Turkey Small Ship Cruises 2023/24

Ports of Call

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  Bodrum

  Bodrum is a resort town popular for its beaches, with a stretch in town and numerous others nearby, including Blue Flag Bitetz with its shallow, warm translucent turquoise water. It’s also a hotspot when it comes to summer nightlife, drawing famous DJs and Turkish celebrities to dance ‘til dawn. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is found here too, the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. While a series of earthquake’s toppled it, the polished marble and stone were reused to build a castle on the site. There’s a Greek-style amphitheater dating to the 4th-century B.C. nearby that’s still used for cultural events today.

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  Sedir Island

  Also known as Cleopatra Island, uninhabited Sedir Island isn’t far from bustling Marmaris, but the contrast between the two couldn’t be more different. The beaches here are made up of tiny, luminous white pearls while the water is strikingly blue and clear, ideal for a swim under the escarpments of Mount Kavak. You’ll only see sand like this in Turkey and Egypt, with legend saying that it was brought here by Marc Antony for Cleopatra. The pair were said to enjoy bathing here some two thousand years ago. The island is also home to ruins of the ancient settlement of Cedrae, including a theater and agora.

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  Knidos

  Dotted across the western tip of the Datca Peninsula are the ruins of the once prosperous Dorian port city of Knidos which dates to 400 BC. The setting is impressive with steep, terraced hillsides that are planted with fruit, almond, and olive trees rising about two sparkling bays while a lighthouse sits dramatically on a headland. The city paths have been well preserved though there are few ancient buildings that can be easily recognized. Highlights include the remnants of a Doric stoa, a Hellenistic theater and sundial dating to the 4th-century BC, and the round temple of Aphrodite Euploia.

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  Cokertme

  The topic of a traditional Turkish folk song from the Ottoman era, Cokertme is a regular stopover for those sailing the Blue Cruise route. Nestled between Karaburun and Kepce Burnu, the bay is backed by olive groves and pine forests while protected from the winds. The beach area is the beating heart of the village, lined with several local eateries, a funky art gallery, and a souvenir shop run by a mother and her daughter. From here you can gaze out at Kocadag on the Datca peninsula, swim and snorkel, or enjoy a nature walk along the path leading to Arpabuku Bay.

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  Datca

  Located on the Datca Peninsula, one of Turkey’s hidden treasures as a 50-mile stretch of hills covered with olive groves and pine forests, whitewashed towns, and unspoiled beaches, Datca is a remote port town. Kumluk Yolu, Sandy Path, runs parallel to the main street, popular among visitors and locals alike who enjoy sun-drenched views of the Aegean. Local artists will be setting up shop here in the evening to sell their handicrafts. At the end of the roadway is the port that provides an ideal vantage point for watching a sunset before taking a seat at one of the many restaurants and cafes.

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  Patmos

  Patmos is best known as the sacred island where Saint John wrote the closing pages of the New Testament, the Book of Revelations. Remote and secluded, it’s one of the smallest islands in the Aegean, part of the Dodecanese Island group in Greece near Turkey. Not only does it have a rich, interesting history, with its medieval Chora filled with magnificent centuries-old mansions and traditional whitewashed homes, but it’s filled with striking natural beauty. The island’s interior is mountainous with lush forests for hiking while there are beaches of all types, including postcard-perfect stretches in hidden coves with aquamarine water for memorable swims.

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  Kalymnos

  The island of Sponge Divers, the primary occupation of locals here for centuries, every summer visitors can enjoy the Sponge Festival featuring a variety of events, exhibits, food, and drink. Its mountains draw climbers from across the globe, but in more recent years it’s become increasingly popular thanks to its many other outdoor activities like hiking and diving while also offering cultural experiences and intriguing museums. The scenery is jaw-dropping, with the rugged island’s western flank especially impressive with soaring crags rising above sparkling blue waters. The waterfront along the main port at Pothia is lined with shops, bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and hotels.

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  Simi

  Simi (also spelled Symi) is a small and serene island in the Dodecanese islands. An ideal spot for those seeking a tranquil atmosphere and spectacular views, it offers a more authentical, traditional Greek island experience. Enjoy hikes along the sea and walks through the traditional village you’ll see as you approach the port. The horseshoe-shaped harbor looks as if it’s a painting and you’ll find plenty of old-world glamor and charms inside, including lots of fantastic tavernas and restaurants that serve the island’s signature Symi shrimp, pan-fried and served with lemon. The local delicacy is so small you can eat them whole.