Göcek's 12 Islands: A Week-Long Blue Cruise Itinerary

The Gulf of Göcek is one of the most sheltered cruising grounds on the Turkish coast. The islands sit close together, the sea is glassy most mornings and almost every cove is lined with pine. "The 12 Islands" is not an official count; it is the local way of describing the islands and coves of the gulf as a whole. The route below is the classic week: out of Göcek on a Saturday and back the following Saturday.

Why Göcek?

Dalaman Airport is only 25 minutes from the marinas. Hops between anchorages are short, usually under two hours, and the afternoon north-westerly breeze is a pleasure on a sailing yacht and a gentle cool-down on a gulet. Many cove restaurants have their own jetty, so you can moor up for dinner.

Day by day

Day 1: Göcek – Yassıca Islands

Settle in after lunch and take your first swim in the shallow, turquoise water between the Yassıca islands. Finding a sheltered spot for the night is easy.

Day 2: Sarsala Bay and Bedri Rahmi Bay

Cross to Sarsala in the morning, then stop in the cove known for the fish the painter Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu drew on a rock. A footpath leads up to a viewpoint in the late afternoon.

Day 3: Tersane Island and Kapı Bay

The ruins of an old Greek settlement on Tersane Island make a short walk. Kapı Bay, closed to the breeze, is a good choice for the night.

Day 4: Göbün Bay and Cleopatra's Baths

Snorkelling among half-sunken ancient walls is the highlight of the day. Arrive early to beat the day boats.

Day 5: Kızılada and the Gulf of Fethiye

Lunch in the sandy cove of lighthouse island Kızılada, then market shopping or dinner in Fethiye.

Day 6: Boynuzbükü

One of the greenest coves in the gulf. Tie the stern ashore and enjoy the cool water running down from the hills.

Day 7: Back to Göcek

A last morning swim, then back to the marina in the afternoon; the boat is handed over on Saturday morning.

Good to know

• Best time: May to October. June and September offer the best balance of sea temperature and crowds.
• Which boat: a crewed gulet with a cook for families and larger groups; a bareboat sailing yacht or catamaran for experienced sailors.
• Protected area: Göcek–Dalaman is a Special Environmental Protection Area, and holding-tank and waste rules are strictly enforced.
• Book early: July and August weeks start filling up over the winter.