Turkey

Exploring the Turquoise Coast

Popular Blue Cruise destinations along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey

This page was updated on Mar 4, 2021 4:44 AM
hilltop view overlooking recreational boats anchored in a small bay

Ağa Limanı

Located just south of the Göcek Islands region, Ağa Limanı is the perfect anchorage to position the boat before venturing farther afield. The bay features spectacular views, incredibly clear water, amazing wildlife and historic ruins.

Ağa Limanı
aerial view of castle ruins on an otherwise barren peninsula on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey

Bozukkale

Named for ruins of an ancient citadel on the tip of the peninsula, Bozukkale is a bit off the beaten path, but well-worth a visit if you enjoy history and nature.

Bozukkale
sign welcoming visitors to Turkey's Valley of the Butterflies

Butterfly Valley

Turkey's valley of butterflies is only accessible by boat, and, with no electricity or wifi connection, is a great place to disconnect from the busy-ness of everday life.

Butterfly Valley
water taxi passing in front of the King's Tombs at Dalyan on a golden autumn afternoon

Dalyan Region

Including Dalyan, the Dalyan Delta, the open air museum of Kaunos, Iztuzu Beach, and nearby Ekincik.

Dalyan Region
statue of a harbour seal on display in the harbour at Datça

The Datça Peninsula

Including Datça, Palamut Bükü, and the open air museum at Knidos.

Datça Peninsula
aerial view of Gemiler Island with its distinctive church ruins, and boats anchored in the turquoise water around the island

Gemiler Island

Home to the ruins of several churches honouring St. Nicholas, Gemiler Island offers a great day of fun for history loving adventurers travelling near Fethiye.

Gemiler Island
single gulet anchored at a small island surrounded by crystal clear turquoise water

Göcek Islands Region

Simply spectacular! Delightfully diverse! Göcek is a popular yachting hub on the Turquoise Coast and, for good reason, many venture no farther than the glorious Göcek Islands.

Göcek Islands
boats anchored in the tiny Kalkan harbour

Kalkan

A laid-back Turkish resort town with a Greek feel.

Kalkan
tourists walking along a charming street lined with pink bougainvillea in the old section of Kaş

Kaş

Home to the best scuba diving in Turkey.

Kaş
the Marmaris castle overlooking the city's main harbour

Marmaris

A bustling resort town with a well-restored castle in the main harbour area.

Marmaris

Myra

Open air museum and active archaeological site, famed for once being home to St. Nicholas, in the modern-day town of Demre, Antalya, Turkey.

Ancient Myra
restored Lycian theater surrounded by rock tombs at the open air museum at Myra

Ölüdeniz and the Blue Lagoon

With its white sand beach and sparkling turquoise water, this is Turkey's most photographed stretch of coastline.

Ölüdeniz
Simena castle and surrounding village as seen from the water on a clear, sunny day

Simena (Kaleköy)

The ruins of a Byzantine-era castle built by the Knights of Rhodes, and the best home-made ice cream on the Turquoise Coast.

Simena
Restored fresco of St. Nicholas of Myra

St. Nicholas Church

Named after St. Nicholas of Myra, half a million visitors attend the church-turned-museum each year.

St. Nicholas Church
Submerged wall and building foundation seen in turquoise water at Turkey's sunken city of Kekova

Sunken City of Kekova

Once a bustling harbour, earthquakes and storms have toppled the original city into the water surrounding Kekova island.

Sunken City