Marmaris

The Turkish Aegean coast, starting from the lively town of Marmaris, offers an exceptional sailing experience with its turquoise waters, hidden bays, and ancient ruins.

Explore

The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, making the sailing season ideal from May through October. Prevailing winds, the Meltemi, typically blow from the northwest during the summer, providing favorable sailing conditions, though stronger winds may occur in the afternoons.

The place where the route starts is Marmaris, which has modern marina facilities and vibrant nightlife, which serve as an excellent point for a yacht charter. Known for its surrounding pine-clad mountains and calm seas, Marmaris also offers access to numerous natural and historical landmarks.

The nearest airport to Marmaris is Dalaman International Airport, located approximately 90 km away, ensuring convenient access for travelers embarking on their yacht journey.

7-Day Route

This 7-day itinerary combines history, natural beauty, and peaceful anchorages along the Datça Peninsula and back. Ideal for a blend of relaxation and exploration, the route includes stops at secluded bays, charming fishing villages, and sites of historical interest, providing a perfect balance between sailing and discovering the treasures of the Turkish coast.

In this region, yachts are sometimes secured to the rocks using shorelines in addition to anchorage, providing additional stability in narrow bays and well-protected coves.

The total length of the route is approximately 130 nautical miles.

Day 1, Saturday

Marmaris → Çiftlik Bay

15 nm, about 2.5 h

Day 2, Sunday

Çiftlik Bay → Bozukkale

20 nm, about 3.5 h

Day 3, Monday

Bozukkale → Datça

25 nm, about 4.2 h

Day 4, Tuesday

Datça – Palamutbükü

10 nm, about 1.7 h

Day 5, Wednesday

Palamutbükü – Bencik Bay

15 nm, about 2.5 h

Day 6, Thursday

Bencik Bay – Dirsekbükü

12 nm, about 2 h

Day 7, Friday

Dirsekbükü – Marmaris

25 nm, about 4.2 h

Detailed Route from Road Town

Day 1, Saturday: Marmaris – Çiftlik Bay

15 nm, about 2.5 h

The first day starts with a check-in at Marmaris Marina. After completing the formalities, it’s possible to sail to Çiftlik Bay, a 15-mile route that serves as a relaxed introduction to the trip. The bay offers calm, sheltered waters, perfect for swimming or simply enjoying the scenery. The water is clear, making it a great spot for snorkeling near the boat. Dinner can be enjoyed at Azmak Restaurant, which is known for its fresh seafood. The restaurant also offers free overnight mooring for guests, making it a convenient choice for the evening.

Recommended docking spots:
The Baths Bay & Devil's Bay (day stop)
The Baths Anchorage (day stop)
Anchoring in the bay

Day 2, Çiftlik Bay – Bozukkale

(20 nm, about 3.5 h)

The sail from Çiftlik Bay to Bozukkale covers 20 miles along the rugged coastline, offering several opportunities to stop for a swim. A good swimming spot is Serce Limani, a sheltered cove with calm, clear waters. Bozukkale is home to the ruins of an ancient Hellenistic fortress, which can be explored on foot. After anchoring, a short hike up to the ruins provides panoramic views of the bay. In the evening, enjoy freshly grilled fish at Ali Baba’s Taverna, which offers diners free mooring.

Recommended docking spots:
Free overnight mooring for restaurant guests.
Anchoring near the ruins

Day 3, Monday: Bozukkale – Datça

25 nm, about 4.2h

A 25-mile sail takes you to Datça, a small town offering a range of facilities, including cafes, shops, and a harbor. The old town (Eski Datça) is known for its narrow, cobbled streets and traditional stone houses, creating a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll.
In the evening, the Meyhane Datca restaurant, located in the heart of the town with a cozy courtyard, offers excellent local cuisine combined with friendly service.

Recommended docking spots:
Datça Marina: (fuel available)
Anchoring near the town (Datca North)

Day 4, Tuesday:
Datça – Palamutbükü

10 nm, about 1.7 h

The sail to Palamutbükü is short, covering just 10 miles. This small village is known for its long, pebbly beach and clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. It’s also a good spot to rent a scooter and explore nearby attractions such as the ancient ruins of Knidos. It features a well-preserved amphitheater, and temples, admires stunning views of the Aegean Sea, and immerses into the region's rich Greek and Roman history. In the evening, it's worth settling in one of the many cozy restaurants along the town's waterfront and enjoying the "flavor" of this place.

Recommended docking spots:
Palamutbükü Marina
Anchoring near Palamutbükü

Day 5, Wednesday: Palamutbükü – Bencik Bay

15 nm, about 2.5 h

A 15-mile sail from Palamutbükü brings you to Bencik Bay, one of the most well-protected bays in the region. The bay is surrounded by pine forests, providing a peaceful and remote anchorage.
There are no major facilities here, so this is an ideal spot to enjoy swimming, relaxing onboard, and having dinner on the boat. It's advisable to prepare in advance and stock up on provisions to ensure a delicious meal while enjoying the tranquility of the bay.

Recommended docking spots:
Anchoring in Bencik Bay.

Day 6, Thursday: Bencik Bay – Dirsekbükü

12 nm, about 2 h

The short sail from Bencik Bay to Dirsekbükü covers 12 miles. The bay is well-protected from most directions and is surrounded by steep, pine-covered hills. However, during peak season, Dirsek fills up quickly due to its popularity, so it's best to arrive early. After swimming or relaxing onboard, a meal can be enjoyed at one of two local restaurants, which offer simple Turkish dishes.

Recommended docking spots:
Anchoring in Dirsek

Day 7, Friday: Dirsekbükü – Marmaris

25 nm, about 4.2 h

The final leg of the journey is a 25-mile sail back to Marmaris. Along the way, Kadirga West Bay offers a good spot for a last swim in clear, turquoise calm waters. Returning to Marmaris Marina, there are plenty of options for dinner, shopping, and a relaxing evening.
A meal at Pineapple Restaurant in Marmaris Marina is a great way to end the trip, with its menu of seafood and traditional Turkish dishes. Marmaris offers full marina services, making it easy to wrap up the journey before heading home.