 2000 meters high mountains towards the beach and takes 25 minutes.
Fethiye is also good starting point for excursions to nearby five Lycian Cities.
Tlos
The site of Thlos was discovered British Scholar Sir Charles Fellows in 1938. Although little known about the early history the town, Fellows dates the town back to 14th century BC. During the Byzantine Empire, Tlos was under the control of Bishop of Myra. Visitors to Tlos admire city walls, theatre, a stadium, Roman Baths and Tombs. One of these tombs is known as tomb of Bellerefontes, a Lycian hero who slayed Chimera, a fire breathing monster. A frieze depicting Bellerofontes on his winged horse, Pegasus, is seen on this tomb.
Letoon
Letoon was the sacred shrine city of Goddess, Leto, mother of Artemis and Apollo. Leto, being chased by the jealous wife of Zeus came to Lycia after giving birth to Artemis and Apollo. Disturbed by the thirst, she wanted to have water at a pond at Letoon. Locals tried to prevent her from drinking water, she got angry and transformed them into frogs and even had curse on them: "Stay like the for ever" Three temples lying site by site are dedicated to Apollo, Artemis and Leto.
Another version of story mentions that while Leto is attacked by the local, a group of wolfs came and attack the peasants and saved her. Leto then change the name of the region to Lycia meaning lycos or wolf in Greek Language. Then Leto drank water and bathed Artemis and Apollo.
A horse shoe shaped theatre built on the hillside attracts our attention. Three temples, dedicated to Leto, Artemis and Apollo, are put side by side. The eastern temple has a mosaic depicting symbols of Artemis and Apollo. Facing to the temples, there is a great monumental fountain where Leto drank water and bathed Apollo and Artemis.
Letoon was discovered by Charles Fellows in 1938. He re examined the site 1939 and once more in....George Bean visited the site in 1948 and described it. But archaeological research done by a French Team under the leadership of Metzger shed light on the undiscovered monuments of Letoon. Among the discoveries, a trilingual inscription stands out because of its importance.
Xanhtos
Xanhtos, the capital city of Lycian Kingdom, is one of the great sites of area. According to archaeological digs, Xanthus was first inhabited 8th century BC on the acropolis. The city received its name (Xanthus meaning yellow) from the yellow coloured silt brought from mountains by the river. Xanthus River of Lycia is often mentioned in Iliad when Homer speaks of Sarpedon and his cousin as allies of Trojan King, Priamos. Since Sarpedon was killed by Patroclos, he never returned home.
It is located by the village of Kinik. People of Xantos who loved their freedom and independence, twice in the history committed mass suicide. The first tragic event in Xantos happened during the Persian Campaign of general Harpagos. Realizing the city soon be taken by the Persians, Lycians first killed their wives and children, then attacked to Persian forces at full force till last Lycian fell to ground. Second tragic event came during the Roman times, when Brutus attacked to city, same thing happened again. Lycians committed mass suicide.
Charles Fellows discovered Xantus in 1938 and four year later British Fleet took great number of monuments, statues from the city. all these pieces now fill the halls of the British Museum. One the fascinating monuments is Nereids Monument which is built in temple shape and carvings depicting Nereid ornate whole monument.
Myra
It was in Myra where Saint Nicholas worked as bishop in the 4th century AD. He represented Myra t the Ecumenical Counsel of Nicea 325 AD. Saint Nicholas performed some miracles. Two of his miracles are well known. The first one is restoration of Pickled Boys. After the tradition 6 boys were killed and cut into pieces by a local butcher. Saint Nicholas restored them to life. His second miracle was how he presented dowries to tree unmarried young girls of a poor man from Myra. He threw three purses of gold coins to their house. This and other stories led him to the legend of Father Christmas or Santa Claus of the western world. After he died in late fourth century, a church was built over his tomb. Early church dates back to the time of Justinian. According to an inscription the church was restored during the tome of Constantine IX in 1023. Present day church is a great complex including a side chapel having a fresco depicting the Communion of the Apostles.
The ruins of Myra is located in the proximity of Demre. An impressive acropolis with early walls dating to 5th century BC crowns the hill. Most imposing thing is a magnificently preserved Roman theatre which is nearly intact. The rocks near the theatre are decorated with great number of house and temple shaped tombs.
Myra is one of the coastal ancient cities which Paul, Luke and Aristarcus visited (Acts 27:5-6). The city's harbor was Andriace, an important port under the Romans for supplying grain to the troops campaigning in the east and the granary which was the largest Roman Granary in Anatolia is dedicated to two Roman Emperors, Trajan and Hadrian. The great cistern, situated under the market place is also a proof the town supplied water to great Roman ships carrying grain between Egypt and Roma. It was in autumn when Paul's ship arrived to harbor of Myra. The harbor was full of ships to spend the winter there. The custodian of prisoners (Paul was of them) found the freight vessel carrying corn to Italy. This was possibly one of the ships carried grain between Egypt and Italy. Often, these ships sheltered in the Lycain harbors and waited for the convenient weather or to find some passengers. It was in Myra they changed boats on their way to Rome. Roman centurion Julius found a ship from Alexandria heading to Rome by the way if Cnidos, another important coastal town in the north.
Patara
Ancient Patara is located 6 kilometres distance from Xanthus. It was traditional birth place of Saint Nicholas. Patara which was a great commercial port of Roman times, now is covered with sand dunes and is hidden behind thick bushes. The harbor, which is completely silted up, was one of the busiest of Lycian Coast. The remains of aqueducts, lighthouse and granary are still can be seen. The granary, which was built during the time of Emperor Hadrian, shows how the cereals from Egypt arrived Lycia and distributed to the rest of the world during the calm weather.
Patara was also famous because of its oracle temple dedicated to God Apollo.
Acts 21:1,2
Paul and Luke came to Patara during the third missionary trip after visiting the city of Miletos. It was in Patara they changed boat from a small vessel to a larger boat which could cope with Mediterranean Sea.
KaÞ
Kaþ, ancient Antifellos has been always inhabited stating from the early days of the history. This was the harbor of the city of Fellos, situated high on the mountains During the Roman Centuries, this small town became economic centre of the region and through which sponges and wool were exported. Modern town Kaþ is dotted with charming monuments of the antiquity. One of the monuments is a Greek theatre with 26 row of seats. This fascinating Greek Type theatre facing to sea is well preserved. Another monument is
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Blue Cruise itinerary on Marmaris - Fethiye - Marmaris
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1st day: Abording the yacht. Welcome cocktail. Dinner and overnight in
Marmaris.
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2nd day: After breakfast, our first stop is Ekincik. You will find the
chance to visit the Dalyan village, ancient city of Caunos, mud baths,
Koycegiz River and Iztuzu Lagoon, the home of Caretta Caretta turtles.
Lunch, dinner and overnight in Ekincik.
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3rd day: After breakfast you will sail through Kurdoglu. Lunch in Manastir
Bay. Dinner and overnight in Bedri Rahmi Bay.
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4th day: After breakfast cruise sailing between the Gocek's bays. Dinner
and overnight in Yassica Islands.
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5th day: Breakfast in Yassica Islands. Lunch in Fethiye. In the afternoon,
you may visit the town, rock tombs by the hills and take a trip to
Oludeniz. Dinner and overnight in Fethiye.
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6th day: Sailing to Disibilmez after breakfast. Lunch in Disibilmez.
Dinner and overnight in a bay nearby.
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7th day: After breakfast sailing back to Marmaris. Lunch in Paradise
Island. Dinner and overnight in Marmaris.
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8th day: Breakfast and disembarkment in Marmaris.
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