Fancy spending eight days almost continuously horizontal, staring up at perfect blue skies – only breaking for a dip in some of the most out-of-this-world waters you’re ever likely to see or for a delicious lunch with your Topdeck crew mates? If the answer is heck yes! – we’re unsure why it wouldn’t be tbh – then get ready to uncover why our Turkey sailing trips are a real (Turkish) delight!
And to help us discover more, we asked fellow #Topdecker Sally about her recent adventure on Topdeck’s 8 Day Turkish Summer Sailing and why she thinks it’s an ideal way to discover the hidden gems of the sun-soaked Turkish coast. Aw, yeah!
Why choose a sailing trip in Turkey?
Who doesn’t love a good sailing trip? They’re the ultimate in sun and sea escapes and we can’t see them going out of fashion any time soon. There are plenty of places where you can test out your sea legs; from close to home hops around European islands, to far-flung odysseys – but one of our favourites and (in Sally’s opinion) under-rated yet unmissable sailing experiences has got to be a trip around Turkey’s tantalising coastline.
More relaxed than its Croatian cruising cousin and an adventurous alternative to the Greek Islands, Topdeck’s 8-day Turkish Summer Sailing trip not only takes you off the beaten track and allows to get to grips with unknown destinations (i.e. the best way to earn your travel stripes) but your Turkish trip leader provides heaps of handy knowledge, local know-how and an authentic glimpse into everywhere you go.
Sail Turkey in style
Speaking of authentic… you’ll be travelling in style so slick, a Sultan would be jel on a traditional Turkish Gulet – that’s GOO-let – where you can choose to spend the night in your cabin or, for a truly memorable experience, Sally recommends catching some zs on the day beds up on deck so you can rise with the sun and treat your peepers to that amazing view before you’ve even stepped out of bed! Oh, and did we mention the food? We’re talking BBQ, fresh salads and incredible seafood on board the boat, so you don’t have to go far for some incredible eats – and the best bit is that the crew cook for you each night #winning.
The best places to visit on the coast
Say hello to the beautiful St. Nicholas Island and snag the perfect sunset shot from the top of the hill (beer in hand obvs, you did just walk up a hill!). You’ll also be hitting-up Kas, home to a bustling market where you can buy those all-important souvenirs or bag some beautiful (and bargain) jewellery. Sally’s pro tip: there’s a super-cool rooftop shisha-bar here where you can partake in the custom or just soak up the laid-back vibes.
Fantastic Fethiye is also high on our hit-list: a town known for its beaches where you’ll be tripping over the jet-set, yacht-filled marina and glittering nightlife. Sally’s ideal day whilst in Fethiye? Stake your claim to a spot on stunning Gemiler Beach before getting in amongst the nightlife with your Topdecker fam.
Catch all the feels as we take to the waters around the sunken city ruins of Simena (now known as Kaleköy) for a swim with some of the old-time residents. No, not OAP locals, but sea turtles! Once you’re done playing The Little Mermaid, dry off and take a stroll around the tiny village for a glimpse at authentic Turkish life. Sally’s highlight here? Stopping off for a traditional Turkish ice-cream right on the water. Bliss.
From paragliding in Oludeniz to stuffing yourself with (more than) your fair share of gözleme, this one’s got it all! Just call us the fairy Godmother of travel wishes… Ready to sail into the Turkish sunset with Topdeck? Book your dream trip today.
