Sailing in Turkey
Ankara
Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country's second largest city after
Istanbul. It was formerly known as Angora. The Hittites gave it the name
Ankuwash before 1200 BC, the Galatians and Romans called it Ancyra, and in the
classical, Hellenistic, and Byzantine periods it was known as Ankyra.
Antalya
Situated on a steep cliff over the Mediterranean, Antalya is a picturesque city
surrounded by mountains. Pamphylia & Side & Perge & Aspendos are the 4 major
sites.
Assos & Troy& Cesme & Foca
Assos was an ancient harbor city which was also famed due to the stay of the
philosopher Aristotle for three years as the head of a philosophy school. The
Stoic philosopher Cleanthes was from Assos too. Lesbos Island in the Aegean Sea
can be seen from here on clear days.
Troy was once known as Ilios or Ilion; this is reflected in the name of Homer's
epic poem the Iliad, a work that claims to relate the story of Troy's fall.
Black Sea ( Safranbolu & Amasya & Trabzon )
Strabo's Geography reports that in antiquity the Black Sea was often just called
"the Sea" (pontos), just like Homer was often simply called "the Poet". For the
most part, Graeco-Roman tradition refers to the Black Sea as the 'Hospitable
sea' Euxeinos Pontos.
The alpine scenery and gorgeous coastline of the Black Sea country will charm
you, as will the friendliness of the people.
Bodrum
It is on the Bodrum Peninsula, near the northwest entrance to the Gulf of Gökova,
and faces the Greek island of Kos. Today, it is a center of tourism and
yachting. It is the ancient Halicarnassus of Caria, renowned for the mausoleum
of Maussollos. The town is very popular tourist resort for northern Europeans
due to its attractive coastline and active night-life
Cappadocia
There is nothing like this extraordinary place anywhere else in the world; it
possesses bewitching beauty and an astonishing artistic wealth. There are
incredible pageants of shapes and color, which make it an ideal place for people
interested in history or art, keen photographers or those who enjoy walking.
Dalyan-Caunos & Dalaman
The village of Dalyan is based on a river, surrounded by lush green fields
breaking into spectacular mountain ranges. On the opposite side of the river is
the ancient city of Caunos that is debatably the second greatest archaeological
site in Turkey.
Datca-Knidos
The Datça peninsula is a unique heaven on Earth that has been the home of many
civilizations for the past 3,000 years.
At the end of the peninsula stands the ancient Carian city of Knidos, described
by Strabo as "a city that was built for the most beautiful of goddesses,
Aphrodite, on the most beautiful of peninsulas." Famous as a centre of art and
culture in the fourth century B.C. the city had two harbours: one on the Aegean
and the other on the Mediterranean. The remains of a circular temple dedicated
to the goddess of love overlook the two harbours.
Eastern Turkey
A land of ancient civilizations, spectacular scenery and contrasts of culture
and climate.
Fethiye & Kayakoy& Oludeniz
If you're looking for an active holiday, this region of Turkey has it all --
rafting, paragliding, diving and great beaches with a scattering of ancient
Lycian cities to charm the history buff.
Gocek
Previously named “Kalimche” in the antiquity, was conveniently located between
Telmessos (today Fethiye) and Kaunos (today Dalyan). According to the legends,
it is in the Göcek area that Ikarus felt in the sea after his famous flight,
trying to escape from the tower where he was imprisonned.
Istanbul
3000 years of history await you, Ancient Byzantium, Constantinople - City of the
World's Desire and Istanbul, seat of the mighty Ottoman Empire for 500 years.
The Council of European Union has designated Istanbul as European Capitals of
Culture 2010.
Izmir & Kusadasý & Selcuk-Ephesus & Sirince
Ýzmir is the third most populous city of Turkey and the country's largest port
after Ýstanbul. Perfectly placed for classical Turkey; Ephesus, Bergama-Pergamon,
Didim-Ddyma, Piriene, Milet-Milteus and Sardis await you.
Kalkan
A gem set in sparkling seas. This charming fishing village is slowly evolving
into an exclusive haven for those who take their leisure time seriously.
Kas
The mountains of Southern Turkey drop almost vertically to the azure
Mediterranean. This is the turquoise coast at its best. Ancient sites and Nearby
villages of Ucagiz & Simena-Kekova & Myra-Demre.
Marmaris
Yachting capital of the Mediterranean with services, shopping and nightlife to
match.
Olympos
A unique setting for this resort. A densely wooded valley hides a lovely beach,
a ruined city and a turtle sanctuary. Ancient ruins of CHIMERA & PHASELIS
Pamukkale
One of the most interesting places in the world, justly famous not only for the
entrancing beauty of its unique geological formations but also for its
historical remains of HIERAPOLIS & nearby APHRODISIAS
Here are some of our suggestions to avoid getting fleeced:
DOs
Ask for recommendations from other travellers
Bargain, but don’t necessarily go for the cheapest option because the crew will
skimp on food and alcohol
Check out your boat (if you are in Fethiye) and ask to see the guest list
Ask whether your captain and crew speak English
Confirm whether the boat actually uses the sails, rather than relying on a noisy
diesel engine
Trust your gut – if instinct tells you that three days at sea in this boat
sounds horrible, then trust yourself!
Book well ahead for July and August in order to be sure of getting on a cruise
DON’Ts
Don’t pay until the day you leave, just in case the weather turns foul
Don’t go for gimmicks such as free water sports. They often prove to be empty
promises and boats rarely have insurance for them in case of accidents.
Don’t buy your ticket in İstanbul, as pensions and commission agents take a
healthy cut
Don’t take a boat just because it is leaving today
We recommend the owner-operated outfits because they run a much tighter ship.
Boats come and go just about every day of the week between late April and
October (the Marmaris boats usually run twice a week from mid-May to the end of
September).
This is an excerpt from Lonely Planet’s guide to Turkey
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