Gulf  of  Antalya

Slipping around the Kirlangic Peninsula brings you into the Gulf of Antalya. The first sight you come to is the ancient city of Olympos, on the southern side of Mt. Tahtali (Mt. Olympos). Oleander and laurel bushes shade the Olympos Valley, which you can approach by land as well as by sea. Nearby at Yanarta (at a height of 300 meters), according to mythology, the Lycian hero Bellerophon, mounted on his winged horse Pegasus slew the fire-breathing monster, Chimaera. Gas which seeps from the earth burns brightly at night. The Byzantines also considered this place a religious area. Alexander the Great’s favourite winter resort was at Phaselis, the famous ancient commercial harbour north of Olympos. South of the harbour, look up at Mt. Tahtali for a spectacular view. Sail on to Kemer, a resort town carefully designed to blend in with the surrounding scenery, that offers an ideal environment for a wonderful holiday. The fully equipped Kemer Turban Marina has facilities for all activities so that yachtsmen can enjoy the unspoilt bays and beaches south of the town. Sailing around this coast towards Antalya will give you a glimpse of some of Turkeys most modern and luxurious holiday villages. Antalya, Turkey’s principal holiday resort city on the Mediterranean, embodies the contrast between the majestic coastline of beaches and rocky coves, and the towering Taurus Mountains. The ancient Attaleia, named after King Attalus II of Pergamon, Antalya was founded in the 2nd century B.C. Today palm-lined boulevards, beautiful parks, historical buildings, monuments, museums and the picturesque old quarter Kalei?, (with the Kalei? Turban Marina) blend together to create an ideal holiday atmosphere. The Antalya Marina and Leisure Centre, which has won several awards, is considered one of the most beautiful marinas in Turkey; Setur Marina, the other marina in Antalya, is, on the other hand, quiet and peaceful; but both welcome you after your unforgettable voyage in the turquoise paradise of Turkey’s waters.

Kalkan

Nettling at the head of a large bay, the village of Kalkan, boasts a well-sheltered harbour with a number of quite sophisticated bars and restaurants along the shore. Climb the steps behind the village and you will find even more restaurants shaded by Eucalyptus trees. Kalkan is the nearest safe harbour from which to visit the fascinating archaeological site of ancient Patara and Xanthos. At the holy Lycian centre of Letoon, three temples dedicated to Leto, Apollo and Artemis, familiar gods of mythology, await the intrepid tourist. Mythology records that Apollo was born at Patara, a principal harbour of ancient Lycia, south of Letoon and Xanthos. The ruins are of course numerous and fascinating. Its 22 kilometres of pure white sand stretch as far as the eye can see, making it a natural choice for all types of beach sports.

Kas

The area is steeped in history. Further along the coast and sheltered by the Greek island of Kastellorizon, the very pleasant town of Kas lies at the foot of the steep hillsides. It might not appear much from a distance, but boasts several waterside restaurants, an open-air market with all types of fresh vegetables and two bakers’ shops nearby. Behind the town square, shaded by tall pine trees, are a multitude of shops selling carpets and Turkish clothes. Kas, once ancient Antiphellus, still exhibits a few remains of the old settlement. An ancient theatre on Kas’s long peninsula is within walking distance of the town.

Kekova

For some of the best cruising waters in the whole of Turkey you need look no further than Kekova Roads. You arrive at Kekova not as a tourist but as a traveller, for you will be absorbed into the remains of an ancient Lycian civilization. Much of the city sank beneath the sea in an earthquake and you can still see the stone sarcophagi just above the water and steps leading down to buildings beneath the waterline. Kalekoy Castle (ancient Simena) offers a bird’s-eye view of the bays, inlets, islands and colourful yachts sailing peacefully on the glassy water. The colours in a Van Gogh painting, blue skies, orange sunsets, starry, starry nights, peace and tranquility, playful dolphins, mythological mysteries, and the sparkling sea – Kekova provides all this and more.

Demre – Finike

At Demre (Kale), the ancient Myra, (25 km west of Finike), many splendidly carved rock tombs overlook the magnificent Roman theatre. St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) was the bishop of this Mediterranean city during the fourth century and died here in 342. An official entry-port, Finike is surrounded by citrus trees and gardens. Thirty-two kilometres from the Finike Marina lie the remains of the beautiful and ancient Lycian city of Arikanda. This excursion inland, a mountain trek, rewards you with superb views, fabulous ruins and fresh mountain air.

YACHT CHARTER DESTINATIONS