I’m not going to say that there were no nerves flying to Turkey with all the current civil unrest in Istanbul and Ankara and its proximity to Syria. It’s not going to get better in a hurry though. And if you don’t go now then when?
So, we opted for the nerves of excitement for exploring its Mediterranean coastline and feeling its glorious solid 38-degree Celsius heat. We flew in to Dalaman, South of the capital and the closest airport to the starting point of our Guillet cruise in Fethiye. We booked through Busabout, but the cruise was run through V-Go. My suggestion would be to book through V-Go as it’s probably cheaper.
There was some trepidation about being stuck on a boat with 16 randos, but it is a game of pot-luck at the end of the day unless you can wrangle a big group of buds to sail with you (highly recommend and will be the aim next time!).
People were lovely though, crew was fab, boat was amazing inside with its glossy wooden interiors, our own bathroom and space – but we weren’t down there much. Far better to sleep in the cool breeze on the top of the boat! The food was bloody delicious too, we ate like kings – healthy ones. So much cucumber, rice and grilled meat and fish. Not to mention eggplant (aubergine) in every meal. Unclear as to how they made it so delicious, the chef’s English was not great, but that made everything more of a mysterious treat. Likely scenario was the rice was lathered in margarine. But best if we don’t dwell on it.
We sailed from Fethiye to Butterfly Valley (100% as beautiful as it sounds) and stopped at numerous more scenic bays. It was stunning to say the least. The bluest of blue deep water, bathtub temperature, not a cloud in the sky. Swell.
It was crazy to think this same coastline connects all the way down to Syria. Way too sad to comprehend. But important to think about whilst being spoilt with stunning sunsets and our hardest decision of the day being which pair of bathers to wear.
Our sailing took us to the gorgeous city of Kas, plently of beach-bars, one pleasantly bohemian where the majority of bar staff could be confused with extras in any pirate movie. Turns out male earrings are in vogue in southern Turkey, as are jet black long hair and ridiculously tanned skin.
We also stopped at Kalkan, not quite as picturesque, but still the relief of land for some sea legs. St Nicholas island was also a highlight, with its jaw dropping sunsets and intriguing ruins. How people lived on these islands that only mountain goats now seem to inhabit I will never know! So interesting and definitely suggest researching prior so you’re not a stunned mullet snapping photos of history without actually realising how important it is. Fatal error by moi.
We finished at Fethiye and there are some impressive Lycian tombs you shouldn’t miss from the ancient race that was according to my searches a matriachal society (hell yas queens). See below.
Don’t get turned off Turkey. They need the tourism. There has been a serious downturn in their livelihoods because of the internal unrest. More importantly though, this truly is a beautiful part of the world. To sail along the coastline is an experience that you will not forget in a hurry (ever). You’d be a turkey not to go. And if you do, you’ll be a delectably tan roasted one.
Pave & Pave Creative 