Jan-2016
The Best of Turkey and the Greek Islands
While much is written about the poor relationship between Greece and Turkey, epitomized by the divided island of Cyprus, at local level there are no such problems. There are numerous islands on the Turquoise Coast, many not far from the Turkish Mainland. Many are very small and uninhabited. Those that have a population are exclusively Greek and there is regular daily contact between the Greek population and their near neighbours, Turks. They happily co-exist and tourists coming to the area can sail these seas going backwards and forwards between Turkey and Greece.
The locals trade with each other every day and whichever country you are in you can expect a warm welcome, fresh fruit, vegetables and fish as part of an excellent local cuisine.
Santorini
A Greece 12 Islands Yacht Charter offers a unique experience. The starting point of Fethiye is close to a very popular day tour to what is known as the 12 Island Tour which stops at many small uninhabited islands, all Turkish, where passengers can swim and just enjoy the natural beauty. The waters are crystal blue and warm. Captains will prepare an appetizing lunch of everything from fish, chicken and kofta (Turkish meatballs) to salad and today’s fresh bread.
Those heading west on a gullet from Fethiye will see numerous quiet coves, usually with small beaches sitting below pine clad slopes. There is no need for a strict timetable. Dinner can even be caught in the sea with red mullet, sea bass and sea bream regularly caught in these waters and they can be grilled as fresh as is possible, even using some of the wild herbs that grow on the slopes.
Iztuzu Beach is a popular stopping point further down the Coast. It is a pristine 5 km strip of sand where the endangered Loggerhead Turtle nests during the summer. It is commonly associated with the little town of Dalyan that is a short distance as the crow flies inland but in fact around 40 minutes through the reed-lined channels of the delta. There are the famous rock tombs in Dalyan, the ancient ruins of Kaunos, mud baths and a stunning lake, Koycegic. The place is worth a few hours of anyone’s time.
Rhodes
Further west still and just a short distance away is Ekincik, a bay with mooring facilities, a beach, restaurant and bar facilities. Gulet Cruises Turkey continuing west reach Marmaris which has a regular ferry service across to the popular Greek Island of Rhodes. It is the first inhabited Greek Island since the tiny Island of Meis, offshore of the little Turkish tourist town of Kas.
Marmaris has an excellent natural harbour and has developed into a busy tourist resort full of tourist accommodation, bars and restaurants. Those enjoying a peaceful gullet holiday may decide to have a few hours amongst the bustle of this ever growing tourist town but they are likely to be happy to return on board after a few hours to return to tranquility and continue their journey.
Kos
Alaturka Blue Cruise
There are more Greek Islands on the route continuing west down the Datca Peninsula and turning north to then head up the Turkish Coast. Symi sits off the Datca Peninsula and the town that gives its name to the Peninsula has become a very popular stopping off point for anyone sailing in these waters. Despite much of the peninsula looking rocky and bear there is also a very fertile part and Datca olives and tomatoes are rated a match for most.
Kos is a popular Greek Island a few miles offshore from the major Turkish resort of Bodrum. There are other smaller islands in the region but most holidaymakers will head for Rhodes, Simi or Kos. Both the Greek Island of Kos and Bodrum have well established tourist infrastructures and both have reasons to spend a few hours onshore.
The beauty of a holiday on the sea is that there are no restrictions on where to stop. If the aim is peace and quiet those sentiments are easily satisfied. The memories will last far longer than the suntan that is guaranteed in the sunny climate the region experiences week after week during the summer weeks.
Rhodes
This is a guest post written by Kelly Wheeler for Alaturka Cruises.
About Renate Rigters
Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.
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