Turkey has diverse cruising grounds, fom the Black Sea on Turkey’s northern coast, through the Sea of Marmara, to the Eagean and Mediterranean coasts to the Syrian border. However, the highest concentration of cruising yachts and Turkish gulets exploring the deeply indented coastline, will be found from Kusadasi to Antalya.
But the most beautiful part of coastline of this area is definitely the Lycian Coast which borders are bounded on the west by the Gulf of Fethiye, and on the east by the Gulf of Antalya. In order not to make this blogpost to long I will focus on leisure maritime amenities not far from Kayakoy. You do not necessarily need or have to cruise to enjoy and get a grasp of the martime atmosphere Fethiye offers.
In any case, a “Blue Voyage” on a Turkish gulet or a sailing yacht along the Lycian Coast is more than worthy of its listing in 1000 Places to See Before You Die.
Marinas in Fethiye
Ece Marina
Ece marina is the biggest and most prestigeous marina in Fethiye. You can reach it in 15 to 20 minutes drive from Eden Villas. It makes a pleasant stay in the exuberant and pitoresque town of Fethiye. This Marina offers a high standart hotel, magnificent pool, bars and waterfront restaurants which serve unique tastes of Turkish and international cuisine,
You will also find a SPA and Wellness Center and hairdressing services in a unique natural environment. Fethiye, the place that Ece Marina is in, is the favorite boat and yacht center in the West Mediterranean, and has lots of historical and natural beauties, like Fethiye amphitheater for example. Grocery stores and a supermarket are available as well.
For me, the main attraction are the beautiful boats lying there. To get a grasp of the whole picture, I just recommend to spend an hour or two at MOD bar and sip a drink direct at the water-front. You can, offcourse have a wonderful meal too in this exquisit atmosphere.
Obviously a good number of Yachting companies can be found at Ece marina just for the case you would to organize a sailing trip on your own. However, In case you may not have a boting license, a professional skipper can be provided from the yacht charter company of your choice.
Yacht Classic Hotel Marina, the moorings
This moorings marina is located next to Yacht Classic hotel, just a few minutes walk from Fethiye city center and provides a multitude of services, not only for sailors. For guests wishing to spend some time around the hotel, the facility includes a restaurant, bar, a swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath and an internet service.
The exclusive hotel restaurant offers exeptionaly high quality service. Here, the guests will find water front tables and a pool bar as well.
The moorings is an established the world’s premier yacht charter company. The company has a fleet of over 400 yachts in more than 20 destinations worldwide.
YES Marina
Yes Marina is located 1 km West from Ece Marina and is about roughly 15 to 20 minutes drive from Eden Villas, Kayakoy. It is about 10 to 15 minutes walk from the Paspatur (Old City) of Fethiye city center. This marina, so smaller than Ece Marina, is also a really nice spot to spent a nice time with familly and friends. This place offers a very familiar atmosphere with a beautiful view on the Gulf of Fethiye.
Yes Marina has a pristine restaurant, named YENGEC, with water front table direct by the jetty. Fresh fish and sea food take the prime place on the menu. The Yengec offers interesting alternatives; in addition to turkish cuisine the Yengec provides Greek and Armenian dishes to its guests.
Deniz Kafe (Sea Cafe)
This is one of my favorites sea front cafe-bistros due to the familiar and very friendly atmosphere to be experienced in this place. The location is perfect, direct at the water front and about 2 km west from Ece Marina.
The Deniz Kafe has a small marina and, of course, water front tables allowing guests to enjoy the bay of Fethiye to the fullest. It is an ideal places to meet locals and some expacts living in the area.
Near the main entrance you will find a big playground ideal for kids.
Deniz Kafe is open all year round and can be enjoyed during cool winter evenings also. The place has a stove located in the closed area. Another fantastic amenity is the roof terrace guests can enjoy on nice sunny days (that we have most of the time anyway).
There is also a small wooden kiosk to be found directly near the entrance of the cafe. Inside, at sea level, guests can make themselfd comfortable in small lounges and beautifull garden tables by the water.
Daily boat trips
In case you would like to experience a coastal journey at sea I would recommend to take a daily boat and cruise trough different spots and islands of the area if you are in Fethiye area. The lycian coast has lots of beauty and treasures but there are more to be discovered and seen only by the sea, like for example beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters and historical spots located on the coastline and the islands.
There will be different islands and bays to discover on the trip and the boat will stop on a few of them for swim and lunch break.
If you want to relax and disconnect, this is the best choice for you. Lay down on the deck under the Mediterranean sun, listen to the whistle of the wind and have a fresh cooked meal on the deck.
These type of trips can be customized and organized individualy, that means that a family or a group of friends can hire a daily trip boat with skipper and lunch at sea included. If you would like to know more about this do not hesitate to drop us an email: info@edenvillas-kayakoy.com
Sailing bare-boat or with skipper
Crusing along the lycian coast with a sailing yacht can be a extremely rewarding experience. There is a choice of several yacht charter companies in Fethiye providing professionaly maintained sailing bare-boats in differents sizes. These boats well equiped and very confortable.
Bare in mind that for a bareboat yacht charter the skipper should have previous skippering experience aboard yachts of a similar size to that being chartered with an RYA Day or Coastal Skipper qualification or an international equivalent such as the ICC qualification.
No Experience? Then hiring a skipper will be necessary
Not having sailing experience will not prevent you to experience the joy of cruising the lycian coast and visiting all the best harbours and bays. You will just need the services of one of our well qualified professional skippers. One of the charters companies of your choice can provide you with one. You can just sit back and relax, or if you like, just assist in maneuvering and learn to sail while having fun.
In case you need more detailed information about a specific subject of interest related to this post, please do not hestate to send us a message. We will be more than happy to help.
For the time beeing I wish you a good day (or night) and hope to see you very soon.
Oliver
www.edenvillas-kayakoy.com
