Turkey's Ionian Coast

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Ancient Ruins, bustling bazaars, beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery and much much more ...

15 days, from $1067 (Group tour). G.A.P Adventures »

Turkey's Ionian coast is a haven for yacht sailors who enjoy finding hidden coves to anchor in, tiny villages and ancient ruins around every corner, and sunny breezy weather. The area is less busy with other yachts than the Carian and Lycian coasts which allows you to enjoy all the benefits of the Mediterranean haven, without the crowded waters. A great route is heading South from Izmir to Bodrum, stopping off at villages and archaeologically sties along the way. The villages in the Izmir district remain authentically beautiful due to strict environmental protection of the flora and fauna which also prevents the development of new buildings. Visit villages such as Torba which is surrounded by olive groves and woods and is often visited by sea turtles and Mediterranean monk seals. Cesme, meaning fountain in Turkish, has abundant sources of water, and its fertility is apparent if you wander by the fields of aniseed, artichoke and figs trees. There are a number of spectacular ruined Ionian cities to visit along the coastline, such as Teos and Didyma. Ephesus, which hosted one of the seven churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation, has a gladiator graveyard amongst its ruins. Yacht charters and flotillas are available everywhere in Turkey, with many companies based in the larger towns of Marmaris and Bodrum. Many people associate sailing holidays in Turkey with gulet boats, the traditional Turkish sailing yacht used for cruising. It should be noted that gulets are not however sailed any more and almost always motor rather than actually sail. Although this may not appeal to sailing purists, these vessels do offer the space and luxury which naturally comes with motor yachts. The weather on the Ionian coast hosts the 'meltemi' winds seen in Greece, which are steady North Westerly winds, usually between 5 and 10 knots, which make the conditions favourable to the slightly less experienced yacht sailor as well as experienced.

4 / 5 Review by expert member Jane Ferguson