 | Destinations | Turkey |
Exotic Turkey has become a top tourist destination for good reason. The crossroads of Europe and Asia offer exhilarating sailing on the crystal clear waters of the eastern Aegean, unique shopping at grand bazaars and a vibrant history with more varied archaeological remains than any other region.
Discover the fascinating Turkish Aegean coast and see where eastern culture meets the west. Enjoy exhilarating sailing on the pristine waters of the Turquoise coast while visiting remote beaches, secluded coves and fascinating archaeological sites. The land of the Sultans is steeped in history with countless ancient Lycian, Carian, Greek, Roman, Ottoman and medieval civilizations spread along the forested coastline. Coastal towns offer museums, bustling Turkish bazaars, and healing Turkish baths. In the evenings, indulge in spicy Turkish gastronomy and world famous nightlife under the stars. Sailing the Turkish coast is a journey that can only be described as… a feast for the senses!
Average air temperatures
Temperatures in the spring months of April, May and June, range from 17-26°C. In the summer months of July, August and September you can expect temperatures to rise to 26-34°C.
Average water temperatures
Water temperatures are cooler in the spring months of April, May and June ranging from 15-24°C. In the hotter summer months of July, August and September the surface water reaches perfect swimming temperatures of 24-26°C.
Best time to visit
May through November are the warmer, drier months. May, June, July and September are the best months to visit with nice weather conditions while avoiding excessive heat and the high season crowds.
Not to miss while you are in Turkey
Istanbul… formerly called Constantinople, is the historic capitol of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires and presently the 5th largest city in the world, with a population of 12.8 million. Known as the meeting point of east and west this vibrant center is famous for its industrial port, Grand Bazaar and famous mosques - the Süleymaniye Mosque and the six minaret Blue Mosque. There are also numerous spectacular palaces, built by successive Ottoman Sultans. The most notable is Topkapi Palace, which was the official home of the ruling Sultan and his large entourage of wives and servants. Many palaces are now tourist attractions open to the public and house priceless collections of porcelain, jewelry and religious relics such as a lock of Muhammad's hair and the hand of John the Baptist! Other sites include the Hippodrome where chariot races and circuses were held and the famous Hagia Sophia Basilica, built in 537AD, which was converted to a mosque in 1435 under Ottoman rule. Prior to any Turkish sailing adventure a few days exploring Istanbul is a must.
Bodrum… the highlight is the well-preserved castle of St Peter built between 1402-1520. Inside the castle, the Bodrum Underwater Archaeological Museum features items from ancient and medieval shipwrecks, most notably the Ulu Burun wreck - one of the oldest shipwrecks ever uncovered. Other interesting archaeological features are the remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. After visiting the museums, take the time to do some shopping in Bodrum's tented bazaar.
The mud baths of Koycegiz river… are accessed by river boat from Ekincik bay. The river boats enter the fascinating Koycegiz river delta at a turtle refuge beach then follow winding channels lined with reed beds. Grey heron, king fishers, sand pipers and fresh water tortoise may be spotted along the way. Moving upriver, view numerous Lycian tombs carved out of the cliff face that date from 1200BC. The first stop on the tour is the settlement of Ancient Caunos. This site features a Greek amphitheater, Roman baths and a Crusader fort. Lunch and shopping can be enjoyed at the quaint riverside town of Dalyan. The highlight of the day however, is to immerse yourself in the sulfuric mud baths further up the river. The cool gooey mud that smells like rotten eggs is apparently therapeutic for the skin. Once you have lathered it on, the trick is to lay in the sun and let the mud dry. Large shower areas allow you to rinse off leaving your skin silky smooth for days.
Available in Turkey