Sailing in Turkey along the Turquoise Coast is one of the most relaxing ways to spend a week in this beautiful country. Between Fethiye and Antalya, the shoreline—often called the Turkish Riviera—unfurls in clear, blue-green seas backed by pine-clad mountains, long sandy strands and dramatic headlands. Dozens of quiet coves hide along the way, many reachable only by boat, which is why turkey sailing tours are so beloved.For two decades, traditional wooden gulets have been the most authentic way to explore these waters. If your dream week is unhurried days on deck, swim stops in glassy bays and plates of fresh Turkish food, a gulet itinerary is for you. Routes of 3 to 7 nights between Fethiye and Olympos let you mix swims, ruins, little resort towns and those “how is the water this clear?” moments. Use this guide to plan sailing holidays in Turkey
—from getting there to choosing a boat and what to do in each port.
Getting to the Turkish Riviera
Choose flights into Dalaman (best for Fethiye/Ölüdeniz/Kaş) or Antalya (best for Olympos/Kekova/Side). Frequent domestic connections run from Istanbul and other major cities, and intercity coaches link all coastal hubs. Combining islands? Ferries operate between Rhodes and Fethiye in season.
Best Time for Sailing
The sweet spot is May through September
—think warm water and generally steady conditions. July–August bring peak heat and crowds; late spring and early autumn offer gentler temperatures with plenty of sun.
Choosing a Company for Turkey Sailing Tours
With many providers along the coast, prioritise gulets kept in excellent condition with current safety gear, transparent inclusion lists, adaptable cabin setups, consistently strong reviews, and responsive local teams that actually know the bays you’ll visit.
What to Pack for a Gulet Cruise
Bring swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a light cover-up. A compact daypack, water shoes and a quick-dry towel are useful (bath towels are typically provided). Snorkel sets are often onboard, but many guests prefer their own. Pack one or two casual outfits for dinners ashore. Most boats operate a sensibly priced bar; bringing personal alcohol is usually not allowed.
Where to Stay Before/After You Sail
Fethiye has everything from boutique hotels to hostels within walking distance of the harbour. Olympos is known for characterful treehouses and cosy bungalows tucked into its forested valley. Booking a night on either side of your cruise keeps things relaxed.
Towns & Anchorages on the Turquoise Coast
Fethiye
Equal parts lively and laid-back, Fethiye is a major embarkation point for turkey sailing tours. Expect a busy marina, waterside promenades and easy access to sheltered bays dotted around the gulf—perfect for first swims and sunset moorings.
Butterfly Valley
About 25 km west of Fethiye, this deep V-shaped canyon meets a pale-pebble shore and remarkably clear water. There’s no road in; gulets drop the hook just outside and run tenders ashore for a beach break or a short walk toward seasonal falls.
Ölüdeniz / Blue Lagoon
One of the coast’s most photographed beaches. The headline adrenaline rush is a tandem flight from Babadağ; gulets typically lie just beyond the protected lagoon so you can hop in for a swim.
Kaş
Whitewashed lanes, bougainvillea, a compact harbour and excellent dining set the tone. Kaş is also a diving hub, with wrecks, reefs and sea turtles nearby. Most itineraries give you an afternoon to wander—or to book a discover-scuba session.
Kekova & the Sunken City
Think placid channels and a shoreline sprinkled with age-old remains. Gulets idle past the partially submerged “Sunken City” (a no-swim, no-dive archaeological zone), then continue to swim coves and viewpoints.
Kaleköy (Simena) & Castle
Reachable only by boat, this tiny village climbs to a hilltop fortress with sweeping views over Kekova’s islands. Handmade ice cream and rock-cut tombs add to the charm; it’s a highlight of many sailing holidays in Turkey.
Olympos
A green valley leading to a long beach, ancient ruins threaded with footpaths, and a mellow backpacker vibe. Many itineraries begin or wrap up here, and nearby Çıralı is known for the ever-burning Yanartaş (Chimera) flames.
Life On Board a Gulet
Days fall into an easy rhythm: breakfast at anchor, an unhurried cruise to the next cove, swims and snorkels, lunch under the awning, a siesta, then an afternoon hop to a new bay. Evenings mean grilled specialties and mezes on deck or dinner in a small harbour town. Cabins are simple and comfy; on warm nights, many guests choose to sleep under the stars.
Whether you’ve got three nights or a full week, sailing in Turkey delivers quiet coves, ancient stories and unfiltered sea time. Pick your route, pack light and let the gulet set the pace—your Turquoise Coast adventure is ready to cast off.