Turkey
Turkey-Bodrum Peninsula & Greece’s Dodecanese Islands
An odyssey into timeless beauty encapsulates in words the experience of the traveller sailing from Turkish waters, and the exquisite scenery of the Bodrum Peninsula, to the islands that lie within easy reach, including the Greek owned Dodecanese. This is where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet.
The Bodrum Peninsula, where our yachts are based, is an open sesame of delights, from lively Bodrum town with its buzz of activities, nightlife, shops and historical sites, to the slower, more traditional pace of the Turkish and Greek islands off it.
A startling intensity of blue characterises the Aegean Sea, over-washed with the miraculous quality of light that lures artists to the Greek islands with their dazzling whitewashed houses, pretty churches, olive and citrus fruit groves…
Geography
So many islands lie in this region; the Dodecanese take their name from the dozen that were the main group once ruled by Turkish Sultans for hundreds of years, although there are many more uninhabited or sparsely populated. Better known are the larger islands with developed tourism, such as Rhodes and Kos, but a sailing holiday means you can enjoy visiting those popular with tourists and others where time passes by much as it ever did. While enjoying lush scenery of fertile mountain and valleys from an ocean vantage, the islands offer countless unspoilt beaches and coves, only accessed by boat.
History
A rich and turbulent history over many centuries, with invasion and occupation by the Knights of St John, the Ottomans and the Italians, among others, has left the Dodecanese – which only became included in the modern Greek state in 1948 - with a legacy of inspiring archaeological sights including medieval castles, classic temples and impressive Venetian and Byzantine buildings. The west coast of Turkey is dotted with impressive ruins of ancient cities and monasteries, and Bodrum harbour is presided over by a very fine medieval castle.
Climate
This is a region of long, dry and hot summers making it the perfect playground for those who enjoy taking to the water for sports and pleasure. Sunbaked, pristine beaches beckon the traveller to relax with a novel and a long cool drink for company. Winters here are mild with rain.
Culture
The Greek Orthodox Church retains power over the way of life on the Dodecanese islands, along with family and traditions of rural living and fishing. Turkey is a secular state that is majority Moslem, but both Greek and Turkish cultures are open and extend friendly hospitality to visitors to their shores. Bohemian-style Bodrum has a reputation for arts and crafts. Along with the Greek island of Kos, it offers plenty of charm and a diversity of shops offering locally-made souvenirs. Other islands offer idyllic escape from the throng.