20.06.2025
Lycian Coast: Sail from Fethiye to Kekova
Lycian Coast: Sail from Fethiye to Kekova
Turquoise waters, ancient ruins, and charming harbor towns – the Lycian coast in Turkey is one of the most diverse sailing areas in the Mediterranean. Those who set sail here experience an exciting mix of natural beauty, cultural history, and culinary delight.
This region is ideal for beginners and families but also offers plenty of highlights for experienced crews. Short legs, countless bays, and a breathtaking coastline make this route truly special. Enjoy exciting days under sail and eventful excursions ashore.
Paraglider above the bay of Ölüdeniz.
A Brief Overview of the Sailing Area
The Lycian coast stretches between Fethiye and Kekova in southern Turkey. Here you’ll find:
- Sheltered bays with crystal-clear water
- Charming harbor towns like Kaş and Kalkan
- Fascinating ancient sites – some submerged
A mild climate and pleasant sailing winds
Thanks to the short distances between stops, this route is perfect for relaxed cruises and for anyone who wants to take time exploring beyond the boat.
Fethiye is the ideal starting point for this varied sailing route. There are several large supermarkets and a bustling weekly market where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and regional specialties directly from local producers – perfect for delightful evenings aboard.
Navigation along the route is considered easy and beginner-friendly. However, it’s still advisable to use up-to-date nautical charts and electronic plotters. In popular anchor bays – such as Gökkaya Bay or near Kekova – it’s important to let out enough chain and ensure the anchor is well set, as the seabed can be uneven in places.
Scenic bays invite you to anchor.
Starting in Fethiye
Fethiye is the perfect starting point for the voyage. The modern marina offers excellent infrastructure, while the old town beckons with narrow streets and a colorful bazaar. Here, you can stock up on fresh ingredients for your onboard kitchen and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Barely out of Fethiye, the first highlight awaits: the famous Butterfly Valley. Hidden between steep cliffs lies one of the region’s most beautiful bays. In the early morning or at dusk, you’ll experience truly magical moments here.
Just a few nautical miles further is Ölüdeniz. The adventurous take to the skies here, paragliding from the 2,000-meter-high Mount Babadag – a spectacular view of the turquoise sea is guaranteed. We prefer to watch from the sundeck as they circle gently down to earth.
Gemiler Island, Kalkan & Kaş
For history enthusiasts, Gemiler Island makes an ideal stop. Anchoring off the island feels like stepping back in time: Byzantine churches and tombs are scattered across the hills. The island also offers perfect opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
Next stop is Kalkan, with its whitewashed houses, steep alleys, and stylish rooftop restaurants. It’s worth spending the night in the charming harbor and soaking in the town’s relaxed vibe.
Just a short day’s sail further lies Kaş, one of the liveliest towns along the coast. Once a fishing village, it has become a cultural hotspot. Small galleries, boutiques, and cafés shape the townscape. The surrounding waters are filled with dive sites and snorkeling areas – a must for anyone wanting to experience the Mediterranean up close.
The small town of Kaş invites with shops and winding alleys.
Gökkaya Bay – Natural Idyll with Pirate Flair
From Kaş, you dive even deeper into the untouched beauty of the Lycian coast. In remote Gökkaya Bay – also known as “Smugglers’ Bay” – you anchor amidst pristine nature. Here, a sense of adventure blends with pure relaxation. If you like, take your dinghy ashore to the legendary “Smugglers Inn” pirate bar – a rustic meeting point for sailors.
Another highlight is the area around Kekova. Beneath the sparkling surface of the water lie the ruins of the sunken city of Dolichiste. You can glide over ancient walls and harbor structures by dinghy or while snorkeling. On land, a medieval castle rises above the small village of Simena, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding island world.
Sailing Between Nature, Culture, and Indulgence
What makes this route along the Lycian coast so special is the variety of experiences – and the freedom to shape your journey as you please.
Between Fethiye and Kekova, you sail through a region that invites you to linger. It’s not about covering long distances or logging lots of miles, but about enjoying the journey: sometimes you sail just a few miles to the next swimming bay, other times you stay two nights in a charming port to soak up the local history and cuisine.
The short distances make this route ideal for relaxed holiday cruises. There’s always time for a dip in the turquoise sea, a hike on the Lycian Way, or an evening in one of Kalkan’s stylish rooftop bars.
Adventure-seekers can dive between ancient wrecks and reefs near Kaş or take to the skies with a paraglider in Ölüdeniz. Those seeking peace and quiet can drop anchor in Gökkaya Bay, listen to the chirping cicadas, and marvel at the starry sky from the deck.
Sailing-wise, the area is beginner-friendly:
- In summer, a steady thermal northwesterly wind usually brings 2–4 Beaufort
- Well-sheltered anchorages and short sailing legs make the route attractive for beginners and families
- With mild temperatures from May to October, the season is long – June and September are especially pleasant and relaxed
The infrastructure is excellent too: Fethiye offers everything you need to start your trip well-stocked, and along the way, ports and villages provide plenty of opportunities to buy fresh produce or enjoy local specialties.
Navigation and anchoring are straightforward. In some bays – such as Gökkaya or Kekova – be sure to use enough chain and set your anchor carefully.
The Lycian coast is perfect for the whole family.
Our Conclusion:
The sailing route from Fethiye to Kekova is not for those chasing miles or racing against the clock. It’s a journey for those who want to truly experience the land and its people while sailing.
Families appreciate the safe anchorages and warm water, couples love the romantic mix of nature and stylish harbor towns, and active travelers find plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, hiking, or paragliding. Those who fall in love with the mix of Turkish hospitality, oriental charm, and unspoiled coastline often return again and again.
Because the Lycian coast offers one thing in abundance: the feeling of freedom on the water – in one of the most beautiful ways the Mediterranean has to offer.