This is a guest post from Lauren DeGarmo
A Blue Cruise on the Mediterranean should be on every Turkey travel itinerary. It’s an ideal way to savor crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic coastline and island coves while enjoying life aboard a gulet with a fun group of travelers.
Below are four highlights that made my Blue Cruise one of the most memorable experiences I had in Turkey.
The Adventure
The AdventureThe most exhilarating activity on my Fethiye to Olympos blue cruise was paragliding over Ölüdeniz Beach. Standing on top of 2,000-meter-high Babadağ, preparing to launch, was a real test of my nerves, but once airborne all fear fell away. Floating above the Blue Lagoon, the panorama of lagoon, sea and mountains was unforgettable.
Ölüdeniz is also a great spot for cliff jumping. I’ll admit I hesitated—there’s even a short video of me pausing at the edge—but after a deep breath I leapt into the turquoise water. It was a rush I’ll never forget.
Another favorite was hiking in Butterfly Valley. Although it was summer and butterflies were fewer than hoped, the trail up to the waterfall was invigorating. I took off my flip-flops and climbed barefoot across the rocks, feeling connected to the landscape while the sun created beautiful lighting for photos.
No matter your idea of adventure, a Blue Cruise offers something for everyone. Each day brought opportunities to swim and snorkel in the Mediterranean and plenty of activities to balance the indulgence that comes with cruising.
The Party
The people on board made the trip especially fun. Blue Cruises tend to attract lively, like-minded travelers, and we quickly bonded with our crewmates and fellow cruisers. Some nights we stayed on the boat, danced under the stars and even held a beer-pong tournament. We slept soundly on deck after nights of laughter and music.
One standout night was when we anchored near Gökçaya Bay and went ashore to a cozy local bar. Travelers from several boats gathered, and we danced, shared stories and watched the sky fill with stars. It was a magical night full of connection and fun.
Food on a Blue Cruise of Mediterranean Turkey
I didn’t expect the food to be a highlight, but it became one of my favorite parts of the cruise. Despite cooking in a small galley, the chef produced delicious, varied meals. I sailed with Alaturka Cruises and the crew, itinerary and especially the chef deserve credit for making the culinary side exceptional.
The crew jokingly warned us not to expect weight loss—and they were right. Breakfasts followed the generous Turkish tradition with cheeses, olives, tomatoes, breads and spreads. It’s such a satisfying way to start the day that I plan to adopt parts of it at home.
Lunch featured classic Turkish dishes: roasted eggplant and peppers in tomato sauce, yogurt-based dips, fresh seasonal vegetables, rice and breads. Afternoon tea breaks—cay with cookies or pastries—were perfect for refueling after swimming or hiking.
Evenings often included barbecue dinners with freshly caught fish, grilled lamb chops and other specialties. Some of the meals aboard were among the best Turkish food I’ve tasted, and they made the cruise even more memorable.
History and Culture
The cruise also offered rich historical and cultural experiences. One highlight was cruising over the Sunken City, an ancient Lycian town that sank after an earthquake. Although swimming there is restricted, the view from the deck as we passed over the underwater ruins was striking.
Landing at Kekova and climbing to Simena Castle was another memorable moment. The castle, built by the Knights of Rhodes, offers incredible views of the sunken ruins, nearby islands and Lycian tombs. Inside the castle you’ll find a tiny amphitheater and plenty of photo opportunities.
A stop in Kaş, a charming fishing town, provided a taste of local life. The town has lovely handcrafted jewelry, artisan goods and small boutiques. After browsing, relax at a local café with a cup of Turkish coffee and a piece of baklava.
St. Nicholas Island combined history with one of the trip’s most magical sunsets. The island has churches dating from the 4th to 6th centuries and a site believed to be the original tomb of St. Nicholas. Climb to the top, enjoy the ruins and watch the sun sink into the sea—an unforgettable way to end the day.
Written by Lauren DeGarmo for Alaturka Cruises
