South Aegeaneasy

Hisarönü Gulf

The gulet-builders' coast

Duration

7 days

Distance

100 nautical miles

Route

Marmaris → Marmaris

From

€820 / person

A loop through the Hisarönü gulf — the cluster of villages where Turkish guletmaking has been a family trade for four centuries. Bozburun, Selimiye, Bencik, Dirsekbükü: each anchorage anchors a different shipyard and a different fish taverna.

Highlights

🛠️

Bozburun gulet shipyards

🐙

Selimiye octopus tavernas

🪨

Bencik fjord-like inlet

🌲

Dirsekbükü pine cove

Day-by-day itinerary

Captains adjust the order based on weather, but these are the standard daily anchorages.

Marmaris → Ekincik

⚓ Ekincik

South-east along the coast to the protected bay at Ekincik. Optional river-boat trip up the Dalyan to the Caunos rock tombs.

Ekincik → Bozburun

⚓ Bozburun

Round Cape Sariçay west into the Hisarönü gulf and into the gulet-building village of Bozburun. Walk the timber yards in the late afternoon.

Bozburun → Selimiye

⚓ Selimiye

Short hop north to Selimiye, the foodie village — six octopus tavernas around a single bay, all run by competing brothers.

Selimiye → Bencik

⚓ Bencik

Cross the gulf to Bencik, a long fjord-like inlet that nearly cuts the Datça peninsula in two. Hike across the isthmus to see the Aegean from the other side.

Bencik → Dirsekbükü

⚓ Dirsekbükü

The hidden cove — accessible only by boat, surrounded by pine forest. Swim, paddleboard, walk to the abandoned hilltop chapel.

Dirsekbükü → Datça (or Palamut)

⚓ Datça

Cross to Datça town for a market morning — almonds, olive oil, thyme honey. Alternative: anchor at Palamutbükü beach.

Datça → Marmaris

⚓ Marmaris

Long sail back across the gulf, arriving Marmaris by mid-afternoon. Disembark.

Why book this route?

If you care where your gulet came from, this is the route. Bozburun has built wooden charter boats for four generations, and Selimiye is widely held to be the best food stretch on the Turkish coast. Quieter than Fethiye, less crossing-heavy than Datça.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about the Hisarönü Gulf route.

Can we visit a working gulet shipyard?

Yes — most captains know the Bozburun yards personally and can arrange a 30-minute walkthrough. Best in the off-season (March–May or October–November) when builds are active.

Is Selimiye really better food than Bodrum?

Many sailors think so. The competing octopus tavernas and the daily fishing fleet give Selimiye an edge for fresh seafood. Book Aurora or Sardunya in advance for July–August.

How is Bencik different from a regular cove?

Bencik is a 3km-long inlet that nearly bisects the Bozburun peninsula. Three sides are mountains; the fourth is the gulf entrance. The wind funnels through but the water is glassy.

Can we extend to a Greek island?

Yes — Symi sits a 4-hour sail south of Bozburun. Most captains can add a 2-day Symi loop for the cost of clearance fees + extra days. Passport required.

Is the Dalyan river trip worth the half-day?

Yes if you have not seen Lycian rock tombs. Wooden river boats run from Ekincik through reedbeds to the Caunos rock-cut tombs. Half-day, ~€30 per person, captain arranges.