At 27° 17.02’E, 37° 6.2’N, 18 miles from Bodrum in the Port of Palmarina, Turkish hospitality, luxury, and entertainment await your arrival at Yalikavak Marina. An exquisite neighborhood in the town of Yalikavak, a short swing to the north and east of Bodrum, the marina features sophisticated hotels, chic shops, world-class dining, and high hospitality. It is all nicely detailed in posh, polished, contemporary luxury, yet within a day’s sail to dozens of iconic cultural and historic sites.
The water is unbelievably clear. Much of the landscape away from the cities maintains its natural coastline, sans development. Make no mistake, development is coming, but at present, Türkiye remains a divine destination that weaves a colorful tapestry of ancient history and modern culture, embellished with lovely local wines and healthy Mediterranean cuisine, all made possible by the warm welcome of the Turkish people. It is, without a doubt, deserving of any Eastern Mediterranean yachting itinerary.
Treated to a beautiful trip on board a traditional Turkish boat called a gulet, and a lovely stay with delicious Türkish cuisine, with additional exploration of Marmaris Castle and the Grand Bazaar, the charm of the Turkish people and stunning landscape felt genuinely special.
In the June/July 2022 issue of NAVIS, publisher Pablo Ferrero composed an informative feature detailing Turkish history and gulet yachts. The read provides an in-depth journal of his experience on board these traditional vessels, along with historic notes.
A Start in Marmaris
In Türkiye for the Fourth Presidential Yacht Race, this NAVIS journey began in the quiet beauty of Marmaris, a small fishing village and resort town tucked into the eastern Datça Peninsula. The town has a resident population of about 30,000, but can climb to 500,000 during the summer tourist season.
On this journey, focused on the Presidential Yacht Race and Türkiye as a welcoming yachting destination, we started with a few days in Marmaris. This classic resort town proved quiet and pleasant by day, yet festive and lively by night. Walking the cobbled streets, dining in authentic restaurants with fresh, local menus, and shopping in the bazaar set the stage for the trip.
As an aside, just a few kilometers to the east around Marmaris Bay, another luxury marina is located at D Maris Bay, offering a luxury menu of amenities in a stylish, modern resort.
Out in the glorious sun on the handsome gulet, we casually observed the start of the race at the point where Marmaris Bay joins the Mediterranean Sea. The sailors moved quickly out into the open water, leaving us to enjoy a leisurely sail swimming, nibbling, and observing the landscape.
Photos: Yucel Cakiroglu | Words: KL Turner
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