Kusadasi is today a major holiday resort center. During the summer months it teems with swimmers, fisherman, sun-lovers and sightseers. Once known as Scala Nova, the town as urants, cafes, beautiful parks and superb beaches. The shopping is also famous; everything from beads and bangles to leather, jewelry and carpets is on offer.
The Kusadasi Turban Marina is one of the best-equipped marinas and on shore, providing wintering for boats both afloat and on shore. Scuba diving has become very popular. Nightlife is renowned along the coast with excellent bars, jazz clubs, discos and cabarets that promise evenings filled with excitement, entertainment and possibly a little romance.
Not far from Kusadasi, the ancient site of Ephesus, an important city of antiquity, remains a highlight of any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectral program, was dedicated to the godded Artemis.

Her enormous temple, rebuilt several times, dates in its latest form from the third century B.C. and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The ancient theather has found new life as a major concert venue. Nearby is the site of St. John's Basilica and the reputed last home of the Virgin Mary.

South of Kusadasi, The unbelievanbly beautiful waters of the Dilek Peninsula National Park welcome yachtsmen into serene inlets and coves.
Between Kusadasi's southern shores and Pamukkale lies the valley of the Menderes River (the Meander), where several ancient civilizations built major settlements, including Priene, Milet, Didyma (Didim), Aphrodisias and Hierapolis (Pamukkale).

The Temple of Apollo at Didim was one of the most sacred places of antiquity. Many times looted and burned, the sanctuary still impresses with its elegant beauty.

Not far from this archaelogical site, the beautiful beach of Altinkum tempts all visitors and offers a great opportunity for sailing, swimming and relaxation. It is the last stop before entering the Gulluk Gulf.This Gulf can provide a whole vacation in itself with four large natural bays and numerous coves and inlets.

The whole area has excellent moorings, and scuba divers will be particularly interested in exploring these waters. The fisherman's village of Gulluk has a pretty port and numerous guest-houses and small hotels.

The mythological Dolphin Boy is said ti have been born a little farther to the north at Kiyikislacik (lassos). As you sail out of this beautiful gulf, the Bodrum Peninsula wellcomes you.

From Urla Iskelesi sail on to the Karaburun Peninsula.

At Karaburun, pleasant hotels, tea gardens and fish restautants sit between the beautiful mountain backdrop and the clear, clean water. Voyage out of the Gulf of Izmir around the Karaburun Peninsula to the Cesme Peninsula, a spit of land lapped by the waters of the Aegean Sea.

Cesme, meaning 'fountain', derives its name from the many sources of water found in the area. A 14th century Geonese fortress, restored and enlarged by the Ottomans in the 16th century, dominates the small port of Cesme.

Around Cesme, the large Altin Yunus Setur Marina complex and the berthing places of Ilica and Dalyan are all noted for their safety. In town, the 16th century caravanserai built by Suleyman the Magnificent near the fortress, has been converted into a hotel. Excellent shopping - the finest quality carpets, leather goods, as well as souvenir items are available. At night, a lively, fun atmosphere pervades, especially in the restaurants, cafes, bars, and discos along the promenade. In July, Cesme's International Song Contest attracts world famous performers who add glamor and excitement to the town. The thermal baths in teh area, along with the natural springs found right off the coast and which mix with the sea water in Ilica Bay, provide soothing relaxation.
Southern of Cesme, beautiful bays offer splendid scenery and tranquil moorings in complete safety from the winds and waves. Soon you will arrive at Sigacik, where a picturesque marina rests beneath fortifications that date from the Genoese period. From here, the antique site of Teos, noted for its Temple of Dionysus, the god of wine, is conveniently close. It is also an excellent area in which to sample some of Turkey's suberp wines.
The Kusadasi Gulf opens to the south and southeast with some of the most enticing beaches, bays and coves on the Aegean coast.

The Mediterranean, Aegean, and the Black Sea, as well as the Sea of Marmara, surround Turkey to the north, west and south. With over 8,333 kilometers of of coastline and four seas, Turkey is a treasure chest of coves, inlets, bays and beaches from which yachtsmen can choose a different and always private anchorage each night.

The sailing paradise of Turkey is home to the Blue Voyage.

This idyllic cruise means sailing with the winds, into coves and over the seas and becoming one with nature.

It is also an experience of the history of man from the perspective of the sea rather than from the land, a journey which carries you to the private beach of Cleopatra, the eternal fires of Mt. Olympos and the myriad arch`eological remains of ancient civilizations.

Yachting remains a popular activity for residents as well as visitors to Turkey. Over the past 40 years the industry has grown, and today a large number of marinas dot the coastline between Istanbul and Antalya. These provides supplies, easy access to the shore at major resorts and safe harbors, as well as often becoming local entertainment venues in themselves.

In Istanbul, yachtsmen will deligt in splendid natural landscapes, open seas and magnificient sunsets, as well as a voyage through Byzantine and Ottoman history as they sail past the impressive castles, palaces and mosques.

After navigating the breathing Bosphorus and sailing under the two enormous bridges which span Europe and Asia or meandering along the mosque-lined Golden Horn or cruising in the coves and bays of the Princes' Islands, you can return to one of the two large marinas in the area. Atakoy Marina on the European side and Kalamis (Amiral Fahri Koruturk) Marina on the Asian side both offer 24-hour service.

From the North Sea through the European interior, yachters can sail down the European channel system and the Rhine and Danube Rivers into the Black Sea harbours and to the Istanbul-Bogazi and Istanbul Marinas - a safe and short way to go to the Turkish Mediterranean coast and marinas. The Black Sea coast provides yachters with a lush green coastall band where the environment is protected and virginal. There are frequent coves and fishing harbors along this coast, and the weather is mild during the summer and winter.
Turkey's most established marinas lie on the southern Aegean and Mediterranea coasts at Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Datca, Bozburun, Marmaris, Gocek, Fethiye, kalkan, Kas, Finike, Kemer and Antalya. In there well-equipped harbors, yachters can find the rervices and provisions they reqtire. Antalya, Dalaman, Izmir and Istanbul airports provide quick links to all of Turkey's marinas; after an easy flight you can board your yacht and sail off all within a day.

The Singular design of the gullets, Turkey's indigenous sea-going vessel, blends practicality and tradition in a relaxed style that embodies a Blue Voyage.

Over the years gullets have evolved from traditional crafts for fishing and transport into their present profile with a broad beam and wide deck.
Constructed mainly in shipyards in Bodrum, Bozburun, Marmaris and Istanbul, and along the Black Sea Coast, the boats are equipped with motors as well as fully functional rigging.

 The number of passengers a gullet carries depends on the boat's size, although most of them accomodate between eight and twelve people. These vessels offer their passangers separate accommodations, and chartering one includes services and entertainment. Modern gullets are comfortably equipped with all of the amenities of home and encourage an environment in wich you are expected to do nothing but enjoy yourself. The closeness of the small group of people on board promotes among passangers and crew tend to be relaxed and casual.

Travel agencies can arrange charters and fixed tours for a specific group of people or for you individually. Unlike cruises on large ocean liners, on a gullet you can explore the secluded and often deserted bays and coves of the coastline. The small harbors and settlements offer an intimate view of coastal life which large ships cannat replicate authentically. In many ways a gullet is like a full-service hotel where every room has a sea view and the scenery changes constantly.

Known in Turkish as "Beautifle Izmir", the city lies at the head of a long and narrow gulf furrowed by ships and yachts. The climate is mild, and in the summer the constant and refreshing sea breezes temper the sun's heat. Behind the palm-lined promenades and avenues which follow the shoreline, the city, in horizontal terraces, gently ascends the slopes of the surrounding mountains. A cosmopolitan and lively city, galleries, theaters and cultural events give Izmir its special vibrancy. The original settlement was established in the third millennium B.C. and represented the most advanced culture in western Anatolia at that time.

Over the years this thriving city and the surrounding area had come under the sovereignty of the Hittites, Ionians, Lydians, Persians, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans.
Levent Marina provides an excellent place to begin a yachting adventure. Sailing in and around the beautiful Gulf of Izmir will prepare voyagers for the wonderful sites that lie ahead. At Urla Iskelesi, the small islands that dot the coast will certainly charm you. Beautiful beaches and excellent moorings with swimming, snorkeling and diving are all available in the area.

From Urla Iskelesi sail on to the Karaburun Peninsula. At Karaburun, pleasant hotels, tea gardens and fish restautants sit between the beautiful mountain backdrop and the clear, clean water. Voyage out of the Gulf of Izmir around the Karaburun Peninsula to the Cesme Peninsula, a spit of land lapped by the waters of the Aegean Sea. Cesme, meaning 'fountain', derives its name from the many sources of water found in the area. A 14th century Geonese fortress, restored and enlarged by the Ottomans in the 16th century, dominates the small port of Cesme. Around Cesme, the large Altin Yunus Setur Marina complex and the berthing places of Ilica and Dalyan are all noted for their safety. In town, the 16th century caravanserai built by Suleyman the Magnificent near the fortress, has been converted into a hotel. Excellent shopping - the finest quality carpets, leather goods, as well as souvenir items are available. At night, a lively, fun atmosphere pervades, especially in the restaurants, cafes, bars, and discos along the promenade. In July, Cesme's International Song Contest attracts world famous performers who add glamor and excitement to the town. The thermal baths in teh area, along with the natural springs found right off the coast and which mix with the sea water in Ilica Bay, provide soothing relaxation.

Southern of Cesme, beautiful bays offer splendid scenery and tranquil moorings in complete safety from the winds and waves.
Soon you will arrive at Sigacik, where a picturesque marina rests beneath fortifications that date from the Genoese period.

From here, the antique site of Teos, noted for its Temple of Dionysus, the god of wine, is conveniently close. It is also an excellent area in which to sample some of Turkey's suberp wines.
The Kusadasi Gulf opens to the south and southeast with some of the most enticing beaches, bays and coves on the Aegean coast.

Bodrum, on the north shore of the Gulf od Gokova, was the home of the first "Blue Voyager", Cevat Sakir Kabaagac ot the "Fisherman of Halikarnas". It is the undisputed "hot-spot" of teh Aegean Coast. This swinging, singing, dancing town, with its bohemian atmosphere, gathers together Turkey's artists, intellectuals and lovers of the good life.

An impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes guards the entrance to Bodrum's dazzling blue bay, in which the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas meet. The Bodrum Castle now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, Bodrum is the birthplace of Heredotus and the site of King Mausolus's Tomb (4th century B.C.), one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.

  The secrets of the ancient gods of mythology still lie hidden in the secluded coves and bays around the Gulf of Fethiye. This is truly paradise for those who wants to sail through history. The resort town of Fethiye has an important marina and overlooks a beautiful bay strewn with islands.

Above the town, called Telmessos in antiquity, numerous Lycian rock tombs, reproducing the facades of ancient buildings, were cut into the cliff face. Explore the Belcegiz Bay and the beautiful Blue Lagoon (Olu Deniz), where the calm, crystal-clear water is ideal for swimming and other water sports. On Gemiler Island, Byzantine ruins lie tucked among the pines.
Go ashore at Kinik (65 km from Fethiye) where the ruins of Xanthos, the ancient Lycian capital, lie in a splendid natural setting. At the holy Lycian center of Letoon, three temples dedicated to Leto, Apollo and Artemis, familiar gods of mythology, await theintrepid tourist. Mythology records that Apollo was born at Patara, a principal harbor on ancient Lycia, south of Letoon and Xanthos. The ruins are of course numerous and facinating. Its 22 kilometers of pure white sand stretch as far as the eye can see, making it a natural choise for all type of beach sports.
A short sail to the east brings you to Kalkan, a lovely small hilltop town that overlooks a tiny bay. Narrow, winding streets lined with souvenir shops lead down to the charming marina. Every morning, boats busily take tourists to one of the nearby beaches or small bays. As the sun sets, it is Kalkan style to meet on the roof-terraecs for a drink before dinner, and enjoy the comings and going of the yachts, the business of the marina and the panoramic view.