Turkey’s Top 10 Blue Voyage Routes

Discover Turkey, the home of blue voyage routes, where legendary journeys on the sea of civilizations await. Here are the top 10 blue voyage routes that showcase the natural wonders, ancient cities, and beautiful opportunities that Turkey has to offer.

1. Bodrum – Gokova (Aegean Coast)

Description: Known as the land of eternal blue, Bodrum offers a stunning mix of blue and green on the calm waters of the Aegean shores. This route takes you from Bodrum to Gokova, passing through serene bays and lush landscapes.

Highlights:

• Explore the vibrant town of Bodrum with its historic castle and bustling marina.
• Sail through the crystal-clear waters of Gokova Bay, surrounded by pine-clad hills.
• Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in secluded coves.

2. Bodrum – Marmaris (Aegean Coast)

Description: This route starts from Bodrum and travels around Hisaronu and Marmaris, covering unexplored paradises. It’s perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Highlights:

• Visit the picturesque village of Hisaronu with its charming local markets.
• Discover the lively town of Marmaris, famous for its nightlife and beaches.
• Anchor in hidden bays for a peaceful night under the stars.

3. Marmaris – Knidos (Aegean Coast)

Description: Sail through the heavenly, mystique, and peaceful bays of Marmaris to the ancient city of Knidos. Marmaris is a major tourism center and one of the largest yachting hubs in the region.

Highlights:

• Explore the ancient ruins of Knidos, a city known for its historical significance.
• Enjoy the scenic beauty and calm waters of Marmaris Bay.
• Experience the vibrant marine life and pristine beaches.

4. Marmaris – Fethiye (Aegean Coast)

Description: This route connects the heavenly coasts of Marmaris and Fethiye, where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet. It’s a journey through special coves that are indispensable stops for blue voyagers.

Highlights:

• Visit the bustling town of Fethiye, known for its vibrant market and ancient rock tombs.
• Sail through the stunning Turquoise Coast with its crystal-clear waters.
• Enjoy water sports and explore hidden coves and beaches.

5. Fethiye – Oludeniz (Aegean Coast)

Description: This route is perhaps the most breathtaking, with natural wonders along the way. Fethiye, surrounded by pine trees and dotted with islets, leads to the famous Oludeniz.

Highlights:

• Discover the Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz, one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
• Explore Butterfly Valley, home to diverse flora and fauna.
• Enjoy paragliding over the stunning landscape of Oludeniz.

6. Fethiye – Kekova (Aegean Coast)

Description: This route offers an incredible experience where nature unites with history. Kekova is a paradise where turquoise waters are surrounded by thousands of coves.

Highlights:

• Visit the sunken city of Kekova, where ancient ruins lie beneath the water.
• Snorkel and swim in the clear waters, exploring underwater treasures.
• Discover the charming village of Simena, accessible only by boat.

7. Fethiye – Ekincik (Aegean Coast)

Description: This route gives you the chance to explore the beautiful nature of Fethiye and Oludeniz, often described as paradise on earth.

Highlights:

• Experience the tranquility of Ekincik Bay, a perfect spot for relaxation.
• Explore the Dalyan River and the ancient city of Kaunos.
• Enjoy mud baths and hot springs in the Dalyan area.

8. Kemer – Kekova (Mediterranean Coast)

Description: Kemer is a holiday area of rare beauty where the sea, beach, sun, and history go hand in hand. This route takes you through tectonic earth shapes and historical places.

Highlights:

• Visit the ancient ruins of Phaselis and its beautiful beaches.
• Explore the sunken city of Kekova and its fascinating underwater ruins.
• Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and restaurants of Kemer.

9. Antalya – Kas (Mediterranean Coast)

Description: This route covers the naturally rich destination of Kemer and leads to the protected harbor of Kas, a charming coastal town.

Highlights:

• Discover the ancient city of Olympos and its natural wonders.
• Visit the lively town of Kas, known for its bohemian atmosphere and diving spots.
• Explore the Kekova area and the picturesque village of Simena.

10. Marmaris – Greek Islands – Bodrum (Turkey – Greece)

Description: This popular route takes you from Marmaris to the Greek islands and back to Bodrum, offering a mix of Turkish and Greek cultures.

Highlights:

• Sail through the stunning Aegean Sea, visiting both Turkish and Greek islands.
• Explore the ancient ruins and charming villages of the Greek islands.
• Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and cultural heritage of Bodrum.

Top Turkey Experiences

Turkey, a country straddling two continents, offers a diverse array of experiences that captivate the hearts of travelers. From its rich history and cultural heritage to its stunning natural beauty and delicious cuisine, Turkey has something for everyone. Here are the top experiences you shouldn’t miss when visiting this incredible country.

1. Take a Boat Up the Bosphorus

A boat ride along the Bosphorus is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the sprawling, magnificent city of Istanbul. From the ferry’s vantage point, you’ll see landmarks like the Dolmabahçe and Çırağan palaces; Ortaköy Mosque, perched right on the water’s edge; and exquisite waterfront mansions, called yalıs, that were summer homes for the Ottoman elite. You’ll also pass under the waterway’s two suspension bridges, which connect Asia and Europe. While on board, sip a glass of Turkish tea and listen to the calls of the seagulls as you contemplate this beautiful meeting of two continents.

2. Scrub Down in a Turkish Bath

Before the era of indoor plumbing, going to a hamam, or public bath, was a central element of Turkish life. Today, many beautiful centuries-old hammams are still in use, by both locals and tourists. In the hammam’s steam room, you can relax on the heated marble platform in the center and rinse yourself at one of the marble washbasins. If you choose, you’ll also be lathered, scrubbed, and massaged by a hammam attendant, whose goal seems to be to remove every last dry skin cell from the surface of your body. You’ll emerge ultraclean, refreshed, and having taken part in an age-old Turkish tradition.

3. Stay in a Cave Hotel

Where but in Cappadocia can you sleep like the Flintstones while having all your creature comforts? Few of Cappadocia’s inhabitants still live in traditional homes carved out of the soft tufa stone, but in recent years the area’s hoteliers have been converting more and more of these “cave” dwellings into hotels, which range from basic inns for backpackers to upscale lodgings with plush furnishings, modern lighting, and fully equipped bathrooms, some even with Jacuzzis. Surrounded by Cappadocia’s magical landscape, tucked cozily into your cave room at night, you’ll feel almost as if you’re on another planet.

4. Watch the Dervishes Whirl

Turkey is famous for its “whirling dervishes,” a sect of Sufi mystics, the Mevlevi, who believe that ritual spinning in circles will bring them to union with God. This trancelike whirling is just one element of the sema, a highly symbolic religious ceremony that also includes music and Koranic recitation. Despite the fact that these dervish ceremonies have become increasingly tourist-oriented in recent years, attending a sema can still be a powerful and mesmerizing experience. Seeing the dervishes whirl is one of the main draws of the festival commemorating Rumi in Konya each December; there are also regular dervish performances (although not all of them terribly authentic) in Istanbul and elsewhere in Turkey.

5. Take a Blue Cruise

One of the most popular and relaxing ways to experience Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts is to take a Blue Cruise aboard a gulet, or wooden fishing vessel. Usually lasting several days (or longer), these cruises take passengers along the rugged coastline, with stops to visit ruins or villages. Away from the beach crowds, you’ll enjoy the simple pleasures of swimming in remote coves, eating fresh-caught fish, and sleeping on your boat in a wooded inlet.

6. Quench Your Thirst Like the Locals

A trip to Turkey isn’t complete without sampling certain quintessentially Turkish beverages. You can barely go anywhere without being offered a glass of çay, or tea: the lubricant for every social and business encounter, it’s consumed in Turkey at one of the world’s highest rates per capita. The famous Turkish coffee, a thick, unfiltered brew made with extremely finely ground coffee beans, is in fact drunk far less often—primarily just on special occasions and as a digestive after meals. For something cold, try the ubiquitous ayran, a frothy, salted yogurt drink that’s a refreshing accompaniment to a spicy meal of kebabs. Another unique beverage is salep, a sweet, milk-based hot drink served during the winter months. And don’t forget to taste the anise-flavored national liquor, rakı.

7. See Cappadocia from Above

Taking a trip in a hot-air balloon is a thrilling way to see the amazing scenery of Cappadocia; for many people this is a highlight of their visit to the area. As your balloon follows the natural contours of the terrain, you’ll look down into scenic valleys and sail right past “fairy chimneys” and unusual rock formations that seem almost close enough to touch. Flights leave at dawn, when the air is calmest and safest for flying, and end with a champagne toast.

8. Wander Among Ruins

With so many civilizations having occupied the land that is now Turkey, it’s no surprise that the country is sprinkled with ancient ruins. The remains of Roman and Greek cities, with their impressive theaters, temples, stadiums, and colonnaded streets, compete with even older sites dating back to the Hittites. From beachside Patara and Olympos, to Termessos high up in the mountains, to the inland Aphrodisias, each spot is uniquely picturesque. At the best-preserved sites like Ephesus and Troy, you’ll be among many visitors marveling at the ruins, but at places that are more off the beaten path, you’ll be free to wander and explore with virtually no one else around.

9. Travel the Country by Bus

Taking an intercity bus in Turkey is a lot like taking an airplane in other countries. Since most Turks travel this way, bus terminals are as heavily trafficked as airports, and house a myriad of different companies with buses departing around the clock for every corner of the country. Seats are assigned, with unrelated males and females usually not seated together. During the ride, a uniformed bus attendant will regularly come around distributing snacks, water, and tea and coffee for no extra charge; he’ll also offer you lemon-scented cologne to refresh your face and hands. Long-haul buses break every few hours at a rest stop so passengers can smoke, use the toilet, or just stretch their legs.

10. Experience and Appreciate Different Religions

Turkey is a cultural crossroads where the world’s three Abrahamic religions have coexisted for centuries, and one of the most surprising things for many visitors is the way these religions are juxtaposed. Particularly in Istanbul, but in other places as well, you’ll see ancient churches and synagogues right around the corner from mosques. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about different religious traditions as you listen to the Muslim call to prayer, visit Istanbul’s Jewish Museum, or gaze at Eastern Orthodox iconography in a Byzantine church.