Set sail on a historical cruise on the Turkish Aegean Coast where azure waters and breathtaking landscapes intertwine with millennia of history. This coastline, famed for its beauty and cultural heritage, has witnessed the rise and fall of great civilizations—from the ancient Greeks and Romans to the Byzantines and Ottomans.
As you cruise these turquoise waters, you’ll discover a world where ancient ruins stand side by side with vibrant towns, and every port offers a glimpse into a past rich with myths, battles, and cultural exchanges.
Without further ado, get ready to immerse yourself in a cruise that will take you back in time!
A historical cruise on the Turkish Aegean Coast
Cesme Marina
Our first stopover on the historical Aegean Coast is a great spot to start our itinerary. The luxurious Cesme Marina will welcome you with top-notch services and hospitality, and it will also give you the opportunity to visit the historical marvels that have remained untouched for hundreds of years.
Çeşme is a coastal paradise with gorgeous architecture, and surrounded by crystal-clear waters. But what is most exciting is its rich history that can still be seen all over the city. For instance, the Çeşme Castle is a reminder of the legacy of the Ottoman Empire. Originally built to defend the city against pirates, it is now a museum that you can visit!
Cemetary Bay Teos
Located by the town Sığacık, Cemetery Bay Teos is a convenient anchorage due to its great protection and location – perfect to make supplies!
Cemetery Bay Teos is protected from the north to the southwest by the east, and you will have great holding in sandbanks resting between 9 and 10 meters deep.
From the anchorage, you can explore Sığacık and the ruins of the ancient city of Teos. If you want to explore the region further, you can also rent a car and go to Izmir. This city is the pearl of the Turkish Aegean Coast, and it is also one of the oldest cities of the Mediterranean world!
With rich history and influence from the Greeks, Romans, and the Ottoman Empire, you will have the chance of traveling back in time and unraveling Izmir’s oldest stories – and it is only an hour away from Sığacık!
Setur Kusadasi Marina
The Octopus found another marina worth stopping by on this historical cruise on the Turkish Aegean Coast. Although a bit expensive, Setur Kusadasi Marina is the perfect stopover to visit ancient ruins, and it will also grant you peace of mind and comfort thanks to its great services and helpful staff.
In terms of historical wonders, Kusadasi has it all! For starters, you can visit the ancient ruins of Priene, a city built by Ionian Greeks around 350 BC. Of course, you should pay the Kuşadasi Castle a visit. Built in the 1500s, it stands on a small island, overlooking the city that it once protected proudly.
If you rent a car, you can also visit other historical sites, such as the ancient city of Ephesus! This ancient Greek city that was founded in the 10th century is a UNESCO World heritage Site, and you will be able to visit the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), with its ruins still visible to this day.
Ephesus is a reminder of Turkey’s rich cultural heritage, as it witnessed the influence of Greeks, Romans, and then Ottomans before it was abandoned in the 15th century.
Not far from Ephesus is the House of Virgin Mary, a small stone chapel believed to have been Virgin Mary’s former residence. Today, it is a popular stop for Christian Pilgrims.
Turnali Koyu
By the town of Didim lies our second stop, Turnali Koyu. This anchorage is surrounded by many historical sites, and the views of the crystal clear waters only makes this spot more enjoyable.
This anchorage is protected from the west to the northeast by the north, and you will anchor comfortably in sandy bottoms resting between 4 and 8 meters deep.
Didim is a city that holds a lot of history as it was built by the ancient Didyma – and its ruins are a reminder of its legacy. What made Didyma special to its population, and what attracted settlers, was that it was believed to be sacred. Greek settlers built the Temple of Apollo, and its magnificent ruins still stand today as a symbol of grandeur and rich cultural heritage.
Bodrum Beach/ Castle Bay
To continue our historical cruise, The Octopus is now taking you to the hub of the Turkish Riviera, Bodrum. Bodrum Beach will grant you access to the historical treasures of this city – which was once the home of Herodotus, known as the “Father of History”.
This anchorage offers protection from the northerlies, and you will have good holding in sandy and muddy bottoms resting from 6 to 8 meters deep. On top of that, you will have an up-close view of the remarkable Bodrum Castle that watches over the anchorage.
Bodrum is yet another city on the Turkish Aegean Coast with a rich history. For instance, it holds another one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus – with the tomb of King Mausolus.
Of course, you should visit the Bodrum Castle, as some of its stones came from the Halicarnassus Mausoleum. The castle also has an underwater archeology museum, so do not miss it out! Bodrum and the surrounding region hold many other historical sites, and they only await your visit!
Cliffs of Amos
Cliffs of Amos is a true gem thanks to its impressive views on a bay with crystal clear waters surrounded by beautiful cliffs overlooking the anchorage, but also thanks to its location right by the ancient town of Amos.
The anchorage is protected from the north to the south by the west, and it provides good holding in muddy bottoms resting between 5 and 12 meters deep – but make sure to avoid the seagrass as well!
Founded around the 5th century BC, Amos was part of the Dorian Hexapolis, a league of six cities during Greek settlements. Amos served as a fortified coastal settlement with strategic views of the Mediterranean, playing a role in regional trade and defense.
Over time, Amos fell under the influence of various powers, including the Persian Empire, and later became part of the Roman Empire. Today, the ruins of Amos stand as a testament to its historical significance, offering insight into the daily life, architecture, and culture of ancient Carian civilization.
Marmaris
The last stopover of our historical cruise on the Turkish Aegean Coast is not too far from Amos, and it is another city with a rich legacy. Located in a large bay, this anchorage promises to make the end of your trip back in time worth it!
Protected from the west to the north by the northwest, you will have good holding in sandbanks resting between 13 and 15 meters deep.
One of the city’s most prominent historical attractions is the Marmaris Castle, which dates back to 1522, built by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent during his campaign against the Knights of St. John in Rhodes. The castle now houses a museum showcasing artifacts from various periods of Marmaris’s history, including Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine relics.
This is the end of our historical cruise on the Turkish Aegean Coast! We hope you enjoyed traveling back in time with The Octopus.
If you are in dire need of another jump in history, you can also read our article on our mythological cruise in the Cyclades Archipelago!
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