GÖKOVA GULF CIRCULAR ROUTE
STARTS from AKYARLAR
ENDS in AKYARLAR
–
111 miles in total
DAY1 – AKYARLAR to ORAK ISLAND – 15,9 miles
DAY2 – ORAK ISLAND to BÜYÜK ÇATI – 23,3 miles
DAY3 – BÜYÜK ÇATI to KARACASÖĞÜT – 17,8 miles
DAY4 – KARACASÖĞÜT to SEDİR ISLAND to AKBÜK – 9,9 miles
DAY5 – AKBÜK to ÇÖKERTME – 17,7 miles
DAY6 – ÇÖKERTME to KİSE BÜKÜ – 7,4 miles
DAY7 – KİSE BÜKÜ to AKYARLAR – 19,0 miles
ITINERARY
DAY1 – AKYARLAR to ORAK ISLAND – 15,9 miles
Orak Island has become famous for its marine life, and of course the crystal clear water. The Island is just 10 miles from Bodrum Center, heading east. Yachts and blue cruises regular pass by and often stop, even if they have an alternative destination. There are a number of lovely coves that sit below the many olive groves. Orak is not inhabited but it certainly enjoys a temporary population on yachts anchoring overnight.
DAY2 – ORAK ISLAND to BÜYÜK ÇATI – 23,3 miles
At the mouth of the cove there is a small island that has a single tree on it. Buyuk Cati is quite impressive with its coves and its main port. In some parts of the coves there are sandy beaches and pine trees everywhere. The sea is clear and clean. In the main port area there is drinking water available. By travelling 1.5 kilometers along a dirt track you can get to Marmaris-Datca road. It is 35 kilometres to Marmaris and 45 kilometres to Datca. From the same dirt road you can also get to the coves of Ballicak and Boynuzlu. For the ones who wish to walk on the path between the coves there is another path leading you to the eastern part of the entrance of the coves where there is a small cove that has shallow waters. In this cove, centuries old pine trees and the liquid amber orientalis reach up to the sky. Two springs meet to form a pool and then flow to the sea together as a tiny stream. The small lake is like a private swimming pool. The cove has a different beauty in the evenings. There will be no one else than you in the lake like cove, except for maybe another boat or two. And if you have a moon light at night your pleasure will be
complete.
DAY3 – BÜYÜK ÇATI to KARACASÖĞÜT – 17,8 miles
Karacasogut is a great bay where the forest comes right down to the sea. Colour is everywhere, added by the abundance of rhododendrons. The mountains are covered with pine trees while there is a styrax forest near to shore. The trees are entirely wild and quite unusual. It is worth eating in the restaurants after a walk there. The setting from up on the hills is very impressive.
DAY4 – KARACASÖĞÜT to SEDİR ISLAND to AKBÜK – 9,9 miles
Cleopatra Island, otherwise known as Sedir Island is about 18 kms north of Marmaris. Cleopatra Island gets its name because it is said that Mark Anthony ordered special sand to be brought to create a beach for his Egyptian lover, Cleopatra. Certainly, the fine sand is altogether different from any other in the vicinity. It is said to have come from North Africa and is certainly similar to that found in Egypt. The ruins of the ancient city of Cedrae are on the island. They include the city walls and ancient theatre. The ruins on the eastern side of the island date back to the Romans and the theatre section is in particularly fine condition. On one side you will see the Agora where athletics festivals were organised to honour of Apollo.
Akbuk is one of the most traditional Turkish locations on our Bodrum Sailing Itinerary. Akbuk has a local feel, with mountains to the north and a tree-lined coastline. The Keramos ruins are located close to Akbuk and are an great place to explore.
DAY5 – AKBÜK to ÇÖKERTME – 17,7 miles
Cokertme, a village mentioned in local folk songs, has become a regular stopover before or after crossing the Gokova Gulf. The Bay of the same name is located between Kepce Burnu and Karaburun It is a sheltered place that is ideal for an overnight stop. The boating community know it well because it provides good shelter from the winds Particularly those from the west-north and west-east direction. The coastline is long and lined with rows of pine and olive trees. There are several local restaurants offering delicious local cuisine to tourists at very reasonable rates.
DAY6 – ÇÖKERTME to KİSE BÜKÜ – 7,4 miles
Kise Buku (Alakisla Buku) is named because of the Byzantine monasteries found in the region; ‘’kilise’‘ means church. The large cove is an excellent place for yachts to anchor. There are mountains to the north of the Bay with westerlies the prevailing winds. The ruins of an old monastery are found at Alakisla. There are plenty of attractions that you should plan to visit while you are here. Yalikoyu, Akarca, Fork, the Summerhouse, Bath and Cistern should all be in your plans. Kise Buku is an important place for a blue cruise to stop for a while. The groves of Oleander trees on the slopes down to the sea are a great sight, especially when combined with the colour of the sandy beaches.
DAY7 – KİSE BÜKÜ to AKYARLAR – 19,0 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.
PRICES
up to 2 cabins/4 guests – 3000euro
up to 3 cabins/6 guests – 3750euro