One of my favourite travel memories in Turkey is sailing the southern coast. Part of the Turkish Riviera, the Blue Voyage cruise routes along this coastline are offered widely each year. While the word “Riviera” often implies luxury and private yachts, the Turkish version caters to all budgets, which is why it remains so popular.
I sailed from Fethiye to Olympos over four days, though many travellers do the route in the opposite direction. It is a common choice for backpackers doing a fast tour of Turkey that often includes Cappadocia, Ephesus and Istanbul.
Sail Turkey, part of the established Alaturka sailing group and run by my friend and co-author Ned, offers this route in both directions. He says affordable cabin charters are a major draw for travellers seeking an authentic Blue Voyage experience without breaking the bank.
Instead of hiring an expensive private yacht, many people book a cabin on a gulet from around 220 Euros depending on season. Basic cabins are often shared, though on my trip we usually slept on deck and made the most of the warm nights and starry skies.
I still remember dropping anchor in Gemiler Bay and falling asleep on deck to the gentle sound of waves against the hull. One morning, while sipping coffee on the gangplank, I noticed a shadow in the water: a Caretta caretta turtle. It was thrilling to see this endangered species so close. The turtles soon gathered where passengers tossed bread and small scraps into the sea.
The friendly crew looked after everything, leaving me free to sunbathe, swim, relax and enjoy meals and drinks. One of the best parts of the voyage was stopping at the small harbours and historical sites along the way — highlights you’ll encounter whether you sail from Olympos to Fethiye or in the reverse direction.
Olympos as a Starting Point
Many travellers spend a few nights in Olympos village before boarding. The area is famous for quirky, affordable tree-house accommodation that dates back to the 1960s when the village welcomed early independent travellers on the hippie trail from Europe.
Nearby, the atmospheric ancient ruins sit within a dense, overgrown forest and include interesting early Christian churches and amphitheatres. Cirali, a neighbouring resort that shares the beach with Olympos, offers a quieter alternative for accommodation.
At night, many visitors make the short trip to see the eternal flames of Chimaera burning from cracks in the rock—an unusual natural phenomenon. Day trips to Phaselis, an ancient coastal city with sandy beaches, are also popular and are a common stop on blue voyage routes departing from Antalya.
Sail West from Olympos to Fethiye
After boarding and settling in, the captain usually gives a short briefing that covers boat rules, the planned route and the main sights. Although an official Olympos–Fethiye itinerary exists, captains can adjust the route to match passenger preferences and local conditions.
Some notable stops when sailing west include:
- Demre and Myra: Myra offers impressive ruins including a large theatre and Lycian rock tombs. Demre is known as the historical home of Saint Nicholas, who served as a bishop there and later inspired the modern Santa Claus legend.
- Patara Beach: Turkey’s longest beach, Patara also contains the ruins of an ancient city that was once part of the Lycian League.
- Meis (Kastellorizo): The small Greek island has a dramatic coastline with sea caves, including a striking Blue Cave that is a highlight for many visitors.
- Simena (Kaleköy): Known for its Byzantine castle, homemade ice cream and views over the sunken ruins of Kekova, Simena is a popular anchorage for gulets.
- Kaş: A charming harbour town with lively bars, restaurants and a small modern marina. Kaş is also a top diving destination, known for underwater wrecks and rich marine life.
Arriving in Fethiye
Fethiye is the usual end point for many voyages, but the region itself deserves additional time. You can spend a full day exploring the area’s main attractions.
- Ölüdeniz and the Blue Lagoon: Famous for their striking turquoise waters and white sands, Ölüdeniz is also a prime spot for tandem paragliding from Babadag Mountain.
- Butterfly Valley: A lush canyon known for its biodiversity, great snorkelling and trails leading to secluded waterfalls.
- Gemiler Island: A short trek across the island reveals several ruined churches and panoramic views. Many boats anchor here overnight, adding to the classic Turkish Riviera experience that I recommend everyone try at least once.
PS: Some of these photos belong to Sail Turkey, registered under the Alaturka Group; please do not reuse them without attribution.