ITINERARY
DAY 1 – AKYARLAR to KNIDOS – 19,6 miles
Knidos is at the extreme South West tip of Turkey on the Datca Peninsula. It is commonly regarded as one of the most impressive ancient city ruins in the whole of what was Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. There is an ancient harbour with a theatre close by. There are two churches just a short walk away. They were built in the Byzantine period and there are extensive excavations that have been going on since 1960. The Statue of Demeter was one of the best discoveries while the lion statues which stood protecting the harbour are in the British Museum in London. The Temple of Aphrodite is a major attraction for visitors as is the necropolis. While Knidos is remote, it is a place that all yacht charters are easily able to visit.
DAY 2 – KNIDOS to DATÇA – 20,2 miles
Datca is a town on the southern shore of the Peninsula of the same name in South West Turkey. It is around 75 kms west of Marmaris and has become a popular spot for yachts heading south down the Aegean and then turning east, or vice versa. There are many small coves on the Peninsula, small farming and fishing communities as well as beaches. It is famous for its tomatoes and olives and despite not having the greenery of some other parts of the Turquoise Coast, it is extremely fertile.
DAY 3 – DATÇA to SELİMİYE – 21,3 miles
Selimiye Village is one of the real jewels in the Gulf of Hisaronu. As the sun disappears behind the mountains, the village almost seems to change colour into a rich shade of red. There are the ruins of a castle in the hills to the south east. The castle dates back to early Hellenistic times and is one of the reasons why tourists visit. The tomb in the square is 100 metres offshore and helps guide yachts towards the village. Other landmarks include a watch tower, lighthouse, monastery and theatre. Selmiye is known for its beautiful clean sea, the fish that come from it and the fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs from its fertile fields. The pleasant smell of thyme pervades the village.
DAY 4 – SELİMİYE to DİRSEK BÜKÜ – 7,9 miles
Dirsekbuku lies between the Gulf in the Aegean and the Gulf of Hisonaru, an excellent stopping point for anyone sailing from Bodrum to Marmaris. There are a number of sheltered bays that are ideal for anchorage. The region is so nice it is often difficult to move on from a lovely place with its small islands.
DAY 5 – DİRSEK BÜKÜ to PALAMUT BÜKÜ – 23,9 miles
Palamutbuku is regarded as having the best beaches in the whole of Datca Peninsula in South West Turkey. The beaches are small but very nice, with the mountains behind. Gardens are colorful and the whole setting is calm and tranquil. It is a great place to get away from crowds and relax. Palamutbuku is at the end of the Peninsula, close to the ruins of the historic city of Knidos; it is just 12 kms away. The warm clear waters are full of fish and you can expect to be able to sample the day’s catch for dinner in the restaurants. It is said that you can see a shiny object on the sea bed it is so clear. There is no need to do anything other than relax and the pace of life is slow. The locals are very hospitable and help make your time in the area even more memorable. It has been described as paradise and it is certainly a place where many yachts sailing in the Dodecanese stop for a while.
DAY 6 – PALAMUT BÜKÜ to AKYARLAR – 26,5 miles
The long stretch of soft golden sand at Akyarlar equates to a great place for families. The warm waters are inevitably calm in the many weeks of the holiday season. It is a small village where you can find some nice restaurants, shops beach cafeterias. You can simply relax if you wish and take in the sun. Sun loungers are available as are refreshments throughout the day.