Bodrum & The Gulf of Gokova
Sailing the Gulf of Gokova
Sail out of Bodrum, home to numerous cultured civilisations and “The Mausoleum at Helicarnassus” one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. A dream holiday destination, the City is steeped in history and has a magical atmosphere to it. With six marinas Bodrum serves as an excellent jump off point for a sailing holiday exploring the many destinations tucked away in the Gulf of Gokova. Sailing in the area is a simple pleasure, the gulf is protected from the stronger winds and higher sea state found out in the central Aegean.
Generally heading South and East you’ll discover lush green coniferous surroundings and endless bays that make for perfect anchorages to while away the hours. There are many different options for Itineraries in the area. You might even consider starting in Bodrum and finishing in Marmaris if you have the time. With a big variation in the types of places you can visit, choose between peaceful coves with just a single taverna or larger towns where you can find more life amongst the customary delightful cobbled back-roads.
Highlights
Knidos
Visit the ancient hub of Knidos and head ashore to explore the ruins of this once-thriving trade centre. Knidos has two amphitheatres, (the larger of which seated an audience of 20,000!) a number of temples and an acropolis. Take in the view from above the ruined circular temple of Aphrodite – a site of worship which once attracted thousands of worshippers, all vying to witness the beauty of Praxiteles’s nude statue of Aphrodite. The Southern harbour has a restaurant with its own dedicated pier from which to enjoy this truly unique and special place.
English Harbour & Sedir Island
Rumoured to be the place where Mark Antony & Queen Cleopatra first fell in love. Sedir Island in the Gulf of Gokova, is a beautiful place. Legend has it that the sand found at the beaches here was brought by vessel especially for Cleopatra herself. The special grains of sand are made from seashells that can generally only be found in Egypt.
Stay for the night in nearby English harbour, given its name due to a small number of Royal Marine commandos who worked from the quiet and secluded bay during World War II. Take your dinghy over to one of two restaurants ashore and enjoy the local cuisine whilst taking in the views out across the water.