Gocek to Fethiye: Turkey's Turquoise Coast in 7 Days

Route Overview: 80NM, 7 Days, Zero Stress

The Gulf of Fethiye sits inside a natural amphitheatre of pine-covered mountains on Turkey's southwest coast. That geography matters. It blocks the open-sea swell and funnels a predictable afternoon breeze of Force 3 to 4 (7 to 16 knots) most days from May through October. The result is one of the most sheltered sailing grounds in the entire Mediterranean, and a route that rarely demands more than 3 hours of sailing in a single day.

If you are weighing up where to take your first sailing trip, this stretch of coastline deserves a serious look. The total distance is roughly 80NM, split into manageable daily legs that let you swim, explore ruins, and eat long waterfront lunches without feeling rushed.

Detail	Value
Total distance	~80NM round trip
Duration	7 days / 6 nights
Difficulty	Beginner-friendly
Season	May to October
Average daily leg	10 to 15NM
Longest single passage	25NM (Day 5)
Start / end	Gocek (D-Marin or Club Marina)
Typical wind	Force 3 to 4 (W to NW)

Day 1: Gocek to Tomb Bay (8NM)

Collect your yacht from one of Gocek's two main marinas. D-Marin Gocek charges roughly EUR 80 to 120 per night for a 40ft berth, and the facilities are solid: fuel dock, water, laundry, and a well-stocked Mini Migros supermarket within 5 minutes on foot. Provision here. Prices drop significantly compared to resort towns further south.

Cast off after lunch and motor-sail 8NM southwest to Tomb Bay (Bedri Rahmi Koyu). The bay earns its name from the 4th-century Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliff face above the waterline. Anchor in 6 to 8 metres over sand, well protected from all directions except a rare southwesterly. The holding is good. Ashore, a short scramble leads to the tombs, and a fish-grill restaurant boat often ties alongside in high season, selling fresh sea bass for around EUR 12 per plate.

Day 2: Tomb Bay to Tersane Island (6NM)

Today's leg is the shortest of the week: just 6NM south to Tersane Adasi (Shipyard Island). This is the site of a Byzantine-era shipyard dating to roughly the 7th century, and the ruins of stone slipways are still visible at the water's edge. The bay is almost completely enclosed, making it one of the safest overnight anchorages on the entire Turkish coast.

Drop the hook in the inner bay in 4 to 6 metres. Spend the afternoon kayaking, snorkelling over the submerged stonework, or walking the 20-minute trail through the ruins. A small restaurant operates seasonally at the head of the bay, but do not rely on it. Bring your own supplies. If you are new to sailing terminology, this calm anchorage is a perfect place to practise picking up a mooring line without an audience.

Day 3: Kizilada to Gemiler Island (10NM)

Weigh anchor early and head south past Kizilada (Red Island), recognisable by its rust-coloured cliffs. The passage takes you into more open water for the first time, but conditions inside the gulf rarely exceed Force 4 even in July and August.

Your destination is Gemiler Island, a remarkable archaeological site with the ruins of at least 4 Byzantine churches dating from the 6th century. Some historians believe this was the original burial site of St Nicholas, the figure behind the Santa Claus tradition. Anchor off the northeast shore in 8 to 10 metres and take the dinghy ashore. The trail along the island's spine takes about 45 minutes and gives panoramic views of the coast. Entrance to the site is approximately EUR 3 per person. Return to the yacht before the afternoon breeze picks up, which typically builds from the northwest around 14:00.

Day 4: Oludeniz to Butterfly Valley (8NM)

Sail 5NM southeast to Oludeniz, the lagoon that appears on every Turkish tourism poster. You cannot anchor inside the lagoon itself, as it is a protected area, but the approach gives you a striking view of the blue-green water. Continue 3NM further east along the cliffs to Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi), a steep-walled gorge that opens directly onto the sea.

Anchor in the bay in 8 to 12 metres over sand. The holding can be patchy, so set your anchor firmly and check it with a snorkel. Above you, tandem paragliders launch from Babadag mountain (1,969m summit) and spiral down, giving the bay a carnival atmosphere on busy summer days. A short swim to shore and a 10-minute walk up the valley leads to a seasonal waterfall. Basic bungalow cafes sell cold drinks and gozleme (stuffed flatbread) for EUR 3 to 5. Watch for the wake from tour boats, which run frequently between 10:00 and 16:00 from June through September.

Day 5: Butterfly Valley to Kas (25NM)

This is the longest passage of the week. Leave by 08:00 to make the most of calm morning conditions. The 25NM leg takes you southeast along an exposed stretch of coast with limited bolt-holes. If wind is forecast above Force 5 (17 to 21 knots), consider splitting this into two days with an overnight stop at Kalkan, a harbour town roughly halfway.

Kas is a working fishing town turned bohemian hub, with a population of about 8,000 that swells considerably in summer. The small harbour has space for roughly 50 yachts. Expect to pay EUR 30 to 50 per night for stern-to berths (lazy line system). Walk the narrow backstreets for antique shops, carpet sellers, and waterfront restaurants where a full meze dinner with fish runs about EUR 20 to 25 per person. Kas also offers direct ferry service to the Greek island of Kastellorizo (Meis), just 2NM offshore, if you fancy a passport stamp and a day trip.

For context on what to expect from a sailing holiday versus other travel styles, see our honest comparison of sailing versus cruising.

Day 6: Kas to Kekova (20NM)

Sail 20NM east to the sunken city of Kekova, the undisputed highlight of this route. The partially submerged ruins of Simena, a Lycian city destroyed by a 2nd-century earthquake, lie in 1 to 3 metres of water along the north shore of Kekova Island. You can see house foundations, stairways, and storage jars directly through the hull if your yacht has a glass bottom, or simply lean over the rail with a mask.

Swimming and diving are prohibited in the designated archaeological zone. Sailing through is permitted at slow speed, and the area is patrolled. Anchor instead in Ucagiz bay, just north of the ruins. This shallow, well-protected inlet has several waterfront restaurants where grilled octopus and a beer cost around EUR 10. Ashore, climb to the hilltop castle of Simena (Kaleköy) for views across the entire sunken city. Entry is approximately EUR 2.

If you want more detail on planning your trip to this region, read our complete Turkey sailing guide.

Day 7: Kekova to Gocek (25NM)

The return leg is 25NM, retracing part of the coast back to Gocek. Start early again. Many crews choose to break this into two legs, overnighting in Kalkan or Kas before a shorter final run on Day 8, but charter weeks in Turkey typically run Saturday to Saturday, so plan accordingly.

If you depart Ucagiz by 07:00, you should reach Gocek by early afternoon with Force 2 to 3 morning conditions. Use this final sail to revisit your favourite anchorages and start planning a return trip. Most charter companies request yachts back by 18:00 on the final evening, with check-out the following morning by 09:00.

Why This Route Works for Beginners

Three factors make the Gulf of Fethiye stand out as a first-timer route. The geography comes first: the surrounding mountains and islands create a series of natural windbreaks, meaning you rarely face seas above half a metre inside the gulf. The distances help too. Six of the seven days require less than 15NM of sailing, leaving plenty of margin for late starts or extended lunch stops. Then there is the infrastructure. Gocek has reliable charter fleets, English-speaking briefers, and well-maintained yachts from major operators like Neilson, Sunsail, and local Turkish companies.

The two longer passages on Days 5 and 7 are the main challenge. If your crew is anxious about open water, hiring a skipper for the week costs EUR 150 to 200 per day and removes all navigational stress. For more on safety considerations, see our honest look at sailing risks.

One honest downside: in peak season (mid-July to late August), the most popular bays like Tomb Bay and Butterfly Valley can fill with 20 or more boats by mid-afternoon, plus gulet (traditional wooden yacht) traffic. Arrive before 14:00 to secure a good spot, or accept rafting up alongside another vessel.

Practical Planning: Gulet, Monohull, or Catamaran?

Choosing your boat

Turkey's Turquoise Coast is one of the few places where a gulet, the heavy wooden sailing vessel with a wide beam and vast aft deck, remains a genuine option alongside modern fibreglass yachts. Here is a quick comparison for a week in high season (July/August) from Gocek.

Boat type	Typical size	Weekly charter (approx.)	Best for
Gulet (crewed)	20 to 30m	EUR 8,000 to 20,000	Groups of 8 to 16, all-inclusive experience
Monohull (bareboat)	36 to 45ft	EUR 2,500 to 5,500	Experienced sailors, couples, small groups
Catamaran (bareboat)	40 to 48ft	EUR 4,000 to 9,000	Families, comfort-focused crews
Monohull + skipper	38 to 42ft	EUR 3,500 to 6,500	Beginners who want to learn

A gulet charter almost always includes a captain, cook, and full board. You do not sail the boat. It is closer to a floating boutique hotel. A catamaran charter gives more deck space and stability, which matters if you are sailing with children or anyone prone to seasickness. For a detailed cost breakdown, check our 2026 charter pricing guide.

Provisioning

Stock up in Gocek on Day 1. The town's Saturday market sells fresh tomatoes, peppers, olives, and local cheese for a fraction of resort prices. Budget roughly EUR 25 to 35 per person per day for self-catering if you shop smart. Wine from local Turkish vineyards (try Kavaklidere or Doluca) runs EUR 5 to 8 per bottle from the market, compared to EUR 15 or more at a waterfront restaurant.

Fresh bread is available from small boats that motor between anchored yachts in the mornings at popular bays. They also sell ice, water, and basic provisions. Listen for the horn.

Licence requirements

Turkey requires the skipper to hold a recognised sailing certificate such as an RYA Day Skipper or ICC. Most charter companies will also accept an IYT Bareboat Skipper certificate. If nobody in your group holds a licence, hiring a professional skipper is the simplest solution.

Getting to Gocek

Dalaman Airport (DLM) is 22km from Gocek, roughly a 25-minute drive. Budget airlines including Pegasus and SunExpress offer direct flights from major European cities. A taxi from the airport costs approximately EUR 25 to 30. Some charter companies offer free transfers if you book directly.

For a broader look at Turkey as a sailing destination and how it compares to Greece and Croatia, start with our Turkey sailing guide or our Croatia vs Greece comparison. And if this is genuinely your first charter, walk through the process with our 7-step booking guide before you commit.