TURKISH DELIGHTS

If sunny skies, warm turquoise waters, cool breezes, deserted anchorages and tranquil bays combined with stunning scenery, incredible ruins and delicious food sound tempting, then Turkey’s spectacular islands could be the perfect spot for your 2022 sailing holiday.

BEST TIME TO VISIT Turkey has a long sailing season between April and November. The hot and dry months are high season, falling mostly in summer, though part of late spring as well. In the summer months temperatures reach the mid-thirties on the south coast, while April, May, September and October are pleasantly warm, with temperatures of 20°C to 30°C. The weather begins to cool off from late October.

Connecting the Asian and European continents that are separated by the famous Bosphorus, also known as the Strait of Istanbul, Turkey is a unique destination that usually welcomes around 40 million tourists annually.

Located at the crossroads of cultures, Turkey has a distinctive character which is the fusion of tradition and modernity. The country is a hub for cultural interaction and home to varying climates and inspires visitors with its history, nature and gastronomy, which reflect the diversity of civilizations over the centuries.

Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Turkey has many beautiful islands to tempt visiting sailors. In particular, the islands on the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean Sea dazzle both local and foreign tourists with their great views that combine blue with green.

If Turkey is on your must-see list and you are starting to think about your 2022 sailing holiday here are some of the wonderful Turkish islands you might choose to include on your itinerary…

Bozcaaada Bozcaada’s popularity has long been on the rise thanks to its small boutique hotels and dining venues, making it one of the most frequently visited destinations for an island holiday in Turkey. Its most popular beaches are located in Ayazma, Akvaryum, Sulubahçe, Çayır and Aya Yorgi Cove. Picture cobblestone streets, cafés, restaurants and blissful taverns, make it a place where all holidaymakers can find something to their liking. The annual Vine Harvest Festival, which is held on the first week of September, brings together wine connoisseurs too. deep blue waters of the Aegean can visit Kefaloz Beach, also known as Aydıncık, or Gizli Liman, which is located on the westernmost tip of the island. Deemed amongst the most beautiful beaches on the island, Aydıncık Beach is also renowned for the mud bath found next to it. Alternatively, surfing enthusiasts can receive windsurfing training in Kefaloz and make the most of the wind here.

Kalem Island One of the most beautiful locations, Kalem Island in Dikili, Îzmir, is an ideal destination for a summer get-away. With its clear, shallow and pristine waters, Kalem Island hosts many tourists yearround thanks to its cultural and thermal spring tourism. A popular spot among holidaymakers, with its nearly 40km-long beach and deep blue sea, Dikili caters to its visitors with several accommodation facilities that are usually open year-round.

Sedir Island Situated on the Aegean Sea, Sedir Island dazzles its visitors with its blue that winks through the pine forests. Known as the place where Mark Anthony had the silhouette of his lover, Cleopatra, carved on a mountain to immortalise his love for her, the Sedir Island’s chalk white sands were brought from Egypt. The Cleopatra Cove is surrounded by trees while its clear waters are adorned by islets large and small. With a history dating back to the 6th century, the Kedrai Ancient City’s city walls, temple ruins and theatre remain in good condition.

Cunda Island Cunda, or the Alibey Island, is actually connected to Ayvalık through a narrow road. As one of the most popular touristic destinations, Cunda hosts foreign and domestic visitors throughout the year. The Church of Taxiarchs, Rahmi KoçMuseum, and the Clock Mosque are all worth a visit in Cunda, where the old stone houses are converted to hotels, and the port and its local area are enhanced by fine restaurants.

Burgazada1

valye Knight Island The only island with a settlement off the coast of Fethiye, Sövalye Island draws the attention of domestic and foreign tourists with its historical ruins and tranquility. Situated in one of Turkey’s most beautiful holiday destinations, Fethiye, the island took its name from the Knights of Rhodes, who were stationed in the area in the 15th century. It offers its visitors a peaceful holiday in touch with history.

Kekova Accessible by boat only, Kekova is the name of the entire bay. The archaeological wealth particularly lures in numerous domestic and foreign tourists throughout the season. A hallmark of Kekova is the submerged ruins along the coastline between Kas

Kekova Orak Island

Sedir Island and Demre. The diving and kayaking tours organised around the island draw in those who wish to take a closer look at these ruins.

Orak Island Bodrum is one of the first places that comes to mind when thinking of holiday destinations in Turkey. One of the biggest islands in the Gulf of Gokova, Orak Island is situated immediately across the Kargacık Bay, which is 16km away from Bodrum city centre. This magnificent island is also frequented by a host of sea creatures, particularly the caretta carettas (loggerhead sea turtles), which makes it a perfect choice for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. There is no settlement on the island.

Büyükada The biggest of the Prince’s Islands - an archipelago off the coast of istanbul on the Sea of Marmara - is Büyükada, which stands out as a distinctive location. Cycling is the sole mode of transportation on the island where motor vehicles are prohibited. Its old mansions, parkways and houses adorned with flowers give Büyükada the atmosphere of a holiday resort. Hamidiye Mosque and the House of Trotsky are among the must-see spots on the island.

Burgazada The third biggest island of the Prince’s Islands archipelago in istanbul, Burgazada is a neighbourhood of the Adalar district. The Hiristos Monastery is situated on the Bayrak Hill, which is the only elevation on the island. The waterfront houses and mansions on the island are renowned for their beauty and grace.

Despite expectations that Turkey would move from the red to amber list in the latest travel up-date, this did not happen. However, we are sure this popular destination will open to British visitors once again before long, and in the meantime holiday planning can be great fun...

With more than 500 islands and islets and 4,400 miles of coastline, it is no wonder Turkey is a sailor’s paradise. www.goturkey.com

MORE INFORMATION Nautilus Yachting (www.nautilusyachting.com): • Charter an extensive range of sailing yachts and catamarans along the southern Turquoise coast - Fethiye and Göcek. • Book a flotilla from Fethiye. • RYA courses are available from Göcek, so you can learn to sail while enjoying a sailing holiday in the sun. • Fully crewed Turkish gulets are great fun for larger groups of 8 to 20 people.

Dream Yacht Charter (www.dreamyachtcharter.co.uk): • Bareboat fleet of catamarans and monohulls. Their base is in Göcek Club Marina in the Aegean.

Sail in Turkey (www.sailinturkey.com) • Book a bareboat charter for those who wish to skipper their own yacht with their friends and family as crew. • A skippered charter can ensure you visit all the best harbours and anchorages. • Holiday with friends on a luxury gulet - these gulets are fully crewed with a professional captain, chef and up to five other crew who will look after you.