ROUTE 4
Marmaris-Ekincik-Gemiler Island-Ölüdeniz-Gocek-Kas-Kekova-Marmaris
Two week route, suitable for intermediate sailors. A good combination of long daily passages, rugged scenery, picturesque coves and historical sites. Perfect choice for people who want to build mileage. According to weather conditions, we drop anchor in:
Gemiler Adası
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- Category: ROUTE 4
Gemiler (Ships) Adası (St.Nicholas) and Kalevazi bay
After you leave the Islands of Karacaören behind, you reach the Island of Ships which is opposite a small inlet lying in the shadow of pine and olive trees. The space between the island and the shore is a natural shelter for the yachts. The island is full of historical works of art and the church of St. Nicholas is here. Therefore, the island is also called the Island of St.Nicholas. Although it has been suggested recently that the tomb of Santa Claus might have been here, the accepted fact is that the tomb is in Myra. In the 5th. Century, St. Nikola Island (Gemiler) became to have an important position in the formation of settlements, especially of religious content. Eastern European and Mediterranean countries started trade by ships frequently and travel has become a place of pilgrimage. Religious schools were opened near the most of the churches and chapels. Surveys made by a Japanese team since 1990 around the island have found 11 churches. Four of these are on Gemiler island, one of them is in Karacaören Island, while others near the village of Oludeniz and Karaören. Gemiler Island and its neighborhood, is seen as an important center for Christianity. There are houses with kennels for working and living people besides the Religious structures. Because this is rocky island, the church and the foundations of the houses are carved into the rock. Ruins continue at the bottom of the sea. Early Christian and Byzantine churches, cistern is among the most important ruins. In particular tunnel running between the two churches, although some parts of the demolished, is one of the most interesting historic buildings on the island. 17 station are placed inside the tunnel between the stair inspired by the 17 rests of Jesus to be crucified Jesus the prophet
All of the remains in the Island of Ships belong to the Late Age. Owing to the fact that an earthquake caused the island to sink a little into the water in the year 240 AD, some of the remains lie underwater today. There are the remains of a palace ornamented with mosaics, on top of the island. This palace is connected to the church on the shore, by means of a tunnel 500 m in length. There are also many other remains of houses on the island.
Gemiler Island is filled with ruins. Among the medieval buildings on the island is a church and on the hill are the ruins of a palace decorated with mosaics. There are cisterns and wells on the island too. On the northern side are the remains of a quay and warehouse that are now partially submerged. The side of the island facing the mainland is suitable as an anchorage. Immediately opposite this is a restaurant and places where one may find accommodation. This place is also accessible by highway from Fethiye. Inland was the ancient city of Carmylessus.
Between here and Fethiye is the village of Kaya. Formerly inhabited by Greeks, the village was abandoned during the population exchanges that took place in 1922 and is now empty. There are plans to turn it into a holiday village. The actual, modern Turkish village of Kaya köyü is a lovely and peaceful place situated in the valley beneath the ancient Greek city.
Ekincik
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- Category: ROUTE 4
you should see this magical place where the mountain, forest and sea meet and smell the incredible aroma. When you see it, you'll fall in love. Hikers will love the panoramic view of nature; divers will be fascinated with abundance kinds of marine life. This is a 70 house village. There are 2 hotels, restaurants and grocery store just in front of sea. Köycegiz is 35 km distance. Livable in summer or winter, Its Robinson style life makes it an ideal place for those who love nature and the isolation. Here, be careful while on holiday, because people you see may be well-known at any time. The most famous of Hollywood's, Sting, and Dustin Hoffman was among the guests of this place. Very well-known names such as Princess Caroline, Princess Margaret come to this place every chance they get, enjoying nature.
   
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Ölüdeniz
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- Category: ROUTE 4
From Gemiler Island one reaches Bestas Harbor. Rounding Yogan Cape from here one enters the gulf of Belcegiz. Olu Deniz, a beautiful inland bay that stretches behind the cape. The reason this heavenly place is called Olu Deniz ("Sea of the Dead") is attributed to the following legend. Once a father and son were caught in a storm here and were in danger of sinking. The son claimed that if they approached the rocks ashore they could take shelter in a cove. The father on the other hand asserted that their ship would be driven onto the rocks and break up and that there were no coves around here anyway. In his terror of running around on the rocks, the father knocked his son (who was at the helm) into the sea with an oar and took over the helm himself. Just as the ship was about to hit the rocks on the cape, she turned into this calm, smooth watered bay. This is the reason they say the bay is called the Sea of the Dead, whereas what with the pine clad sandy beach stretched out like a tongue, the name "Paradise Bay" would be more fitting. Vessels are not allowed inside the bay to prevent its pollution.
Ölü Deniz is the most famous beach in Turkey. The peak of the region's highest mountain, Baba Dağ, plunges down to the stunning lagoon which must have been photographed a million times and is a signature image of coastal Turkey. A ‘must-have’ experience for the more adventurous is to enjoy the adrenaline rush of leaping from the top of Baba Dağ to paraglide over the lagoon before eventually landing on the water’s edge. However, this cannot detract from the stunning impact of the beautiful lagoon.
On the hillside overlooking the entire beach at Ölü Deniz is one of our fabulous hotel’s Beyaz Yunus Ölü Deniz. From here the road follows the rugged coastline past the untouched sands of Kidrak bay (and a less untouched Holiday Village!) before starting a dramatic climb towards the village of Faralya. The road clings to the side of the mountain providing the most amazing views across the Mediterranean - on clear days you can see all the way to Rhodes. After 15-minute you round a corner on a headland and come to the farming settlement of Faralya.
The village looks down on one of Turkey’s most picturesque bays – the turquoise waters of Butterfly Valley. Faralya has a small selection of lokantas (local cafés) which provide welcome refreshment for hikers following the renowned Lycian Way, justly famous as one of the world’s top walks. A sleepy village, with the cleanest mountain air, most glorious location and – if you really want – access to the very much more lively and commercial temptations of Ölü Deniz!
   
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Kalkan
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- Category: ROUTE 4
Leaving Belcegiz gulf, we must sail past the high and bold capes of Yedi Burunlar ("Seven Capes")-Kötü, Sancak, Inkahlik, Yassi, Kilic, and Zeytin, which have a nasty reputation for contrary winds and confused seas. Once past them you arrive at a beach, whose dunes with every passing day engulf a little bit more of the ancient city of Patara which waits the day when archaeologist’s shovels will free it of the sands. Rather than stay here however it is better to come overland from Kalkan, passing Letoon and Xanthos on the way. Before one reaches Kalkan there is another harbor called Yesilkoy in which yachts can take shelter. Kalkan is an important port of call on the Blue Voyage from which one may visit the surrounding ancient sites and also stock up on whatever provisions one may require.
Kalkan is a harbour village set in the heart of the old Lycian region. It is relatively cosmopolitan, with wonderful restaurants and great places to stay. The Taurus Mountains – home to the nearby rural escape of Islamlar – provide a stunning backdrop, whilst the views across the bay are remarkable. This beautiful and sophisticated bougainvillea-covered harbour town is set in a breathtaking landscape in the heart of the old Lycian region.
The ancient sites of Xanthos, Letoon, Pinara, Tlos and Patara are all close by, with Kekova, Demre, Myra, Phaselis, Olympos and Aspendos slightly further afield, but all easily accessible.
Strict conservation laws have ensured that the heart of the old village retains an authentic ambience that attracts (according to the Sunday Times) the sort of visitor who might also be enchanted by, say, Tuscany or the Dordogne. The result is a discerning mix of predominantly British guests together with Istanbul Turks attracted by Kalkan’s reputation within Turkey. Winding cobbled streets, colorful shops and excellent harbour-side or roof terrace restaurants and bars are combined with stunning views – whether you are looking up to the dramatic mountains behind the town, or down across the harbour to the broad sweep of the Mediterranean – a view of which we guarantee you will never tire! The many roof terraces are a highlight of the evenings, a time when Kalkan is at her significant best. You can dine by candlelight to the strains of jazz or classical music whilst admiring the stunning views across the tiled rooftops to the harbour and out to sea.
Kalkan has grown over the past few years, albeit with predominantly private villas being authorized outside the periphery of the old village. Kalkan’s many official ‘Green Areas’ are being carefully preserved and we are genuinely optimistic that Kalkan will retain its special charm and ambience for many years to come. With so much of interest in the surrounding regions and the village itself, Kalkan is a destination that encourages guests to return time and time again. Whether your interests are historical, cultural, and epicurean or you just wish to relax, Kalkan is sure to satisfy. Kalkan has managed to retain that most elusive of mixtures – an authentic ambience with the relative sophistication that makes it an unusual, picturesque and uniquely welcoming destination. British newspaper The Independent listed Kalkan among the best tourist destinations for 2007. The paper recommended Kalkan especially for those seeking a romantic vacation and who do not want to travel far from their home country in Europe, and defined the town as a destination of choice.
Patara Beach - the longest beach in the Mediterranean: With the new road Patara is now just a 30-minute journey by local dolmuş or 15 minutes by car or taxi, and is regularly featured as one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful and undiscovered beaches. The only building on its entire 18 kilometers of sand is a small café. The only real signs of civilization are Lycian, with the crumbling ruins of the ancient port of Patara and Letoon scattered along the coastline.
Kaputaş Beach: The dramatic Kaputaş beach is a ten-minute dolmus or taxi ride from Kalkan. It is a beautiful sandy beach found at the foot of a ravine down many, many steps!
   
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Kaş
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- Category: ROUTE 4
One of the most beautiful ports on the Blue Voyage is Kas and one may linger on here for a long time. The town is located on the site of ancient Antiphellos, whose well preserved theater may be visited today. Ancient sarcophagi lie scattered about and there are numerous Lycian rock tombs in the cliffs.
Although the Teke peninsula has been occupied since the Stone Age it seems Kas was founded by the Lycians, and its name in Lycian language was Habesos or Habesa. It was a member of the Lycian League, and its importance during this time is confirmed by the presence of one of the richest Lycian necropolis. The ancient Greeks later gave it the name of Antiphéllos or Antiphellos, since it was the harbor in front of the city of Phellos. During the Roman period, Antiphellos was famous for exporting sponges and timber. Pliny the Elder refers to the town in the fifth book of his Naturalis Historia. After 395 the town became part of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine) and during the early middle Ages was a bishop's see - and as Antiphellus is still a titular see. The town suffered because of Arab incursions, and then was annexed (under the name of Andifli) to the Anatolian Sultanate of Rum, led by the Seljuk’s. After the demise of the Seljuk’s, it came under the Ottomans...
This beautiful natural harbour town is framed by the dramatic Taurus Mountains and is located a 25-minute drive from Kalkan. The winding cobbled streets, colorful local shops and local market place all combine to provide a real Turkish flavor. Naturally, the harbour is the focal point of the town, with local çay (tea) gardens providing delightful shady spots in which to relax and soak up the atmosphere prior to exploring the labyrinth of narrow streets that meander through the old town.
However, Kaş offers more than just a beach holiday. Steeped in culture, the region affords many opportunities for exploration of numerous cultural sites together with the surrounding dramatic mountain ranges. In addition, sporting enthusiasts are well catered for as Kaş is a centre for outdoor sports and provides a range of activities including paragliding, trekking, canyoning, sea kayaking and scuba diving.
There are well known ancient cities like Apollonia, Isinda, and Istlada around Kas as well as many ruins of unknown name. These ancient settlements of various sizes. For example, a low hill nears the village of Fingerboard, a small settlement located on the Tysse. Archaeological finds have proven Habesos name is city's oldest name. City was known by Antiphellos at ancient times. It is located at the intersection of roads between Caria and Lycia Antiphellos, but also a commercial port.
It came under the sovereignty of the kingdom during the Anatolia campaign of The Macedonian King Alexander the Great. At a young age after the death of Alexander the area changed hands between the Seleucids and the Ptolemy’s. The ancient city has gained importance during the Roman period and became an episcopal center during the Byzantine period. During this period, it has suffered from Arab invasions. Then it has joined to Anatolian Seljuk and taken the name of Andifli. After collapse of Seljuk Empire, Tekeoğulları principality uses the opportunity and took the city. Ottoman Empire had taken over the district at time of Yildirim Beyazit.
In ancient times, Lycians were living on the peninsula between Antalya and Fethiye bays today known as Teke Peninsula. In Hittite texts, they were called Lukka. As early as 2000 they are known to have a strong national consciousness. This people of Anatolia, relatives of Luwiler, had "the Union" concept. BC 15. Century, Entire peoples of the Anatolian established Assuwa Confederation against Hittites. They were next to Egyptians against the Hittites at Kadesh war. They were helping Troya against Akha Helens as written on Homeros epic the iyada (Iliad). All this was the concrete indication of expanding consciousness of the Anatolian integrity.
540 BC, When they understood they could not hold against the Persians, They gathered the people who can’t fight in Xanthos fort and burn the fort. Soldier fought with Persians till last soldier died for the sake of freedom. This heroic epic is written in Herodotus writings. This consciousness of national solidarity has leaded them into unity with themselves. 500 BC. Unacceptance of the sovereignty of Persia, and Athens took the form of the merger of some of the cities themselves. 400 BC Athenian İsokrates'in wrote that "Lycians No one has never really been master to Lycians.
ROTALAR
Sailing in Aegean
The alluring mixture of waves, wind and inner peace created by sailing is something very special. The feeling of being one with nature, whether alone or with friends, reaches a peak on the sea which nothing can compare to.
There are many places with plenty of sun, fresh winds, and sparkling waters, but what happens after the anchor is dropped in a desolated bay along the Aegean coast is magical. The warmness of locals and the spectacular historical sites...
all this makes sailing around Turkey and the Aegean sea an experience never to be forgotten. The area has an ideal climate, inviting waters and the unique beauty of each bay, the coast line and the many unique treasures you'll find along the way, makes this paradise cruise a journey not to be missed: the Turquoise coast.