Relax and cruise the Crystal Blue Seas in Turkey
The pressures of modern life can sometimes be overwhelming. The value of a relaxing holiday cannot be underestimated. Even if it is just two shorts weeks in the height of summer returning refreshed back to the decisions you need to make on a daily basis is invaluable.
The whole world has become accessible because of the extensive air timetable that now exists but it is not necessary to fly around the world to have a reinvigorating break. So what about total relaxation in Turkey?
A short flight to the airport of Dalaman and a road trip of around three-quarters of an hour will bring you to Fethiye and the beginning of a memorable few days.
Fethiye
Fethiye itself has grown with the increase in tourist numbers coming to this part of Turkey. It can be the start point to a Fethiye Turkey Cabin Charter or a base itself. Few first time visitors to this area are not surprised by how green it is. There is plentiful water coming from the mountains throughout the Region. The land is fertile and the fresh produce in local markets are worth a photograph themselves. Fruit and vegetables vary with the season. Once a particular fruit is out of season, it is forgotten but replaced by something equally appealing.
Boats sailing along this coast can stock up anywhere and even catch their own fish as they travel. Fethiye is blessed with a number of attractions while onshore and certainly is worth a little exploration. Butterfly Valley and Kayakoy are certainly worth further investigation.
12 Islands
Once on the sea one of the popular routes which is in fact a day trip out of Fethiye and Gocek as well is the tour of the 12 Islands, all uninhabited, always sheltered and offering excellent swimming opportunities. The sun is guaranteed, weather hot so a cooling dip on a regular basis is ideal.
The 12 Island trip is an excellent introduction to the sea, calm waters, plenty of sun, a pleasant lunch and a beautiful environment.
Gocek
Gocek is a small but very modern marina town west of Fethiye. Its population caters specifically for those travelling down this coastline and those in search of day trips. There are restaurants and cafes, even just for a quick beer or coffee as well as supermarkets and traditional Turkish souvenir shops.
Several of the huge yachts that regularly cruise these waters have berthed in Gocek at one time or another and you may see a famous face or two.
Dalyan
Further west on there is the famous Iztuzu Beach, a protected area where the endangered loggerhead turtle nests in early summer. There are restrictions preventing access at night but there is no problem dropping anchor by day to enjoy this wonderful sandy strip. The small town of Dalyan is a trip through a maze of channels of around 40 minutes. The reward is the famous Lycian tombs in the rocks facing the town and the ancient site of Kaunos which is gradually being excavated.
There is even a stunning lake, Koycegiz, just a short distance further up the river and refreshing mud baths on its western shore. It is amazing to think that this lake was once the open sea before the intervening area silted up. Those with time will certainly not be wasting it if they dwell here a while.
The little town is flat and fairly quiet though in the summer it springs to life at night after holidaymakers return from their sunbathing or swimming.
Marmaris
Marmaris is much changed from the quiet natural harbour and fishing village that preceded the arrival of tourists in huge numbers. It is now full of hotels, apartments and bars which never seem to close. They provide a stark contrast to the peace and solitude onboard but perhaps for a change a night amongst the crowds is worth a try; if only to reinforce the quality of life on board.
It is not always easy to decide on an itinerary from a brochure or a website. What is certain is that cruising these seas is a joy and often results in people returning time after time. There is sufficient variety to always provide a new experience within the general pleasure attained by jumping on board.
ALEX T.
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Great Post!!! I truly believe that there is much more to explore new places. The world has incredible beauty which makes us visit new places for sure.