Lycian Coast
The classic Turkish blue cruise
A week tracing the most photographed stretch of the Turkish coast — pine-clad coves, Lycian rock tombs, and water so clear you can read your boat name on the seabed. Considered the definitive blue cruise.
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Captains adjust the order based on weather, but these are the standard daily anchorages.
Fethiye → Tersane Adası
⚓ Tersane AdasıBoard in Fethiye, lunch underway, anchor for swim at the abandoned Byzantine shipyard on Tersane Island.
Tersane → Yassıca Islands
⚓ Yassıca IslandsShort morning sail to the Yassıca cluster — twelve flat islets with turquoise channels perfect for paddleboarding.
Yassıca → Olu Deniz
⚓ Olu DenizRound Cape Karaağaç to anchor off Olu Deniz lagoon. Optional paragliding from Babadağ.
Olu Deniz → Butterfly Valley
⚓ Butterfly ValleyDrop hook in the dramatic cliff-walled valley; hike to the inland waterfall.
Butterfly Valley → Kalkan
⚓ KalkanCoastal sail past Kaş, mooring in pretty Kalkan harbor for dinner ashore.
Kalkan → Kekova
⚓ KekovaThe day everyone remembers: drift over the sunken Lycian city of Simena, swim above 2nd-century walls.
Kekova → Olympos
⚓ OlymposFinal leg past Cape Gelidonya to Olympos. Disembark after lunch; option to visit the burning rocks of Chimera at night.
Why book this route?
Every Turkish charter operator runs some version of this route — for good reason. It is sheltered enough for first-time sailors, packed with swim stops, and the Kekova sunken city is genuinely a once-in-a-lifetime sight.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the Lycian Coast route.
When is the best time to sail the Lycian Coast?
May, June, September and October. July–August work but are hot (35°C+) and busy. Winter (Nov–Apr) is too cold and most captains haul out.
Is it suitable for families with young children?
Yes — almost all anchorages are sheltered enough to swim from the boat. Most gulets carry life jackets in kid sizes; ask the captain to confirm before booking.
Do I need any sailing experience?
None. The captain and crew handle everything; you can be as involved or hands-off as you like.
Can the route be reversed (Olympos → Fethiye)?
Yes — many captains run it both ways depending on the prevailing wind that week. Reverse direction has identical content.
How big is the group?
On a private charter, you fill the whole boat (typically 6–16 guests). On a cabin charter you share with strangers — usually couples or small groups, max ~12 across cabins.
What's the swimming like?
Stops every 1–3 hours when underway. The coves are sheltered turquoise water with visibility often 10–15 metres. Most boats carry snorkels, masks, paddleboards, and a tender.
Is alcohol included?
Usually not. Most gulets allow you to bring beer/wine on board duty-free, or buy from the boat at near-supermarket prices. Captain confirms exact policy at booking.
Find a vessel
Vessels based in Fethiye, Gocek, Kas run this route.
Browse Fethiye vesselsSee all vessels →Best months
Sheltered, family-friendly, short hops between anchorages.
What's included
- ✓Skipper and crew (2–5 depending on vessel)
- ✓Half-board: breakfast, lunch, soft drinks
- ✓Port and anchorage fees
- ✓Bed linen and towels
- ✓Snorkel gear, paddleboards (vessel-dependent)