Top 5 gulet routes starting in Marmaris and all about Turkish gulets

Marmaris is an ideal starting point for a holiday on the water. Heading west down the Datca Peninsula there are the Greek Islands, east heads towards Fethiye while the Island of Rhodes lies fairly close off the Turkish mainland. There is plenty of choice and much will depend upon how long you have to enjoy this great part of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Those deciding to start their holiday in Marmaris have two possible points of entry on the Turkish mainland. Dalaman Airport is east of Marmaris, around 90 minutes away. There are numerous direct flights from many regional airports in Europe and the Middle East. Bodrum’s Airport at Milas is to the north and is a similar distance away.

Taking to the Sea
The immediate vicinity of Marmaris is extremely interesting. Cleopatra Island, a nickname given to Sedir Island in the Gulf of Gokova, has Greek and Roman ruins. It has a great beach with the sand seemingly brought by Mark Anthony for the pleasure of his Egyptian lover, Cleopatra. It’s a great place to spend some time. Cennet (‘’paradise’’ in Turkish) Island is another place to visit. Marmaris Gulet Cruises are really ideal for doing this because the Island is only accessible by sea even though it is not actually an island.
Nearby there are resorts that attract visitors on a gulet; Icmeler, Turunc, Gokova are worth a visit while plans have recently been announced to build what will be the biggest yacht in the world at Bozburun. Its hull will be finished next year although it is not expected to be launched until 2020.

Datca Peninsula
The route west down the Peninsula is stunning. While in some ways the Peninsula looks barren, this is an extremely fertile area and many would argue that Datca tomatoes compare favourably with any in the world. There is a host of places to drop anchor to swim or fish and diving into the warm sea each morning is a great way to wake up to a new day. Even though every passenger will have a cabin it is great fun to sleep on deck.

Four Days East
The journey from Marmaris to Fethiye is difficult to beat. A relaxing few days on a gulet offers beautiful bays such as Ekincik, the protected Iztuzu Beach and the Lycian rock tombs of Dalyan before the many islands off Gocek and Fethiye. There are great beaches, quiet coves and guaranteed sun.

Rhodes
A Turkish gulet to the Greek Island of Rhodes is a chance to sample Greece and its people. Locally relations are excellent and it is just a matter of hoisting the Greek flag to get a warm welcome to this island that has so much to offer the visitor.
Once you experience a gulet holiday out of Marmaris you are likely to want to come back for more. As you can see there is plenty of choices. Despite the tendency for mega yachts, most expensive yachts and biggest yachts to visit Turkey’s southern coast, the best Mediterranean beaches don’t require luxury to be enjoyed, and you can visit them easily by traditional Gulet, for a fantastic holiday with friends and family. You will discover nature in it’s purest form and get to explore the best Mediterranean beach towns and try the delicious Turkish food.