Summer is nearly upon us, which is the perfect time to sail the luscious blue waters of the Mediterranean region of Turkey and these best destinations. Exploring the open seas on a gulet during a blue cruise Turkey will be tailor made by the experienced and unforgettable crew at Alaturka Cruises.
There are so many places to visit along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, but we’ll narrow it down to the most popular destinations.
Five best destinations to visit on a blue cruise
Fethiye is one of the best destinations to visit on a Blue Cruise
1. Fethiye
One of the most captivating destinations on a blue cruise, Fethiye offers activities for all ages, tastes and desires.
Shop for fresh seafood at the balik bazaar, the famous fish market located in the city center, then take it to one of the many surrounding restaurants to have it prepared to your taste. Oztoklu Restaurant and Hilmi Et Balik Restoran are two of the more respected places to eat.
There are bars and pubs aplenty in Fethiye. If you like live music then head over to Car Cemetery, which is well-known for their cocktails.
For a more relaxing ambience and a great selection of beer, the Café Park terrace is a nice place to watch the sun set over the harbour.
Jump from the top of Babadag mountain and paraglide over the stunning scenery of Oludeniz and the Blue Lagoon and you’ll understand why thousands of people flock to these shores every year.
Climb up to the ancient Lycian rock tomb of Amyntas that overlooks the marina and bay. The interior of the temple is built into the rocky cliff, which provides a cooling rest after the hike.
The Fethiye Guesthouse hosts simple, clean rooms with views of the marina. Enjoy breakfast on the terrace while you plan your day.
For a family friendly atmosphere stay at Hillside Beach Club located in Kayakoy. There are plenty of activities for kids while adults relax at the beach bar or Sanda Nature Spa.
Best destinations to soak up the blue in Turkey
2. Marmaris
Enjoy a stroll on the cobblestoned streets through the old quarter of Marmaris while shopping for Turkish treasures and trinkets.
Lounge on Icmeler beach or swim where the Mediterranean meets the Aegean Sea. Tiki Beach Restaurant and Bar is an ideal place to listen to live jazz music while enjoying grilled sea bass and a fruity cocktail for dinner.
The city comes alive at night on bar street, which has drinking holes for everyone. If you want to relax go to Chill Out Café and Bistro for shisha and ambient music.
D-Hotel is a luxurious modern hotel with a personable staff and excellent service.
Cle Seaside Hotel is a short walk to the beach, cafes and bars.
Rhodes a Grecian Island makes the best destinations list
3. Rhodes
The Greek island of Rhodes is included on many blue cruise tours.
Pack a bottle of water and walk up to the Acropolis overlooking the white sugar cube houses that reflect the images of a typical Greek isle.
Pallas beach is a quiet place to relax while reading your favorite book and sipping a chilled glass of wine. St. Paul’s Bay is a secluded area for a romantic getaway. If you prefer to watch fellow sunbathers and kids splashing in the sea, then Megali Paralia is the beach of choice.
Serving Greek and international cuisine, Ambrosia is a nice place to satiate your appetite after a long day of climbing through ancient ruins or working on your suntan.
Relax by the infinity pool that fades into the deep blue sea or rest your weary bones at Lindos Blu hotel.
Relaxing on board on one of the best destinations to visit a blue cruise
4. Antalya
This major Mediterranean city is famous for the numerous historical sites and the flavorful nightlife.
The Greco-Roman amphitheater in Aspendos is the most well-preserved outdoor theatre in Turkey. In September, you can watch a live performance at the International Opera and Ballet Festival.
Kaleici is the historic old town complete with narrow streets lined with shops selling traditional handcrafts like lace, and carpets and kilims alongside nazar boncugu bracelets and decorations emblazoned with the blue all-seeing eye.
Agatha Lodge is a hotel and has a very popular restaurant next door. Dine in the open courtyard on fresh seafood and locally produced wines.
Countless all-inclusive resorts dot the seashore: Xanadu Resort and Hotel, Calista Luxury Resort and the Spice Hotel and Spa are just a few of the 5-star resorts ready to welcome holiday goers.
5. Bodrum
Bodrum is the destination for Istanbul’s elite, however it was once the place of self-exiled intellectuals, artists and musicians.
Bodrum Castle was turned into the Museum of Underwater Archaeology to display artifacts from shipwrecks in the area. Treasures dating back to the Bronze Age and thereafter are preserved in the largest museum in the world dedicated to underwater archaeology.
Halikarnas is the largest outdoor nightclub in all of Europe. Dance your worries away to popular dance hits as an intoxicating laser light show beams from above.
EL Vino restaurant is the place to go for regionally produced food, authentic Ottoman style dishes and organic homemade wines.
The Ha La Bodrum is a family-owned bed and breakfast located within a traditional Bodrum style stone home. Have a healthy breakfast in the citrus orchard.
Regardless what blue cruise tour you decide to help you create unforgettable summer memories, every place you visit will leave a lasting impression!
Written by Amy Hume for Alaturka Cruises
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