Cruise tip: Bodrum - Gökova, Akyaka

130 to 160 nm (tack dependent)

The Gulf of Gökova stretches 52 nm eastwards from Bodrum to Gökova and is 14 nm at its widest point. Both banks are rich in forestation right down to the water's edge, and are home to countless coves, some of them with tavernas. The climate in summer is pleasant due to the surrounding forests. Winds on the north bank come mostly from W-NW, and on the south bank from SW-W. Wind speeds in summer reach a maximum of 6Bf, but are predominately light.

Bodrum - Çökertme 20 nm

After leaving the marina, you'll pass the uninhabited island of Orak. About 3-4 hours later you will reach the bay of Çökertme. You'll find anchorage ground made up of sand and marine plants in the north and west of the bay. In front of Captain Ibrahim's Taverna, which is the most famous taverna in the gulf, you'll find a few places to moor. Besides home-cooked Turkish food, Ibrahim also offers folklore, belly dancing and live music, but there are a number of other similar places.

Çökertme - Akbük Liman 20 nm

Half way out of port you'll pass the 100m-high tower of the Ören Power Station. 2 hours later and to the north is Akbük Liman, a bay that's thickly forested and framed by high mountain peaks. A multi-coloured, crystal-clear sea invites you to swim and snorkel. In the west of the bay you'll find 2 restaurants with wooden jetties in front of them for mooring. About 100m away is an excellent campsite with tents made from camel hair and here you'll get superb but simple Turkish cuisine.

Akbükliman - Akyaka - Sehir Adalari

After leaving this charming bay, it's on to the eastern point of Akyaka. Although fine fish restaurants await you, it's only wise to stay if the weather is very stable, otherwise the resulting swell can make lying at anchor unpleasant. Then it's on to Sehir Adalari, also known as Cleopatra's Island. On the north west of the island is the snow-white sand of Cleopatra Beach, which according to legend is where Cleopatra and Marc Anton spent their honeymoon. A visit is well worth it, especially for a look at the Hellenic remains. Warning: Overnight stays in front of the beach are forbidden. You'll find anchorage ground off the north and north east of the island.

Sehir Adalari

Now it's becoming increasingly difficult to recommend cruises, because for the next 30nm en-route to Bördübet Liman the next bay is always more beautiful than the previous. But here are a few tasters:

Let's begin with Karaca Sögüt. This natural harbour has been used for over 4000 years. A jetty operated by Setur, the largest Turkish marina operator has been there for 3 years. Crystal clear waters, thick forests and good restaurants invite you to stay.

Or just 3 nm further there's Degirmen Bükü, also known as English Harbour. Here there are so many good anchorages that you'll still find a place even at peak times. Tip: At the restaurants in Okluk Liman there is excellent skewered lamb cooked over charcoals.

Or Yedi Adalar, The Seven Islands, which actually consist of 4 islands. Here there are ample anchorage points. Snorkelling, diving, fishing: nowhere is as beautiful as here.

The Amazonfjord and Bördübet Liman with their 3 bays would be highlights in any other sailing region. However, here in Gökovagolf they merit the following words of praise: Thick pine forests and clear waters tempt you to stay. There aren't any restaurants, but there are plenty barbecue spots.

Bördübet Liman - Körmen Liman 22 SM

Körmen Liman is a well-protected harbour, approachable in any wind. The better anchorages are in the larger of the two artificial harbours. At the seafront there are simple but good Turkish eateries. A road leads to Datca, which is 6km away, where you can get all the supplies you need.

Körmen Liman - Bodrum 17 SM

3 nm south of Bodrum on the south coast of the island of Karaada are 2 beautiful anchorages before you approach the marina: Poyrazliman and 1 nm east of that the Blue Grotto invite you for a final swim before returning to the marina.

Sailing from Bodrum, Milta Marina - our tips:

Cruise tip Bodrum - Gökova, Akyaka
Cruise tip Bodrum - Akbük Liman
Cruise tip Bodrum - Greek Islands
Cruise tip Bodrum - Santorini - Bodrum

General information: Sailing Region Bodrum
Map of Milta Marina: Bodrum harbour