Yacht Charter Fethiye

Yacht Charter in Fethiye

Fethiye is one of the most naturally spectacular harbour towns on the Turkish Mediterranean coast — a small city set in a magnificent bay surrounded by forested mountains, with a scattering of small islands and a perfect natural anchorage that has been in use since the Lycian civilisation flourished here more than 2,500 years ago. The ancient city of Telmessos, whose rock-cut tombs still dominate the hillside above the modern town, was one of the most important cities of Lycia, and the remains of its theatre, agora, and necropolis are visible throughout the town centre. For yacht charter, Fethiye is both an outstanding destination and the gateway to some of the finest sailing grounds in Turkey.

Twelve Islands Cruise

The most popular sailing excursion from Fethiye is the Twelve Islands cruise — a day sail or multi-day itinerary around the islands and peninsulas of Fethiye Bay. The islands, ranging from tiny uninhabited rocks to the larger Tersane Island with its ruined monastery, offer beautiful swimming spots, snorkelling opportunities, and a sense of complete isolation from the mainland world. Kizilada (Red Island) with its thermal springs, Yassica Islands with their pristine beaches, and the coves around Domuz Island are particular highlights.

The Blue Lagoon and Oludeniz

Twenty kilometres southwest of Fethiye, the Oludeniz Blue Lagoon is one of the most photographed places in Turkey — a sheltered lagoon of turquoise water separated from the open sea by a narrow spit of white sand, backed by green mountains, and protected as a national park. The lagoon is accessible by yacht and by the daily dolmus from Fethiye, and its calm, shallow water makes it one of the safest swimming spots on the coast. Babadagi mountain, rising above Oludeniz to 1,975 metres, is the most popular paragliding site in Turkey.

Saklikent Gorge and Butterfly Valley

Fethiye's hinterland is as impressive as its coast. Saklikent Gorge, 50 kilometres inland, is one of the deepest gorges in Europe — 18 kilometres long and up to 300 metres deep — carved through the Taurus Mountains by a fast-flowing river. Butterfly Valley, a narrow canyon west of Fethiye, is accessible only by boat or by a steep cliff path and is home to the rare Jersey Tiger butterfly. These inland excursions, combined with the coastal sailing, make Fethiye one of the most diverse charter destinations in Turkey.

The Fethiye Fish Market

The Fethiye fish market is one of the finest in Turkey — a covered market where the day's catch is displayed on ice and purchased directly by the surrounding restaurants, which then cook it for their customers with a small markup. The tradition is to choose your fish, take it to one of the adjacent restaurants, and eat it with a selection of mezes, fresh bread, and cold raki. This ritual, performed on the waterfront overlooking the harbour and the illuminated Lycian tombs on the hillside above, represents one of the great dining experiences of the Turkish coast.