The term “Blue Cruise” evokes a specific kind of maritime magic. Coined by Turkish author Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli-also known as the “Fisherman of Halicarnassus”-it refers to a leisurely voyage along the southwestern coast of Turkey, and increasingly into Greek waters, aboard a traditional gulet. It is less about rushing from port to port and more about the journey itself: swimming in secluded coves, dining under the stars, and waking up to the sound of gentle waves.
While the entire Turquoise Coast is stunning, a few destinations have become legendary. Here is a detailed guide to the most popular stops on any Blue Cruise itinerary.
The Turkish Riviera: The Classic Route
Departing from ports like Bodrum, Marmaris, or Fethiye, these destinations form the backbone of the traditional Blue Cruise.
1. Bodrum: The Gateway to the Blue
Often the starting point, Bodrum is a vibrant peninsula where ancient history meets modern hedonism.
- The Landmark: The Castle of St. Peter (Bodrum Castle), home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Seeing it from the sea at sunset is a rite of passage.
- The Vibe: Bodrum is energetic. The harbor is lined with luxury yachts, white-washed shops, and bustling restaurants.
- Don’t Miss: Sailing to the nearby Karaada (Black Island) to swim in the Cleopatra’s Bath-a thermal cave said to have been a gift from Mark Antony to Cleopatra.
2. Marmaris: Pine-Clad Majesty
Marmaris is defined by its dramatic backdrop: the pine-covered Taurus Mountains that meet the sea.
- The Landscape: Unlike the barren islands further south, Marmaris offers deep green forests rolling down to electric blue water. The contrast is breathtaking.
- The Harbor: The long, horseshoe-shaped marina is protected by the mountains, making it a calm anchorage.
- Don’t Miss: A walk through the Marmaris Castle and the old town. For swimmers, the nearby Turunc and Icmeler bays offer shallow, warm waters perfect for families.
3. Gocek: The Paradise of Islands
If you want to see the postcard version of the Blue Cruise, you go to Gocek. It is a small town surrounded by five distinct bays and 12 islands.
- The Vibe: Quiet, upscale, and nature-focused. Gocek is for those who want to swim, sail, and sleep.
- Top Bays:
- Tersane Island: Famous for its sunken ruins and a restored dockyard from the Ottoman Empire.
- Cleopatra’s Bay (Gocek): A perfectly circular bay with powdery white sand (imported from Egypt, legend says).
- Sarsala Bay: A long, sheltered inlet ideal for a sunset barbecue.
- Don’t Miss: The 12 Islands tour. Each island has a distinct character-one has a sunken city, another has a natural mud bath.
4. Fethiye: The Tomb of Amyntas
Fethiye is the end of the line for many short cruises, but it is a destination in its own right.
- The Landmark: The rock-cut Tombs of Amyntas, built in 350 BC, loom over the city. They are lit up at night, creating an eerie, beautiful glow.
- The Activity: Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon). Technically a separate stop, this protected national park is a lagoon of gradient turquoise hues. It is also the world’s top paragliding spot—you can jump off the 1,900-meter Babadağ mountain and land right on the beach.
- Don’t Miss: The abandoned Greek village of Kayakoy. While not a swim stop, a short taxi ride here offers a hauntingly beautiful hike.
5. The Gulf of Hisaronu (Orhaniye & Selimiye)
This deep gulf, protected from high winds, is known for its unique geography.
- The Phenomenon: Kızkumu (Maiden’s Sandbar). A natural sand path extends 500 meters into the middle of the bay. Local legend says a maiden dropped her necklace here; you can walk on the sea to retrieve it.
- The Vibe: Slow and traditional. These bays are where the “old Turkey” feels most alive.
The Greek Extension: Crossing the Aegean
While the classic Blue Cruise is Turkish, many modern itineraries (especially 7-day or longer) cross the narrow strait to the Greek Dodecanese islands.
6. Symi: The Painted Lady
Symi is arguably the most beautiful port in the Greek islands. As you enter the harbor, you are greeted by a horseshoe of neo-classical mansions in shades of ochre, terracotta, and pastel blue.
- The Landmark: The Panormitis Monastery, a fortified Byzantine monastery dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
- The Vibe: Photogenic and calm. It feels like a movie set.
- Don’t Miss: Climbing the 500+ steps of the Kali Strata (or taking the donkeys) to the upper town for panoramic views.
7. Rhodes: The Medieval Fortress
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese and the most historically dense.
- The Landmark: The Palace of the Grand Master, a massive medieval castle built by the Knights of St. John.
- The Vibe: Lively, historic, and cosmopolitan. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Don’t Miss: The Valley of the Butterflies (if visiting in late summer) or simply walking the Street of the Knights to feel the Crusader history.
8. Kos: The Island of Hippocrates
Kos is flat, green, and bike-friendly-very different from the rocky cliffs of Symi.
- The Landmark: The Tree of Hippocrates, where the “Father of Medicine” is said to have taught his students.
- The Vibe: Laid-back beach town meets archaeological park.
- Don’t Miss: The ancient Agora and the Castle of the Knights located right at the harbor entrance.
The Secret Gems (Off the Beaten Path)
For those who have done the main route, the true Blue Cruise magic lies here.
9. Kekova (Sunken City)
Located between Kaş and Demre, Kekova is an archaeological wonder.
- The Experience: You don’t swim over the ruins; you sail beside them. A series of earthquakes in the 2nd century AD sank a Lycian city. You can see submerged staircases, building foundations, and amphorae in the crystal-clear water through the glass bottom of a tender boat.
- The Stop: The village of Kalekoy (Simena), accessible only by sea, where a tiny Byzantine castle sits above sarcophagi that spill into the water.
10. Kas: The Diver’s Paradise
While other towns are for sailing, Kas is for under sailing. It is Turkey’s premier diving destination.
- The Activity: Diving to a B-24 Liberator bomber from WWII resting at 30 meters, or swimming through underwater canyons.
- The Vibe: Bohemian and artsy. Kas has narrow, flower-covered streets, excellent boutique hotels, and the famous Lycian Way hiking trail starting point.
Planning Your Route: Choosing the Right Duration
| Duration | Best Route | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 Days | Bodrum → Göcek (or reverse) | Fast-paced, highlights only. Great for first-timers. |
| 7 Days | Fethiye → Kekova → Kaş → Göcek | The perfect balance. Includes Sunken City and swimming. |
| 10-14 Days | Bodrum → Greek Islands (Symi/Rhodes) → Fethiye | The “Grand Tour.” Customs clearance required, but incredible variety. |
Best Time to Cruise
- June & September (Sweet Spot): The sea is warm (24-26°C / 75-79°F), the sun is strong but not scorching (30°C / 86°F), and the harbors are busy but not chaotic.
- July & August (High Season): Peak heat (35-40°C / 95-104°F) and peak crowds. The Meltemi wind can be strong, which is great for sailing but rough for swimming.
- May & October (Shoulder Season): Quieter and cheaper. The water is cooler (20-22°C / 68-72°F), and you might need a jacket at night, but you will often have entire bays to yourself.
Final Word
The Blue Cruise is not just a list of destinations; it is a state of mind. Whether you are gazing at the floodlit Tomb of Amyntas from the deck, snorkeling over a 2,000-year-old sunken city in Kekova, or watching the sun set behind the windmills of Symi, you are participating in a tradition that has captivated travelers for over half a century. The destinations provide the backdrop, but the sea-and the crew who guide you through it-provides the soul.
Leave a Reply