LA NONNA GULET BLUE CRUISE LOCATIONS (SUMMARY)

Gocek

The Gulf of Gocek is one of the Mediterranean's best sailing spots. Dotted with islands and indented with many coves, its land and seascapes are irresistible. The ruins of Arymaxa, an ancient city at the southern tip of the Gulf, lie at the edge of the azure waters. Opposite on Tersane Island stand Byzantine ruins, including those of the ancient shipyards.

Fethiye

Fethiye with its cultural wealth and natural beauty is among the important tourism centres of Turkey. It is famous for its works of art belonging to Persians, Lycians, Carians and Romans. This charming area is in a bay within Fethiye Gulf where both large and small islands are scattered. Cool pine forests surround the edge of the bay.

Patara

Once a principal harbour of ancient Lycia, according to Greek legend Patara was the birthplace of Apollo. The village covering a wide area on the eastern part of the harbour is 41km from Kas and has one of the best beaches in the area, a white-gold stretch around 20km long. Patara gained importance during the Byzantine period because it was the birthplace of St Nicholas, the 4th century bishop better known for his other identity of Santa Claus. St Paul, one of Christ’s disciples, boarded a ship from Patara to Rome. The ruins lie 1km from the beach and include several Lycian tombs, a basilica, a Corinthian temple and a theatre.

Kaputas Beach

The tiny beach of Kaputas is 19km away and lies at the bottom of 192 rocky steps from the road, giving it a unique setting with a stunning view. It is a pebble beach and the current can be very strong, but it is a beautiful and peaceful place for picnics and sunbathing.

Kalkan (Kalamaki)

A well-maintained and quiet harbour town, Kalkan is 25km west of Kas. It is an attractive town, once a fishing village occupied by the Ottoman Greeks. It has become increasingly popular since the 1980s with a huge holiday village covering the southern hillside. The small town centre which overlooks the bay is filled with quaint, traditional white-washed houses, shuttered windows and balconies with brilliantly-coloured flowers. The marina caters for the requirements of visiting yachts, as well as several restaurants and shops in the main centre.

Kas

Kas was one of the most important cities of Lycia and is now a small resort of great historical interest. Its quaint town centre has a rocky waterfront and good beaches nearby. Canoeing, jet-skiing, diving and paragliding are available in the area and the unusual sport of cavern diving, which uses special equipment to explore the deep and dark caverns.

Marmaris

Once a sleepy fishing village, Marmaris has ballooned into one of the largest resorts on the Aegean coast, if not Turkey. Little of its history remains as the town is now a modern development with tourism at its heart and soul. The population swells to a massive 200,000 in the summer, with most hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and shops catering to low-cost package holidays, although there are facilities for all budgets.

Turunc

Previously a tiny farming and fishing village, Turunc has developed since the late 1980s into an upmarket tourist resort, with hotels, villas and restaurants. The village, on the east coast of the Hisaronu peninsula, is 21km from Marmaris and accessible by road and sea. Its main attraction for Turkish and foreign tourists is its stunning location and the 500m beach of coarse sand with a backdrop of pine-tufted cliffs.

Fosforlu Cavern

This natural cavern is a popular stopping point for sailing tours going on to Turunc and Kumlubuk, offering clean, green waters ideal for swimming.

Saranda (SOGUT)

Near the village of Sogut, 45 km of Marmaris, Saranda still retains the characteristics of having been continuously settled during the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantium periods with remains of the latter still visible today.

Source: REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND TOURISM